The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi, reportedly between December 15 and 16, making it the third consecutive year that the marquee event will be held outside India. According to reports, while the exact date is yet to be finalised, the venue has already been locked in. Following Dubai (2023) and Jeddah (2024), the UAE capital will now play host to the auction for the cash-rich league.
The decision to host the IPL auction overseas once again shows the league’s
global influence and its strong ties with the Gulf region. Abu Dhabi, known for its top-notch infrastructure and successful hosting of international cricket tournaments, has an ideal setting for the event. Its proximity to India, along with logistical convenience for broadcast and support staff, reportedly played a crucial role in finalising the venue.
While discussions were initially held about bringing the event back to India, with Mumbai and Bengaluru being considered, Abu Dhabi made it the final choice. An official confirmation from the IPL Governing Council is expected soon.
Unlike last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, the upcoming event will be a mini-auction, meaning franchises will focus on fine-tuning their squads rather than overhauling them completely. Each of the ten teams has until November 15 to finalise player retentions, making the next few days crucial for trade negotiations and squad strategies.
Reports have already hinted at a potential trade between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Sources suggest that while CSK prefers a straight swap, RR may seek an additional player to complete the deal. If the trade materialises, it could be one of the biggest player moves in recent IPL history, changing both teams’ dynamics heading into 2026.
