The reverse countdown to the IPL 2026 auction has begun, with the mini auction scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Just a month before the auction, all 10 IPL franchises have announced their lists of retained and released players.
Unlike previous seasons, multiple franchises were very active during this year’s trade window. The biggest trade saw star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja move from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR). Having played 200 matches for CSK, Jadeja returns to his first-ever IPL team, RR, for the 2026 edition.
Meanwhile, CSK signed former RR captain Sanju Samson during the trade window. Another significant move was Lucknow Super Giants acquiring ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami from SunRisers Hyderabad ahead of the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly targeted Delhi Capitals’ wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in the trade window but were unable to secure his services. KKR have released a majority of their big names ahead of the auction and now hold the highest purse value among the teams for the upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
### Purse Remaining with the 10 Teams for IPL 2026 Auction
The maximum salary cap for all 10 teams is ₹110 crore. Here’s how much money remains with each franchise after the retention lists were finalized:
– Gujarat Titans: ₹12.9 crore
– SunRisers Hyderabad: ₹25.5 crore
– Lucknow Super Giants: ₹22.95 crore
– Punjab Kings: ₹11.5 crore
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru: ₹16.4 crore
– Delhi Capitals: ₹21.8 crore
– Mumbai Indians: ₹2.75 crore
– Kolkata Knight Riders: ₹64.3 crore
– Rajasthan Royals: ₹16.05 crore
– Chennai Super Kings: ₹43.4 crore
### Spots Remaining in the 10 Teams Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
For IPL 2026, each team can have a maximum of 25 players, including up to eight overseas players. Below is the number of vacant slots in each team after the retention lists were announced:
– Gujarat Titans: 5 spots (4 overseas)
– SunRisers Hyderabad: 10 spots (2 overseas)
– Lucknow Super Giants: 6 spots (4 overseas)
– Punjab Kings: 4 spots (2 overseas)
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 8 spots (2 overseas)
– Delhi Capitals: 8 spots (5 overseas)
– Mumbai Indians: 5 spots (1 overseas)
– Kolkata Knight Riders: 13 spots (6 overseas)
– Rajasthan Royals: 9 spots (1 overseas)
– Chennai Super Kings: 9 spots (4 overseas)
As the auction approaches, teams will look to strengthen their squads by filling these vacant slots while staying within their remaining salary purse. With a dynamic trade window and strategic player retention, IPL 2026 promises to be an exciting season ahead.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-ipl-2026-auction-full-list-purse-remaining-10-franchises-retentions