IPL 2026 Auction Likely to Be Held in Abu Dhabi as Overseas Venue Plans Take Shape

There seems to be a change in plans for the IPL auction venue, which is now likely to take place overseas. While the franchises haven’t been officially told about the location yet, they have received some hints.

IPL 2026 Auction Likely to Be Held Overseas, Abu Dhabi Emerging as Top Choice

The auction is expected to be held in the Gulf region once again. Abu Dhabi in the UAE looks like the most likely option, but other places such as Oman and Qatar are also being considered. The development is a clear departure from an earlier plan, when it appeared that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was keen to host the auction in India itself.

However, there now seem to be challenges in securing an ideal venue, given that the identified window clashes with the festival and wedding season in the country.

As previously reported, the auction is likely to be held around mid-December - give or take a few days - most probably in the second half of the month. The BCCI is expected to formally announce the date and venue before November 15, the deadline for franchises to submit their list of retentions and releases ahead of IPL 19.

With just two weeks left for the deadline, talks about which players will be retained or released are heating up. The biggest buzz right now is about a possible trade involving Sanju Samson, first reported by Cricbuzz.

Many franchises still rate the Indian wicketkeeper-batter very highly, even though his recent international performances, in the Asia Cup and the ongoing series against Australia, haven’t quite met expectations. However, teams continue to see him as a valuable player in the IPL.

IPL 2026 Auction: Player Trades and Releases Gaining Speed

The latest on his possible trade could be finalised in the next few days, when Rajasthan Royals' lead owner, Manoj Badale, will be in India. Based in the UK, Badale is arriving in Mumbai on Tuesday, and a few retention decisions are likely to be finalised, including those concerning Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, the spinners who were believed to be in the 'release list' during Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. With Kumar Sangakkara back at the helm, it remains to be seen whether there will be a change of heart regarding the two Lankan spinners.

There has been some talk about Mohammed Shami, but Sunrisers Hyderabad don’t want to release him. The team got a few trade offers for the experienced fast bowler but said no. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and maybe Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to release several players.