IPL 2026 Retentions LIVE Updates: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention phase marks a crucial period for teams as they shape their squads for the upcoming season. Retention, a process where franchises decide which players to keep from their existing rosters before the auction, is more flexible this year than in previous mega-auction cycles.
The retention deadline is set for November 15, 2025, at 3 PM IST, by which all teams must submit their retained and released player lists. Check all LIVE Updates here and keep refreshing for latest updates.
Unlike the IPL 2025 mega auction, the IPL 2026 edition features a mini-auction scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, where released players and new entrants will compete for contracts.
Notably, the Right-to-Match (RTM) card is not available this season, meaning all players who enter the auction pool will face open bidding without guaranteed buy-back options for franchises.
This year's retention dynamics have prompted significant trade discussions and player movements ahead of the deadline. High-profile talks have centered around Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson potentially moving to Chennai Super Kings, possibly in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Other notable trade and retention stories include Venkatesh Iyer's uncertain position at Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohammed Shami's status with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians' acquisition of Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants.
The retention decisions directly impact each team's auction purse, as the salary value of released players is added back to the budget available for the mini-auction. For example, teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, which have released several high-value players, will enter the auction with considerable spending power, allowing them to be aggressive in building their squads.
IPL 2026 Retention Snippets
Number of Retentions: There is no cap on the number of players a franchise can retain, unlike in mega-auction years.
Squad Size: Each team must maintain a squad of up to 25 players, including a mix of Indian and overseas talent.
Auction Purse: Every franchise starts with a purse of ₹120 crore for the mini-auction to bid on released players or new talent.
Trade Window: Open before the retention deadline, allowing player swaps or all-cash deals to optimize squads.
Broadcast and Announcement: Retention lists will be revealed starting at 5 PM IST on November 15, with live coverage on Star Sports channels and streaming on JioHotstar.
