The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is confirmed to be held in Abu Dhabi. This will mark the third consecutive year that the IPL auction is conducted outside India, following Dubai in 2023 and
Jeddah in 2024.
The venue of Abu Dhabi has been finalized, while the exact date is yet to be officially announced, but is expected to be mid-December. As per a report from PTI, the auction can be held on either December 15 or 16. This auction will be a mini-auction following the mega auction in 2025, with franchises focusing on targeted player signings, team balance, and filling key roles such as death bowling and power-hitting.
Abu Dhabi was chosen for its strong infrastructure and experience hosting international cricket events, along with its proximity to India, making it a convenient location for teams, officials, and broadcasters. Ahead of the auction, teams are preparing their retention and release lists to manage budgets and squad composition. The IPL governing council is finalizing logistics, and an official announcement is anticipated soon. The auction event is expected to bring another high-stakes, strategic player selection phase shaping the IPL 2026 season lineup.
This continuation of overseas auctions aligns with the trend of hosting significant IPL events in the Gulf region, leveraging world-class facilities and expanding the league's international presence. The teams have been instructed to name their final list of retentions by November 15.
Initially, December 14 was the preferred date suggested by the franchises to the IPL Governing Council for the 2026 auction. However, sources now indicate that the auction will most likely be held on either December 15 or 16. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, fresh off their maiden IPL title win in 2025, will be among the ten franchises participating in the event.
There had been discussions to host the IPL 2026 auction within India, with Mumbai and Bengaluru considered as possible venues, but Abu Dhabi has got the nod.
