The buzz has been getting bigger regarding the much-awaited IPL 2026 mini-auction, which is allegedly scheduled to happen in Abu Dhabi in the third week of December this year. Although there has been no official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, according to sources, the auction could take place on December 15 and 16. If that is the case, this will be the third year in a row that the IPL auction will have been held outside India. Third Consecutive Overseas Auction The IPL 2026 auction to be held in Abu Dhabi will continue the recent trend of taking the event overseas. The previous two IPL auctions were held in Jeddah and Dubai, respectively. As per reports, the BCCI did have plans to bring the event back home but struggled to find the right window in the home calendar. Eventually, the board opted to continue holding it abroad. Hosting the mini-auction overseas has been one of the new normals in the recent few years, which provides an international flavor to it, while engaging fans across the borders. Teams are preparing their final lists of retained and released players - a deadline of November 15 is set. This step will help franchises decide upon their strategy ahead of the big day in Abu Dhabi. Also Read | Rajasthan Royals demand top players for Sanju Samson swap Major Trade Between CSK and RR on the Cards The biggest stories leading up to the IPL 2026 auction center around a huge transfer between CSK and RR. If reports are to be believed, then Sanju Samson is likely to head over to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja is set to join RR in potentially one of the biggest player swaps in the history of the IPL. RR were reportedly in talks with multiple franchises for Samson's transfer, but discussions with Delhi Capitals didn't progress. CSK and RR, however, have been in constant communication and are expected to make the trade official soon. Meanwhile, the WPL auction is scheduled to be held in Delhi on November 27. All five franchises have announced their retentions and are set to finalize their squads later this month. With a number of teams seeking to strengthen their squads and new trades expected, the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi is going to be a grand event that promises to shape the next season of the tournament.