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As the countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 intensifies, all ten franchises are in the final stages of shaping their squads ahead of the much-anticipated mini-auction. With the IPL Governing Council setting 15 November as the cut-off date for announcing retained and released players, teams are working at full throttle to strike the perfect balance between experience, form and financial strategy. The auction, scheduled for December, is expected to attract heavy bidding wars, but before the hammer goes down, the retention phase is already creating massive buzz among fans.
Retention rules for IPL 2026
IPL 2026 does not impose a restriction on the number of players a franchise can retain or release. This gives teams the flexibility to either rebuild their setup entirely or continue backing their existing core. Unlike mega-auction years – where strict retention caps apply – the 2026 season allows complete freedom, provided teams operate within the prescribed salary purse.
Franchises are expected to use this liberty smartly, especially with several big names available across formats. With no upper or lower retention limits, some teams might opt for stability, while others could pursue a drastic overhaul as they target an improved performance next season.
Trade window: How player transfers work?
The IPL trade system remains a crucial element of the retention cycle. Teams are allowed to trade players freely—either in player-for-player swaps or all-cash deals. When franchises exchange players with different price tags, the team receiving the costlier player must pay the difference amount to complete the trade.
A key aspect of the trading mechanism is player consent, which remains mandatory for any transfer. While players can refuse a trade, the final verdict on releasing or retaining a cricketer lies solely with the franchise management.
- The trade window is active for an extended period:
- It opens immediately after a season ends,
- Closes one week before the auction,
- Reopens after the auction and remains available until one month before the next season begins.
However, it is important to note that players bought at the IPL 2026 mini-auction cannot be traded in this cycle.
Live streaming details of IPL 2026 retentions
Fans across India can follow all developments of the IPL 2026 retention announcements live on Star Sports Network, including Star Sports 2 and its multiple regional broadcast feeds.
Digital viewers can stream the entire coverage on the JioHotstar app, ensuring real-time updates as franchises unveil their decisions.
Team purse details
Notably, each franchise is allotted INR 120 crore purse, which makes financial planning just as important as team selection for the teams. Retaining a large chunk of players reduces spending power at the auction, while releasing more cricketers increases freedom but adds pressure to rebuild effectively.
Franchises are expected to approach the auction with tailored strategies – some targeting overseas firepower, others hunting for Indian domestic talent capable of delivering impact in a compact tournament.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Trade: Sanju Samson moves to CSK; Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran shift to Rajasthan Royals
