IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: The countdown to IPL 2026 is on, and fans are eagerly waiting for the mini auction and pre-auction trade window. With speculation about player retentions, trades, and releases, this period gives teams the perfect opportunity to restructure squads ahead of the upcoming season.
The trade window allows the 10 IPL franchises to swap players, release surplus talent, or acquire key replacements. It is a crucial period for strategic decisions before the mini auction, where teams with a smaller player pool and limited budget fine-tune their lineups.
Key Dates and Venue
The IPL 2025 mega auction was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24–25, 2024, where franchises built their squads for the next three seasons. For IPL 2026, the mini auction is scheduled for December 15, 2025, in Mumbai, with Delhi likely being kept as a backup venue.
Teams are expected to submit their retention and release lists by November 15, which will serve as the first step in finalizing the auction pool. Once the lists are submitted, the BCCI will confirm the registered player list, ensuring clarity for franchises and fans alike.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction: From Narayan Jagadeesan To….4 TNPL Stars Who Could Spark Bidding War
Mini Auction vs Mega Auction
- RTM Cards: Mega auctions allow retained players to be bought back; in the mini auction, RTM is generally restricted, with new IPL 2026 rules allowing the highest bidder a final chance before RTM.
- Retention Rules: Mega auctions have fixed caps; mini auctions allow flexibility based on remaining purse and squad composition.
- Player Pool & Auction Purse: Mini auctions use leftover budgets post-retention, while mega auctions have larger pools and fixed purses (Rs 120 crore in 2025, now Rs 151 crore for IPL 2026).
What’s New in IPL 2026 Mini Auction
- RTM Updates: Highest bidders get one final chance before RTM is applied.
- Salary Cap: Rs 151 crore per franchise.
- Player Compensation: Auction salary + incremental performance pay with a new match fee of Rs 7.5 lakh per game.
IPL 2026 Auction Live Streaming Details
Fans can watch the IPL 2026 Mini Auction live on the official IPL YouTube channel and other streaming platforms, witnessing every high-stakes bid in real-time.
With the trade window and mini auction approaching, IPL 2026 promises intense off-field action and squad reshuffles that can determine the fate of franchises in the upcoming season.
