The cricket fever is back as the TATA IPL 2026 preparations are in full swing. Following the massive retention window that closed in November 2025, the BCCI has officially set the stage for the mini-auction. From record-breaking retentions to shocking releases like Andre Russell, the road to IPL 2026 is filled with drama.
TATA IPL 2026 Auction Date and Venue
The TATA IPL 2026 auction was held on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena. This marked the third consecutive time the IPL auction was held outside India. The auction started at 2:30 PM IST, with 359 players going under the hammer for just 77 available slots.
IPL 2026 Retained Players and Team Purse Details
Before the auction, franchises announced their IPL 2026 retained players list. A total of 173 players were retained by the 10 teams combined.
Remaining Purse for Teams (Pre-Auction):
| Team | Purse Remaining (INR) | Slots Available |
|---|---|---|
| KKR | ₹64.30 Crore | 13 (6 Overseas) |
| CSK | ₹43.40 Crore | 9 (4 Overseas) |
| SRH | ₹25.50 Crore | 10 (2 Overseas) |
| MI | ₹2.75 Crore | 5 (1 Overseas) |
| GT | ₹12.90 Crore | 5 (4 Overseas) |
Top Buys in TATA IPL 2026 Auction
The 2026 auction saw some historic bids. Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player of the season, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping ₹25.20 crore. Uncapped Indian players also made headlines, with Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma being signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹14.20 crore each.
TATA IPL 2026 Schedule & Start Date
While the full IPL 2026 schedule is expected to be announced in February 2026, initial reports suggest the tournament will kick off in late March. Fans are already searching for IPL 2026 kab shuru hoga and the IPL 2026 match list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the most expensive player in IPL 2026?
Rishabh Pant remains the highest-paid retained player at ₹27 crore, while Cameron Green was the top buy in the 2026 auction at ₹25.20 crore.
2. Where was the IPL 2026 auction held?
The auction took place in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena on December 16, 2025.
3. Which team has the highest purse for IPL 2026?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore.