Saturday, November 15, is set to be a huge day for cricket fans. While the second day of the India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens begins at 9:30 AM, the biggest excitement will come in the evening. After weeks of speculation, all 10 IPL franchises will finally announce their retained and released players for the 2026 season.
At 5 p.m., defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and last season’s bottom-placed team, Chennai Super Kings, will begin revealing their lists on Star Sports. Fans are eagerly waiting, though some of the decisions are likely to surprise — and even disappoint — many supporters.
Retention Rules for IPL 2026
IPL 2026 is the second season in the current three-year cycle that began with the mega auction before IPL 2025. This year’s auction will be a mini auction, and unlike mega auction seasons, there is no cap on the number of players a team can retain. Every franchise is free to keep as many players as it wants.
In mini-auction years, heavy releases are uncommon, but if a player is let go, his full value will be added back to the team’s auction purse. Any money received through player trades will also increase the franchise's purse.
Trades Before Retention Deadline
This retention window has already seen major activity. The biggest buzz surrounded a potential three-way trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran between RR and CSK — though no official confirmation arrived before the deadline.
However, a few trades have been finalized. Mumbai Indians traded Shardul Thakur to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore. MI also paid ₹2.6 crore to Gujarat Titans to bring in Sharfane Rutherford.
More moves could be announced today, including possible trades involving Mohammed Shami (SRH to LSG), Arjun Tendulkar (MI to LSG), and Mayank Markande (KKR to MI).
Big Names Who Could Be Released
Several high-profile players are at risk of being released ahead of the mini auction:
• Kolkata Knight Riders may let go of Venkatesh Iyer, who cost them ₹23.75 crore in the last mega auction.
• RCB are considering releasing Liam Livingstone.
• Chennai Super Kings might part ways with Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway after a disappointing season.
• Punjab Kings could once again move on from Glenn Maxwell.
• Rajasthan Royals may release Mahish Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
• Delhi Capitals could part ways with T Natarajan and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
