IPL 2026 Trade Season – The IPL 2026 trade window is buzzing with activity as teams reshuffle their squads ahead of the mini-auction. Big names like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, and Liam Livingstone are at the centre of speculation, while some exciting uncapped players could also be on the move.
With the window open until a week before the IPL 2026 auction, franchises are aggressively exploring cash deals, swap trades, and tactical signings to fix gaps in their lineups.
How the IPL 2026 Trade Window Works
The IPL trade mechanism is designed to allow teams to restructure before heading into the auction:
- Timeline: Opens one month after the season ends, closes one week before the auction. Reopens post-auction until a month before the season starts.
- Trade Types:
- All-Cash Deal: Buying team pays an agreed transfer fee + player’s salary is deducted from their purse.
- Player Swap: Direct exchange of players, with purse adjustment if needed.
- Approval: All trades must be cleared by the IPL Governing Council.
- Player Consent: Considered important but the final decision lies with franchises.
- Financial Advantage: Transfer fee is separate from the purse deduction, helping richer teams secure star talent without inflating auction bids.
Latest IPL 2026 Trade Players Rumours & Updates
1. Sanju Samson – The Most Wanted Player
- RR Captaincy Speculation: Samson reportedly asked RR management to release him.
- CSK Interest: Seen as the perfect Dhoni successor, CSK is ready with a ₹25-28 Cr cash-heavy offer (possibly with player swaps like Shivam Dube or Jadeja).
- KKR Late Entry: KKR are also keen, hinting at captaincy role if Samson moves.
- Current Status: RR confirmed Samson is staying – but trade chatter refuses to die down.
2. Ishan Kishan – Possible Homecoming to MI
- SRH opener & wicketkeeper could return to Mumbai Indians in a Hardik-style reunion.
- KKR are also in race, looking for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter to free an overseas slot.
3. Venkatesh Iyer – Big-Money Exit from KKR
- Bought for ₹23.75 Cr in 2025, underperformed.
- RCB & SRH are frontrunners to sign him.
- A blockbuster swap with Liam Livingstone (RCB) is being discussed.
4. Glenn Maxwell – Possible Shift to CSK or GT
- PBKS may release or trade Maxwell after poor form.
- CSK eyeing him for spin-batting balance at Chepauk. GT also considering him for middle-order boost.
5. Liam Livingstone – RCB Exit Likely
- After a poor 2025 season, RCB could release or trade him.
- MI & LSG are interested as they look to strengthen their middle order.
6. Shardul Thakur – Return to CSK Possible
- Known Dhoni favourite, could be part of a swap from LSG to CSK or RCB.
Like to know: IPL 2026 Retained Players List
Uncapped Players Who Could Be Traded
| Player | Current Team | Likely Destination | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashutosh Sharma | DC | PBKS | Power-hitting finisher; PBKS need lower-order depth |
| Robin Minz | MI | CSK | Future wicketkeeper option post-Dhoni era |
| Manoj Bhandage | RCB | LSG | All-rounder offering big-hitting & bowling |
These under-the-radar trades could shape the bench strength of several franchises and prove crucial later in the season.
Like to know? Best All-Rounders in IPL History
IPL 2026 Trade Players List Summary Table (Rumours)
| Player | Current Team | Rumoured Destination | Deal Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | RR | CSK / KKR | Cash + Player Swap |
| Ishan Kishan | SRH | MI / KKR | All-Cash Deal |
| Venkatesh Iyer | KKR | RCB / SRH | Swap (Possibly Livingstone) |
| Liam Livingstone | RCB | MI / LSG | Swap or Auction Release |
| Glenn Maxwell | PBKS | CSK / GT | Trade or Auction |
| Shardul Thakur | LSG | CSK / RCB | Swap or Cash |
| Devon Conway | CSK | GT (rumoured) | Swap for Sundar + Tewatia |
What This Means Ahead of Mini-Auction
- Teams are prioritising Indian core players (Samson, Kishan, Iyer) because they provide balance and free up overseas slots.
- All-rounders remain hot property, with franchises chasing flexible players like Livingstone, Maxwell, and Shardul.
- CSK and MI are expected to be the busiest teams, revamping their squads to prepare for life after Dhoni and Rohit’s leadership phase.
Read more: – IPL 2026 Released Players List
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 trade window is already one of the most dramatic in recent years. Whether it’s Samson’s possible mega move, Ishan Kishan’s return to MI, or Venkatesh Iyer’s swap with Livingstone, fans can expect fireworks well before the auction begins.
With both star and uncapped players in the mix, the mini-auction will likely see fewer buys but more strategic picks. Keep an eye out for last-minute shockers — history suggests the biggest headlines often drop just before the window closes.
