IPL 2026 mega updates: Player retention deadline and auction dates revealed

IPL 2026 will be an interesting season, given that it will be held shortly after the T20 World Cup which is being majorly hosted by India. As such, the hype around the season is having a different angle to it. On Friday (October 10), two major updates regarding the tournament has been revealed.

 

December is the month when the auctions have historically been held more often than not. The IPL 2026 auctions have been tentatively scheduled for December 15 with an official announcement expected on this regard quite soon. Meanwhile, the player retention/release deadline for teams has also been announced.

 

November 15 will be the last day for the franchises to announce the list of retentions and released players. With the mega auctions only done last year, it is unlikely that any of the teams will make wholesale changes to their plans. However, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who finished at the bottom in IPL 2025, are expected to make a few changes.

 

RR has already made sweeping changes to their management and we could also see some major updates regarding their player releases with Sanju Samson being the center of attention in this regard. CSK, meanwhile, have already gained Rs 9.75 crore to their balance after the IPL retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin who had earlier also quit his post at the CSK Youth Academy.

 

There is also a possibility of Venkatesh Iyer being released or traded, given the horrific season that he endured in IPL 2025. However, Kolkata Knight Riders are known to back their young guns and this seems too early for them to take a backward step on Iyer.

 

Sports