The Indian Premier League 2026 auction will be held in Abu Dhabi, reportedly scheduled for December 15-16. This marks the third year in a row that the auction takes place outside India, following Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah in 2024. While the exact dates await final confirmation, the venue has been confirmed. Abu Dhabi's world-class infrastructure, experience in hosting international cricket events, and proximity to India made it the preferred choice. Initial discussions considered Mumbai and Bengaluru as potential Indian venues, but the Gulf city ultimately secured the hosting rights. An official announcement from the IPL Governing Council is expected shortly. Unlike the previous mega auction in Jeddah, this will be a mini-auction where franchises will refine their squads rather than rebuild them completely. Teams must submit their retention lists by November 15, making the coming days critical for player trades and strategic planning.
Trade Rumors and Squad Changes Before Auction
Reports suggest a major trade discussion between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Sources indicate that Chennai prefers a direct player swap, while Rajasthan may request an additional player to finalize the transaction. If completed, this exchange could become one of the most significant player movements in recent IPL history, potentially reshaping both franchises' team compositions for the 2026 season. With the retention deadline set for November 15, franchises across all ten teams are actively negotiating trades and finalizing their squad strategies ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Link