Overview:
Franchises can retain and release as many players as they want, unlike the time of the mega auction. Teams can strengthen their squads the way they want.
All ten franchises have finalised the lists of the retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The decision-makers will reveal their squads on November 15. The IPL Governing Council has set Saturday as the deadline day for the franchises to reveal their final groups. The IPL 2026 auction is expected to be held on 15 December in Abu Dhabi, and the owners are trying to secure the services of their match-winners and complete trade deals if possible. Here is the complete information about the retentions.
How many players can a franchise retain for IPL 2026?
Franchises can retain and release as many players as they want, unlike the time of the mega auction. Teams can strengthen their squads the way they want. However, the teams can only function within the purse limit of INR 120 crore.
Each team can add a maximum of 25 players to their squads, including 8 overseas players.
What are the rules of IPL trade?
Teams can go for player trades with the rivals and can exchange cricketers of the same or different values. If the values involved are different, the franchise that is signing the higher-valued cricketer must pay the balance amount.
All cash deals are also one of the options in the trading of players. Permission of a player is mandatory to complete a trade, and the final decision to retain or release a player is with the franchise.
Duration of the trade window in IPL
According to the rules, the trade window opens after the conclusion of a season and remains active seven days before the auction, and then reopens until 30 days before the start of the season. The players who will be purchased at the IPL 2026 mini-auction cannot be part of trades between the two franchises.
Confirmed trade for IPL 2026
Shardul Thakur joins the Mumbai Indians
Shardul Thakur has joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 2 crore.
Sherfane Rutherford traded to the Mumbai Indians
The Gujarat Titans have agreed to trade Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians for INR 2.6 crore.
Devon Conway leaves Chennai Super Kings.
Devon Conway has left the Chennai Super Kings. The Kiwi opener was purchased for INR 6.25 crore.
Expected trades
Sanju Samson (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Mohammed Shami (SRH ) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Arjun Tendulkar (MI) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Devon Conway (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR)
IPL 2026 retentions announcement: Live streaming details
The list of the ten franchises will be revealed during a live programme on Star Sports on 15 November. The live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.