The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is gearing up for its mini auction, a pivotal event where franchises fine-tune their squads after the mega auction of 2025. Scheduled to take place in early 2026, likely in January or February, the mini auction will allow teams to address gaps in their lineups and capitalize on new talent. While the exact date and venue are yet to be confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), reports suggest an announcement is expected in late 2025. Historically, mini auctions have been held in Mumbai or Delhi, but following the 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, a non-Indian venue remains a possibility.

Unlike the mega auction, which saw 577 players go under the hammer, the IPL 2026 mini auction will feature a smaller pool, likely 50–80 players, including both Indian and overseas talent. Teams can retain up to six players, with a maximum of four capped Indian players, two uncapped Indian players, and two overseas players. The auction purse for each franchise has increased to ₹151 crore from ₹120 crore in 2025, providing more financial flexibility to secure high-impact players. Notable players expected to enter the auction pool include Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Faf du Plessis, with young fast-bowling all-rounders projected to spark bidding wars.

Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are anticipated to make significant moves after underwhelming performances in 2025. CSK may release veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin and Deepak Hooda to bolster their squad with fresh talent, while RR could target explosive batters and all-rounders to complement their retained core, including Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Mumbai Indians are rumored to pursue players like Liam Livingstone and Cameron Green to strengthen their middle order and all-round capabilities. The trade window, open in June–July 2025 and December 2025–January 2026, will also play a crucial role in squad adjustments before the auction.

Fans can expect live coverage of the IPL 2026 mini auction on Star Sports channels and streaming on JioCinema, continuing the tradition of bringing the bidding excitement to millions. With the IPL set to expand to 84 matches in 2026, adopting a double round-robin format, teams are under pressure to build balanced squads. Keep an eye on Get Sportzz Hub for the latest updates as the auction date approaches!