The IPL franchise retention and release lists for the upcoming season are being finalised as the 3 PM IST deadline is drawing near. The spotlight is on famous players like Matheesha Pathirana, Venkatesh Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, and Heinrich Klaasen as the teams get ready for the auction in December.
Franchises in Final Phase of Retention Decisions
As the retention window closes today, all 10 teams are completing contract evaluations, assessing player form, and shaping long-term strategies. Unlike last year’s mega auction, franchises have the freedom to retain as many players as they wish to preserve their core.
Major trade moves––including Sanju Samson to CSK and Ravindra Jadeja back to Rajasthan Royals––have already set the tone for a busy transfer season, but several significant announcements are still expected before the deadline.
IPL 2026 RETENTION — LIVE UPDATES
2:09 PM IST — KKR Likely to Retain Ajinkya Rahane
After their planned trade for KL Rahul fell through, Kolkata Knight Riders are inclined to retain Ajinkya Rahane, valuing his leadership experience and calm presence.
2:04 PM IST — Retention Deadline Nears
Franchises have until 3 PM IST to submit their official lists to the BCCI.
1:43 PM IST — SRH May Release Heinrich Klaasen
Sunrisers Hyderabad are reportedly set to release wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen following a disappointing season. However, SRH will retain Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
1:40 PM IST — KKR Considering Release of Venkatesh Iyer
KKR may let go of up to seven players, including their high-value signing Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore). Others likely to be released:
Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, and Anrich Nortje.
1:30 PM IST — CSK Set to Release Matheesha Pathirana
Chennai Super Kings are expected to part ways with Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was retained last season for ₹13 crore. Injury troubles and a modified bowling action reportedly played a key role in the decision.
12:41 PM IST — IPL 2026 Auction Window
This year’s auction is likely to be held December 13–16, with Abu Dhabi expected to host the event.
12:40 PM IST — Where to Watch IPL Retention Show
The IPL 2026 retention special will air live at 5 PM IST on:
- Star Sports 2
- Star Sports 2 Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam
Live streaming on JioStar (app & website).
12:35 PM IST — PBKS Likely to Release Glenn Maxwell
Punjab Kings may release Glenn Maxwell after his inconsistent performances across formats.
12:34 PM IST — LSG Bolster Bowling With Shami
Lucknow Super Giants have secured Mohammed Shami for ₹10 crore, adding a proven strike bowler to their attack.
12:32 PM IST — Devon Conway Leaves CSK
After three seasons with CSK, New Zealand opener Devon Conway has officially bid farewell. He was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2023 final.
12:26 PM IST — Delhi Capitals to Release Faf du Plessis, Harry Brook
Delhi Capitals are expected to release senior batter Faf du Plessis and English talent Harry Brook. Fast bowler Mohit Sharma and youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk may also be let go.
12:21 PM IST — Jadeja’s Message for Rajasthan Royals Fans
Ravindra Jadeja shared an emotional post after returning to his first IPL franchise:
“RR gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels like home.”
11:57 AM IST — Arjun Tendulkar Joins Lucknow Super Giants
One of the key trades of the window saw Arjun Tendulkar move from Mumbai Indians to LSG, where he is expected to receive more opportunities.
11:12 AM IST — Confirmed Trade List
- Ravindra Jadeja: CSK → RR (₹14 crore)
- Sam Curran: CSK → RR (₹2.4 crore)
- Sanju Samson: RR → CSK (₹18 crore)
- Mohammed Shami: SRH → LSG (₹10 crore)
- Mayank Markande: KKR → MI (₹30 lakh)
- Arjun Tendulkar: MI → LSG (₹30 lakh)
- Nitish Rana: RR → DC (₹4.2 crore)
- Donovan Ferreira: DC → RR (₹1 crore)
- Shardul Thakur: LSG → MI (₹2 crore)
- Sherfane Rutherford: GT → MI (₹2.6 crore)
