IPL 2026 Mini Auction and Trade Window: Rumours, Confirmed Transfers & Team Insights

The IPL 2026 Mini Auction and trade window is officially open and has already sparked a frenzy of activity with high-profile players and franchise strategies at the forefront. As teams look to reshape their squads before the mini-auction, the trade market is the first battleground.

While there is no official, confirmed list of traded players yet, intense speculation and credible reports point to several blockbuster moves. Key players like Sanju Samson and Ravichandran Ashwin are at the center of the biggest trade rumors, while franchises are meticulously planning their releases to optimize their auction purse.

IPL 2026 Trade Window: How It Works and What to Expect

The IPL trading window is a crucial period for franchises to make strategic adjustments to their squads outside of the main auction. It is a three-phase process: a pre-auction window, a post-auction window, and a final pre-tournament window.

This system allows for flexibility and late-stage squad fine-tuning. A trade can be either a direct player-for-player swap or an all-cash deal where a franchise buys a player from another team. The key advantage for teams is the ability to acquire a specific player without the uncertainty and potential over-bidding of the open auction.

The current pre-auction trade window is where most of the significant moves are expected to take place. With the IPL 2026 mini auction on the horizon (tentatively scheduled for late 2025), franchises are already negotiating to secure their targets. This is where the core of our “IPL 2026 trade players list” will form, built on verified reports and insider information.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Trading Updates: All Teams’ Latest Moves, Rumors, and Strategies

High-Profile Players on the IPL 2026 Trade Block

While no deals are officially confirmed by the BCCI, the trade market is rife with reports of major players seeking a change or being actively shopped by their franchises. Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent names and their potential destinations:

• Sanju Samson: The Rajasthan Royals captain is at the heart of the biggest trade story. Following a disappointing IPL 2025 season where the team finished ninth, reports suggest Samson has formally requested to be traded or released into the auction. Credible sources indicate the Royals are in advanced talks with multiple franchises.
  • Rumoured Destination: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is the front-runner. A proposed trade with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reportedly fell through after RR’s high demands for either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad were rejected. KKR, looking to strengthen their squad, may be a more viable option.
• Ravichandran Ashwin: The veteran off-spinner is another big name whose future at Chennai Super Kings is uncertain. According to reports, Ashwin is looking for a move, and CSK is in discussions with him to understand his future plans.
  • Potential Move: Ashwin’s underwhelming performance in IPL 2025 (just 7 wickets in 9 matches) could make him a prime trade candidate, freeing up a significant portion of CSK’s auction purse.
• KL Rahul: Reports have linked KL Rahul to a potential move away from the Lucknow Super Giants. While less concrete than the Samson saga, his name has been mentioned in trade discussions, with teams like CSK and KKR reportedly showing interest.
• Mayank Yadav: The young pacer’s future is a key talking point. Despite being retained by LSG for a significant sum, injuries have limited his game time. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that Mayank could be a high-profile player entering the auction if LSG decides to release him, which would make him available for trade talks beforehand.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Trade Window: Player Transfers, Rumors, and Biggest Deals

IPL 2026 Trade and Retention Rules

The IPL 2026 season is a mini-auction year, which means most teams will retain their core players. However, the rules for player retention and trade are a crucial element of team strategy:

• Retention Limit: Teams can retain a maximum of six players, which can be a combination of retention and the Right to Match (RTM) option. This includes a maximum of five capped players (Indian & Overseas) and two uncapped players.
• Salary Purse: The auction purse for IPL 2026 has been set at INR 151 Crores. Any traded player’s salary is deducted from the team’s purse, making strategic releases and trades essential for financial flexibility.

A Look at Team Strategies and Likely Releases

Franchises are meticulously analyzing their squads to identify players to release, thereby freeing up cash for the auction. Based on recent performance and team balance, here are some likely candidates to be released or put on the trade list:

• Chennai Super Kings: With a disappointing 2025 season, CSK may look to overhaul some of their expensive, underperforming players. Ravichandran Ashwin is a prime candidate, as is Rachin Ravindra, who struggled to make a consistent impact.
• Lucknow Super Giants: Beyond the speculation around KL Rahul, LSG may look to offload some of their costly players who have not delivered. Avesh Khan and David Miller are two expensive players who could be released to free up funds.
• Delhi Capitals: Veteran opener Faf du Plessis, who showed declining returns last season, could be released to make way for a younger talent.
• Punjab Kings: Despite a strong campaign, Punjab Kings may cut ties with chronic underperformers. Glenn Maxwell, who had a dismal IPL 2025, is a major release candidate.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Coaching Staff: Complete List of All 10 Teams, Salaries & Updates

FAQ Section

Q1: Is the IPL 2026 trade window open now?

A: Yes, the IPL 2026 pre-auction trade window is currently open. It began a month after the IPL 2025 season ended and will run until one week before the mini-auction.

Q2: Which player is most likely to be traded in IPL 2026?

A: Based on numerous reports, Sanju Samson is the most likely and high-profile player to be traded. There are ongoing talks between his current franchise, Rajasthan Royals, and other teams, most notably Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Q3: Can teams trade players after the IPL 2026 auction?

A: Yes, the IPL trading window reopens after the auction and remains active until a month before the start of the IPL 2026 season.

Q4: How does a player trade work in the IPL?

A: A player trade can be either a direct swap between two franchises or an all-cash deal where one team pays a fee to another to acquire a player. All trades require the player’s consent and final approval from the IPL governing council.

Q5: What are the IPL 2026 retention rules?

A: For the IPL 2026 mini-auction, teams can retain a maximum of six players, which can include a combination of retentions and Right to Match (RTM) options. The total includes a limit of five capped players and two uncapped players.