IPL auction expected back on home soil after two years abroad
After back-to-back auctions in Dubai and Jeddah, the Indian Premier League’s 2026 mini-auction appears set to return to India. With the league’s ten franchises preparing for a critical reshuffle ahead of the new season, the upcoming event will mark a return to familiar territory after the BCCI’s recent preference for overseas venues.
According to a report by the Times of India, the mini-auction is expected to take place on December 15, while the deadline for player retention across all ten IPL franchises has been set for November 15. If confirmed, this will be the first IPL auction hosted in India since 2022, although the specific city has not yet been disclosed.
Previously, Cricbuzz had reported that the BCCI was exploring several Gulf locations for the auction, including Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Qatar, with the UAE initially seen as the frontrunner. However, plans appear to have shifted toward a domestic venue, with the Times of India noting the change in direction in its latest update.
MS Dhoni confirms participation in IPL 2026
One of the biggest questions surrounding the 2026 season was answered when Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that MS Dhoni will be back for another year.
“MS has told us that he will be available for the next season,” Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation about Dhoni’s future in the league. The former Indian captain, now 44, led CSK through a challenging 2025 campaign that saw the franchise finish last in the table, following an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad that saw Dhoni return to the helm.
Brief trade talks between CSK and RR
As per Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been in discussions around a potential trade involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja. While nothing has been finalized, the early talks signal possible high-profile movement ahead of the auction.
WPL auction to follow in late November
Meanwhile, the Women’s Premier League is also preparing for its first-ever mega auction, scheduled for November 27 in Delhi. All five WPL teams released their retention lists earlier this month, with a number of key players available in the pool.
