IPL 2026 Auction Likely in Abu Dhabi on December 15 or 16: Reports

The IPL 2026 auction is set to happen in Abu Dhabi on either December 15 or 16 as per a PTI report. The venue is confirmed, but the exact date is still not final. This will be the third straight year the IPL auction is held outside India. Earlier, it took place in Dubai (2023) and Jeddah (2024). An official said, “Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the auction venue.” This year’s event will be a small auction following the big one held in 2025.

At first, December 14 was chosen as the preferred date for the IPL 2026 auction, and the franchises had shared this with the Governing Council (GC). However, sources told IANS on Monday that the auction is now likely to take place on either December 15 or 16. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025, marking their first-ever title since the tournament began in 2008.

There were talks about holding the auction in India, with Mumbai and Bengaluru first being looked at as possible venues. However, sources told IANS that Abu Dhabi was found to be more convenient for overseas staff, especially since many of them are busy with broadcast or coaching work during the Ashes. This has continued the recent trend of hosting IPL auctions outside India.

CSK and RR in Talks for a Major Player Trade

All ten IPL teams must finalize their player retentions by November 15. Sources also said there’s a chance of a big trade between five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR). This trade could take place before the deadline or on the same day.

Long-time Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson might join Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while RR could get Ravindra Jadeja in return. RR had spoken with several teams about trading Samson, but talks with Delhi Capitals (DC) did not work out. Now, the deal with CSK looks close to being finalized, unless there’s a last-minute change.

Washington Sundar Set to Stay with Gujarat Titans

It’s still not clear whether the Samson-Jadeja trade will be a direct swap or if another CSK player might also move to RR as part of the deal. There were also talks about Washington Sundar joining CSK from Gujarat Titans (GT), but that didn’t happen, as the Ahmedabad team reportedly promised him regular playing time in IPL 2026.