The IPL 2026 mini-auction is anticipated to take place in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. Initially, it was thought to be held in India. Reports indicate that the auction may be scheduled for December 15 and 16, but the BCCI has yet to confirm this officially. If this occurs, it would mark the third consecutive year that the IPL auction is conducted outside of India, following previous events in Jeddah and Dubai. The BCCI had aimed to relocate it back to India but faced difficulties in timing it with the cricket calendar.
Abu Dhabi was selected due to its excellent stadiums and facilities, having previously hosted numerous significant cricket matches, which also aids in promoting the IPL to a global audience. All IPL teams are required to submit their lists of retained and released players by November 15, which will assist them in their preparations for the auction day. The mini-auction in Abu Dhabi will determine the team rosters for IPL 2026.