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IPL 2026 mini-auction to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi; Dates announced

Akshita Patel

IPL auction date and venue announced [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @IPL/X.com]IPL auction date and venue announced [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @IPL/X.com]

The excitement for the IPL 2026 season is already building, as the player retention window officially closed on November 15. The focus now shifts to the mini-auction, which will take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.  

In total, 173 players have been retained, including 49 overseas players, leaving 77 slots open for the auction. 

Teams will collectively carry a massive ₹237.55 crore into the mini-auction, ensuring high-energy bidding and some dramatic purse battles. 

The IPL 2026 auction is to be held in Abu Dhabi

Now that the retention madness is over, the auction will shift to the IPL 2026 mini-auction. In an official release, the IPL governing council has confirmed that the auction will be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena located in Abu Dhabi.

Since the last two seasons, the auctions have been taking place in the Middle East, and this year will be no different.

However, since the pool of players will be smaller for the mini-auction, the event will be wrapped in a single day. 

Also, the rules will be different, as no Right to Match (RTM) cards will be available for the franchises to buy back their released players.

KKR, CSK to be active at the auction table

Among the franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the auction with the biggest purse, ₹64.3 crore.

Chennai Super Kings have the next-largest remaining amount, with ₹43.4 crore and nine slots to fill, including four overseas spots. 

Some teams, however, will walk into the auction with limited room for manoeuvre. Mumbai Indians, who have retained 20 players, have just ₹2.75 crore left and only one overseas slot available. The Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings also have heavily packed squads, with only a few spots open.

With major players safe in their teams, attention now turns to the next wave of talent that will go under the hammer. 

Young uncapped players, overseas stars, and experienced IPL performers will all be eyeing big deals as 10 teams compete to finalise their squads.