NewKerala.com

IPL 2026 Auction Heads to Abu Dhabi: Third Straight Year Overseas

The IPL 2026 auction is heading back overseas for the third year in a row. This time Abu Dhabi will host the event on December 16. Unlike previous mega auctions, this will be a single-day mini auction format. Teams are currently finalizing their retention lists ahead of the November 15 deadline.

Key Points: IPL 2026 Auction Set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi

  • Mini auction to be completed in a single day on December 16
  • Franchises must submit retention lists by November 15 deadline
  • Trading window remains active until one week before auction
  • Four confirmed trades already completed involving five IPL teams
2 min read

Third year abroad: IPL 2026 auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16

The IPL 2026 player auction is scheduled for Dec 16 in Abu Dhabi, continuing the trend of overseas auctions. Get details on the mini-auction format and recent trades.

"The 2024 auction in Dubai was the first-ever IPL auction held outside India - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, November 13

The 2026 Indian Premier League IPL auction is set to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive year that the event will take place overseas. The 2024 auction in Dubai was the first-ever IPL auction held outside India, followed by the two-day mega auction for the 2025 season in Jeddah last November, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Unlike the mega auctions, the 2026 edition will be a mini auction and will be completed in a single day. All franchises have been asked to submit their list of retained and released players from their 2025 squads by 3 pm IST on November 15. After that, teams will receive the list of registered players from which they can shortlist names. The final auction pool will be finalised by IPL after they get the list.

The trading window, which opened after the conclusion of IPL 2025, will remain active until a week before the auction. It will reopen after the auction and stay open until one month before the start of IPL 2026. However, franchises will not be allowed to trade any player who is bought at the upcoming auction.

So far, there have already been four confirmed trades involving five teams, including one of the most high-profile swaps in IPL history. In a landmark move, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR), while RR received the all-rounder duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI), made two all-cash deals, bringing in Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 2 crore and Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 2.60 crore. In another trade, LSG acquired Arjun Tendulkar from MI for his base price of Rs 30 lakh.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The CSK-RR trade is absolutely massive! Sanju Samson in yellow jersey will take some getting used to, but Jadeja and Curran for Royals is a great deal. Can't wait for the auction drama! 🎯
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows IPL from abroad, having auctions in UAE makes it more accessible for international fans. The timing works better for global viewership too. Good move for expanding IPL's reach!
A
Arjun K
Mini auctions are always more strategic than mega auctions. Teams have to be very smart with their limited purse. Excited to see which uncapped Indian players get big bids this time! 💰
N
Nikhil C
While I understand the global expansion angle, I miss the days when auctions were in India. The local fans' energy and reactions made it so much more entertaining. Hope they bring it back home soon.
K
Kavya N
Arjun Tendulkar trade to LSG for just 30 lakhs is a steal! Hope he gets more opportunities to prove himself. Sometimes a change of environment works wonders for young players. All the best to him! 🙌

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50