An IPL auction set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16 will be the third consecutive year that the most-viewed league in the world of cricket will carry out its annual player auction abroad. What appeared to be a rare logistical experiment, nowadays it became a trend, as the IPL has continued to broaden its presence all over the world. The 2026 time round will be a one day auction, though the preparation has already been underway, franchises holding competitions to secure their spots on time, the deals being made, and the speculation intensified by retention business. Other reshuffle of players is in motion already among the teams as well as among the fans.
It is a move in continuation of the shift to Abu Dhabi initiated in 2024, when the IPL organized the first-ever overseas auction in Dubai. To begin with the mini auction was hosted in Dubai. But the actual declaration was made in 2025 when Jeddah hosted the two-day mega auction, which was the first of its kind that indicated the goals of the league outside India. As the IPL auction will happen in Abu Dhabi now, the league rationalizes its desire to explore more into the Middle East market with respect to its cricket players and at the same time continue to keep its audience around the world interested.
The procedures that have preceded the auction are already in progress. Franchises will need to present their retention and release lists to 2025 squads by 3pm IST on November 15. This move is very critical, with teams planning not only on the individuals they would want to retain in their clubs, but also on the sizes of purses they wish to retain to sign others. After submission of the lists, the lists will be circulated as registered pool of players by the IPL governing body. Names are then shortlisted by franchises and at this point further narrowing down occurs till the league decides on the auction list. It is a well-worn habit yet with every new season, the level is escalating.
One of the key elements of the pre-auction hype is the trading window that opened the very next day following the 2025 season. It will be operational until a week before the auction after which it will close before briefly reopening until a month before IPL 2026 commences. After acquiring a player at the 2026 auction, however, the said person cannot be traded during this cycle. This is a recommended rule that even compounds the planning strategy of teams particularly among the franchises who attempt to reconcile between the needs of the present and the vision of the future. The IPL auction that will be held in December continues to add the pressure of making these decisions right.
To date, there have been four trades that involved five franchises which have already been identified as being the most high-profile swap in the history of IPL. Five time champions Chennai Super Kings have obtained Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals. The Royals, in their turn, have acquired a pair of off the scale all rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Such an extent of trade has caused shockwaves among the league not only due to the names attached to it but also as an indication that CSK was looking to fill its younger batting core, and the Rajasthan was planning to make a name around explosive all round talent.
A couple of all-cash deals also highlighted the Mumbai Indians, as they aim to create a team with a depth and flexibility. On Thursday MI purchased the experienced all-rounder of Lucknow Super Giants, Shardul Thakur, at INR 2 crore and the hard hitting Sherfane Rutherford, of Gujarat Titans, at INR 2.60 crore. On a different transaction, LSG bought Arjun Tendulkar of Mumbai at his base price of INR 30 lakh, an unglamorous deal yet an addition of another left-arm pace bowler to their squad.
Though these trades are still young, they provide an insight into teams in the emerging strategies. To start with, the move by CSK is an indication that they are interested in renewing their core. Nevertheless the move of Rajasthan to acquire two big all-rounders spells out ambitious move. In the meantime, MI, following two seasons of turmoil appear to be up to reformulating their blend of youth and experience. Lastly, LSG and GT are in silent mode of improving their and teams and make sound financial choices before the auction.
The larger picture is already visible as the IPL auction about to happen in Abu Dhabi nears, the league has set to be one of the most competitive of all but this time around. The provisional IPL 2026 timeline will be between March 15 and May 31 which will provide teams with a well-known and sharp period of time, which may be used to seek the trophy again. There will be drama and strategy and the sort of excitement the IPL could bring, with iconic players on the move, retention options looming, and overseas venues certifying global acclaim, the next few weeks will be an exciting time.
Instead, the fans are excited now looking forward to day nine with the November 15th when retention lists uncover the first significant hints about respective franchises plans. It will be then followed by an expectation of December 16 when, in Abu Dhabi the cricketing world will witness the next step of the most profitable league to continue.
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