The IPL 2026 auction is all set to take center stage on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This one-day auction will witness franchises looking to fill their remaining squad slots and
strategize for the upcoming season, making it a highly anticipated event for cricket fans and teams alike.
The retention deadline was November 15, 2025, after which teams finalized their released players and budget limits heading into the auction.
This year's auction promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with 77 slots available across 10 franchises, including 31 overseas slots. Kolkata Knight Riders enter with the largest purse of ₹64.3 crore, giving them a strong financial edge, while Mumbai Indians have the lowest purse of ₹2.75 crore. This financial spread will likely impact bidding strategies and player movements, setting the stage for some dramatic surprises.
Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who finished lower in the 2025 season, are expected to make significant changes. Chennai Super Kings, for example, have strengthened their budget following the retirement of veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin and are poised for a revamp. The auction will also be influenced by ongoing trade activities, as pre-auction and post-auction trade windows offer additional chances for squads to tweak their lineups before the tournament begins.
With big names retiring and some marquee players potentially changing teams, the fan anticipation is palpable, but there are a few names who will be missing from the IPL 2026 auction for various reasons.
Faf du Plessis
The South Africa legend announced to skip the IPL 2026 auction recently. Du Plessis, who has honed the jerseys of CSK and RCB in the past, was part of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. But Du Plessis wants to take part in the Pakistan Super League in 2026.
Cheteshwar Pujara
Not a regular in IPL, but Cheteshwar Pujara won't be a part of the auction after retiring from all forms of cricket recently. The India star last played for the Chennai Super Kings.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The veteran Indian off-spinner, Ravi Ashwin, played for his home team Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025. After a turbulent season and off-field controversy, Ashwin announced his retirement from Indian cricket and thus won't be in the mini auction. Ashwin was supposed to play in Big Bash League but an injury has ruled him out of that competition as well.
Andre Russell
After being left out by KKR before the mini auction, Andre Russell decided to abruptly end his playing career in the IPL. The West Indies veteran has been roped in as KKR's 'Power Coach' ahead of IPL 2026 and will be honing his role from the sidelines.
