**IPL 2026: Retentions, Trades, and Key Updates Ahead of the Mini-Auction**
IPL franchises are gearing up to confirm their list of retained players ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 mini-auction. As the retention day approaches, there has been a lot of discussion around which star players should be retained or released. Additionally, several interesting trades have taken place, reshaping the teams ahead of the new season.
### Major Player Trades Ahead of IPL 2026
– **Shardul Thakur**: The seasoned Indian all-rounder has been traded from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to Mumbai Indians (MI). Thakur joined LSG as an injury replacement in IPL 2025 and will now move to MI for a player fee of ₹2 crore.
– **Sherfane Rutherford**: The West Indies all-rounder has also been traded to MI from Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹2.6 crore.
– **Sanju Samson**: According to ESPNcricinfo, the keeper-batter has been traded from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In exchange, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran will move to RR.
– **Arjun Tendulkar**: The young talent has been traded from MI to LSG for ₹30 lakh.
– **Mohammad Shami**: Reports suggest that the experienced Indian pacer is set to be traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to LSG in an all-cash deal worth ₹10 crore. The 35-year-old fast bowler’s move is expected to add depth to LSG’s bowling attack.
### IPL 2026 Retentions Deadline
All 10 franchises must finalize and confirm their player retentions before the IPL 2026 auction deadline—**Saturday, November 15**. The official retention list will start being released around **5 PM IST** on the day.
### IPL 2026 Retention Rules
This year, the IPL auction will be a mini-auction, allowing franchises to retain **unlimited players**. However, teams must ensure that their squad size does not exceed the **prescribed limit of 25 players**.
Each franchise is expected to have a total purse of around **₹120 crore** for IPL 2026, providing ample scope for strategic player retention and acquisitions.
### Where to Watch Live Streaming of IPL 2026 Retentions
Fans can catch the live telecast of the IPL 2026 retentions on the Star Sports network channels including:
– Star Sports 2 (English)
– Star Sports 2 Hindi
– Star Sports 2 Tamil
– Star Sports 2 Telugu
– Star Sports 2 Malayalam
Additionally, live streaming will be available on the **JioHotstar app** and the JioHotstar website. Coverage will begin at **5:00 PM IST** on retention day.
### IPL 2026 Auction Date
The official date for the IPL 2026 mini-auction is yet to be confirmed. However, ESPNcricinfo reports suggest the auction is likely to take place on **December 16** in **Abu Dhabi**.
For context, the IPL 2024 auction was held in Dubai, while the two-day mega-auction for IPL 2025 took place in Jeddah in November 2024.
### Key Support Staff Changes Ahead of IPL 2026
– **Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)** have appointed former New Zealand captain **Tim Southee** as their bowling coach. Southee has prior experience as a bowling consultant for England’s Test team. The franchise had earlier named **Abhishek Nayar** as head coach, with former Australian all-rounder **Shane Watson** joining as assistant coach.
– **Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)** have named former Australian all-rounder and experienced coach **Tom Moody** as their global director of cricket. Moody will oversee LSG’s cricketing operations and also be involved with Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and their franchise in The Hundred.
– Despite Lucknow’s poor showing in IPL 2025, **Justin Langer** has been retained as head coach. In addition, Kiwi legend **Kane Williamson** has been appointed as strategic advisor to LSG.
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With these developments, IPL 2026 promises to be an exciting season filled with strategic moves, fresh talent, and enhanced team dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates as franchises reveal their finalized squads!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipl-2026-retentions-player-trades-rules-deadline-live-streaming-details-need-know
