IPL 2026 mini auction to be held in Abu Dhabi Mid-December

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction will take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-December. Sources suggest the auction is likely to be held on December 15 or 16. This marks the third consecutive year that the IPL auction will be held abroad, following Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah in 2024. Unlike last year’s mega auction in Saudi Arabia, this will be a mini auction, allowing teams to make only selected player additions.

Teams have until November 15 to finalize their pre-auction retained players. In the meantime, a major trade deal has reached its final stage between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Under the proposed agreement, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is expected to move to CSK, while world-class all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will join RR.

RR had reportedly explored multiple options for trading Samson. Initial talks with Delhi Capitals fell through, after which consistent discussions with CSK management led to the agreement. For CSK, the move provides a potential future captain and wicketkeeper-batsman to succeed MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, Jadeja’s arrival strengthens RR’s middle-order batting and spin bowling. Jadeja began his IPL career in 2008 with Rajasthan Royals, making his return to the franchise notable.

Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction Scheduled for November 27

Turning to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, the player auction is scheduled for November 27 in Delhi. Franchises have already announced their retained players, and the upcoming auction will finalize the squads.

Some of the retained players include:

• Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland (overseas), Marizanne Kapp (overseas), Niki Prasad

• Gujarat Giants: Ashley Gardner (overseas), Beth Mooney (overseas)

• Mumbai Indians: Natali Saiver (overseas), Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews (overseas), Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini

• Royal Challengers Bangalore: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry (overseas), Shreyanka Patil

• UP Warriors: Shweta Sehrawat

The WPL auction will allow franchises to finalize their squads for the upcoming season, setting the stage for a competitive tournament.