IPL 2026: Schedule, Teams, Retained Players, Auction Date, and Full Details

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most followed cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2008. As we move toward the 19th season of the tournament in 2026, IPL continues to be a high-octane blend of cricketing excellence, intense fan passion, and global entertainment. The 2026 edition promises to be yet another exciting chapter, featuring skillful performances, high broadcast revenues, and strategic team management.

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IPL 2026 Schedule and Venue Information

IPL 2026 is expected to be held from March to May 2026, consistent with its traditional timetable. While the exact fixtures have not been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament will once again host games at India’s biggest cricketing venues, including:

• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

• M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

The IPL usually kicks off in the last week of March and ends with the grand finale by late May. That format is expected to continue for IPL 2026.

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IPL 2026 Participating Teams

IPL 2026 will feature the same 10 teams that competed in the 2025 season. No new teams have been added to the roster, and the league format remains unchanged. The list of participating teams is:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

2. Mumbai Indians (MI)

3. Delhi Capitals (DC)

4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

5. Gujarat Titans (GT)

6. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

7. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

8. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

10. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

These teams will participate in a double round-robin group stage before moving into a playoff format. The official IPL website notes there will be around 84 matches played during IPL 2026.

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IPL 2026 Player Retentions and Releases

The player retention deadline for IPL 2026 was November 15, 2025, as confirmed by the IPL official website A total of 173 players were retained across all franchises, including 49 overseas players.

Each franchise retained a core set of players based on their performance, availability, and team strategies. Several high-value players were also released to free up funds for the upcoming IPL mini-auction.

Here are the purse values and retention details…

Franchises like KKR and DC have the highest remaining purses and could be active in the auction, while teams like MI may have to be very strategic with their limited funds.

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Most Expensive Players Retained for IPL 2026

The IPL has become synonymous with big-money signings and superstar contracts. Here are some of the most expensive players heading into IPL 2026:

Rishabh Pant

• Team: Delhi Capitals

• Price: ₹27 crore

• Pant remains one of the highest-paid players, setting a record during the 2025 mega-auction.

Heinrich Klaasen

• Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad

• Price: ₹23 crore

• A power-hitter and wicketkeeper, Klaasen is retained despite inconsistency.

Shreyas Iyer

• Team: Punjab Kings

• Price: ₹26.75 crore

• Iyer fetched one of the highest bids during IPL 2024 and continues to be a franchise favorite.

Venkatesh Iyer

• Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (status uncertain)

• Price: ₹23.75 crore

• Rumors suggest KKR might release him to manage purse, as reported by Cricbuzz.

Glenn Maxwell

• Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Price: ₹14 crore

• Maxwell’s future with RCB is uncertain due to age and recent form.

These figures highlight the increasing valuation of multi-dimensional T20 players such as wicketkeeper-hitters and spin-bowling all-rounders.

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IPL 2026 Mini Auction Details

The IPL mini-auction for the 2026 season is scheduled to take place on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This auction has already been announced by the IPL authorities.

The auction promises to feature tight bidding wars, especially for:

• Express pace bowlers

• All-rounder finishers

• Top-order power hitters

• Overseas specialists

• Emerging uncapped Indian talent

Franchises with high purse amounts, such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, are expected to pursue marquee players. Meanwhile, teams like Mumbai Indians may focus on tactical picks that fit their lineup and budget.

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Expectations and Trends in IPL 2026

Tactical Team Building

Modern IPL franchises are using analytics and data models to balance their squads. Teams like RR and LSG have been at the forefront of data-driven selection.

Spotlight on Young Talent

Players coming out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the U19 World Cup could be hot auction targets.

Home and Away Advantage

With full stadiums and home fixtures returning in recent seasons, fan support and home conditions will be crucial.

Investments in Overseas Talent

Teams are expected to bid aggressively for impactful overseas players like Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, and Wanindu Hasaranga, depending on availability.

Digital Broadcast Boom

Platforms like JioCinema, along with Star Sports, continue to redefine IPL experience with HD streaming, multi-camera feeds, and interactive features.

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Frequently Asked Questions About IPL 2026

When IPL 2026 Will Be Held

IPL 2026 is scheduled between March and May 2026, in a similar timeframe as previous seasons.

How Many Teams Are There in IPL 2026

There are 10 participating teams in IPL 2026. No new teams have been introduced since the inclusion of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants in 2022.

What Is the Format of IPL 2026

IPL 2026 will follow a league stage comprising 84 matches, followed by playoffs and the grand finale. Each team plays both home and away matches.

Which Players Are the Most Expensive in IPL 2026

Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore), Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore), and Heinrich Klaasen (₹23 crore) are among the highest-paid retained players for IPL 2026.

Where IPL 2026 Auction Will Be Held

The IPL 2026 auction will take place at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, as confirmed on the official IPL portal.

How Many Players Were Retained in IPL 2026

A total of 173 players were retained across 10 teams, including 49 overseas players, as per the IPL official report on iplt20.

How Much Money Is Left for IPL 2026 Auction

The remaining purse value across all franchises is approximately ₹237.55 crore.

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Final Thoughts on IPL 2026

IPL 2026 is poised to be one of the biggest seasons in the league’s history. With a healthy mix of seasoned international stars, rising Indian talent, and game-changing tactical decisions, fans across the world can expect fireworks.

Teams with strong retaining cores like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will attempt to leverage consistency, while franchises like KKR and DC, with large purse balances, could cause significant disruption during the auction.

From powerful batting to tactical spin setups, from aggressive captaincy to game-changing DRS calls — IPL 2026 promises more of what cricket fans crave: drama, unpredictability, and unmatched sporting spectacle.