Will the IPL 2026 auction take place in Abu Dhabi around December 15 or 16?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Exciting times are ahead for cricket fans as the IPL 2026 auction gears up to be held in Abu Dhabi. With key trades and player movements expected, this year's auction promises to bring thrilling developments to the teams and their fans. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Key Takeaways
- IPL 2026 auction to be held in Abu Dhabi.
- December 16 emerges as a likely date.
- Franchises are finalizing player retentions by November 15.
- Potential trades include Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Shift towards international venues for future auctions.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) The player auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is anticipated to occur in Abu Dhabi, with December 16 being the most probable date according to sources who spoke with IANS.
Initially, December 14 was proposed as the preferred date, as suggested by the franchises to the Governing Council (GC). However, insiders indicated to IANS on Monday that either December 15 or 16 is now the expected date for the auction. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claimed victory in IPL 2025, marking their first title win since the tournament's inception in 2008.
The last two IPL auctions were held overseas, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This time, the capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi, will welcome the ten franchises as they aim to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season.
There were discussions about hosting the auction in India, with Mumbai and Bengaluru as initial candidates. However, IANS has learned that Abu Dhabi was chosen for its convenience for overseas support staff, particularly given that many are engaged in broadcast or coaching during the Ashes series, thus continuing the trend of holding IPL auctions abroad for now.
The deadline for all ten IPL franchises to finalize their retentions is November 15. Sources have indicated that a significant trade involving the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) may occur either before the retention deadline or on the indicated date.
Long-time RR captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could potentially transition to CSK, while RR might secure the services of Ravindra Jadeja in this trade. RR has been in discussions with multiple franchises regarding Samson's transfer, and after a failed negotiation with Delhi Capitals (DC), the potential trade with CSK may be finalized, barring any last-minute changes.
It remains uncertain whether the Samson-Jadeja trade will be a straightforward swap or if another player from CSK could join RR. There were also rumors about Washington Sundar being traded to CSK from Gujarat Titans (GT), but these discussions did not progress, reportedly due to the Ahmedabad-based franchise assuring the all-rounder of consistent playing time in IPL 2026.
Point of View
It is crucial to provide an unbiased perspective. The upcoming IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi signifies a shift towards international venues for such events, reflecting the growing global nature of cricket. The potential trades, if executed, will have significant implications for the franchises and their strategies moving forward.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the IPL 2026 auction expected to be held?
The IPL 2026 auction is expected to take place in Abu Dhabi.
What are the potential dates for the auction?
The auction is likely to occur on December 15 or 16, 2026.
What happened during the last IPL auction?
The last two IPL auctions were held in Jeddah and Dubai, with significant player trades.
When is the deadline for team retentions?
The deadline for finalizing retentions for all ten IPL franchises is November 15.
Are there any notable player trades expected?
Yes, a significant trade involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja is anticipated.
