IPL 2026 retention rules: How many players can teams keep? All you need to know before Nov 15 deadline

IPL 2026: All you need to know about retentions and more. (BCCI Photo)

IPL 2026: This is the time of year when the next Indian Premier League (IPL) is a hot topic. As the IPL 2026 retention deadline draws closer, clubs like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians are drawing increasing attention.

Since most teams have already decided on their final retention list, this season this will be a mini-auction, unlike the previous one. Additionally, there are some significant trade agreements going on in the background.

A mini auction does not restrict the number of retentions for IPL teams, in contrast to a mega auction. An IPL franchise may have up to 25 players, and each franchise will receive a total payment of about Rs 120 crore, as per the tournament regulations.

The IPL 2026 retention deadline is November 15 (Saturday). At approximately 5:00 PM IST, each franchise's list of players who have been retained and released will be made public.

IPL retention talks for @LucknowIPL are underway. Delighted to have @TomMoodyCricket on board, bringing immense experience and strategic insight. Great discussion with @RishabhPant17, Justin Langer, and Bharat Arun as we plan for the season ahead.#LSGpic.twitter.com/8R3GmQVHsy

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— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) November 13, 2025

On December 16, the IPL 2026 auction will take place in Abu Dhabi. For the third consecutive year, the IPL auction will be held overseas. The first overseas auction took place in Dubai in 2024. The two-day mega auction for the 2025 season was held in Jeddah in November 2024.

The Indian Premier League's official broadcasting partner is Star Sports. Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 (Hindi), Star Sports 2 (Tamil), Star Sports 2 (Telugu), and Star Sports 2 (Malayalam) will all broadcast the IPL 2026 retention live starting at 5 PM IST. The JioStar app and website will offer live coverage of the IPL 2026 retention.

Big calls. Bigger surprises. Watch our experts break down all the big retentions and shocking releases by the franchises for TATA IPL 2026! TATA IPL 2026 Retention Special  SUN, 15th NOV, 5 PM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/6id0xGCqHM — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 12, 2025

RCB are the reigning champions. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB ended their 18-year title drought by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar. With five trophies apiece, the Mumbai Indians and CSK are the most successful teams in the IPL. With three titles, KKR is the second most successful team.