The question everyone is asking — will India host the 2026 IPL Auction? According to a Cricbuzz report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may once again look beyond home soil. Abu Dhabi has emerged as the leading contender, with Oman and Qatar also being explored. I found this development both predictable and peculiar, considering BCCI’s earlier wish to keep the event domestic. The board, however, seems to have hit a logistical wall. The proposed December window collides with India’s festive and wedding season, leaving limited options for a large-scale venue. Teams, I learned, have not been given any formal confirmation, but subtle hints have already surfaced. Sources indicate that the final call could be taken before November 15 — the retention deadline for all franchises. Early projections suggest a mid-December auction, likely in the latter half of the month. The final decision, though, lies with the BCCI’s event operations team, which continues to assess feasibility, travel arrangements, and broadcast logistics before issuing an official confirmation. Read also: IPL 2026: 5 Players RCB Might Target in Mini-Auction Franchises await retention clarity amid trade buzz With less than two weeks before retention lists close, the IPL ecosystem is buzzing. I can sense the intensity building around trade talks and high-value retentions. Sanju Samson’s name leads those conversations yet again. Despite inconsistent outings for India, his IPL stature keeps him on several teams’ radar. Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale’s scheduled arrival in Mumbai this Tuesday adds to the speculation. Key calls — including on Samson, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga — are expected soon. Interestingly, both Sri Lankan spinners were marked for release during Rahul Dravid’s tenure. But with Kumar Sangakkara back in charge, insiders suggest the Royals might revise their plans. For now, both the venue and team compositions hang in the balance, as franchises wait for BCCI’s final word before proceeding with retention formalities.