Plans for the location of the IPL 2026 auction seem to have changed, as it is now most likely going to take place abroad. The franchisees have apparently been intimated at the development, even though they have not yet received official word regarding the city.
With Abu Dhabi (UAE) in the forefront of the competition to host the event, the Gulf region has emerged as the most likely venue. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also taking into account other Middle Eastern places like Oman and Qatar.
The BCCI originally seemed eager to hold the auction in India, thus this is a change from their original plans. But practical issues, especially finding a suitable location during the wedding and festival seasons, have forced the board to search overseas once more.
The auction is anticipated to take place in mid-December, most likely in the second half of the month, as Cricbuzz earlier reported. Before November 15, when franchises must submit their retention and release lists for the 2026 Indian Premier League, the BCCI is anticipated to formally announce the date and location.
Discussions on player releases and retention have started to heat up across franchises as the retention deadline is just two weeks away.
The possible trade of Sanju Samson is now the most talked-about topic and has created a lot of excitement in IPL circles.
Despite his erratic performances in international cricket, notably during the last Asia Cup and the current series in Australia, a number of teams still hold the India wicketkeeper-batter in high regard. Nonetheless, Samson remains a significant asset in franchise cricket due to his demonstrated track record as a dependable IPL performer.
The most recent information on his potential deal is anticipated to surface in the days ahead, as Manoj Badale, the principal owner of the Rajasthan Royals, is scheduled to be in Mumbai on Tuesday. Badale, who is based in the UK, is anticipated to be essential in completing important retention choices, such as those pertaining to Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who were both rumored to be on the release list under Rahul Dravid as head coach. It is unclear if there would be a shift in attitude toward the two Sri Lankan spinners now that Kumar Sangakkara is back in charge.
Mohammed Shami has also been the subject of significant discussion, despite Sunrisers Hyderabad’s alleged reluctance to let go of the seasoned Indian pacer. According to reports, the team has already turned down trade proposals for Shami. As teams try to clear some purse space before the IPL 2026 auction, a number of releases are anticipated from the Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and maybe Kolkata Knight Riders.
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