The IPL 2026 trading window, which opens a month after the season ends until a week before the next auction, is currently open. Here are all the live updates about player transfers so far.
A player trade in the IPL generally allows a team to acquire a player's services without going into the auction. It can be done in two ways: either through a direct swap of players with a differential fee or via an all-cash deal. In the latter option, franchises mutually agree on the transfer based on an undisclosed fee.
The most iconic all-cash transfer in IPL history so far has been Hardik Pandya's return to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season. While MI were deducted INR 15 crore from their auction purse due to the transfer, the deal is reported to have been finalised for a transfer fee of INR 100 crore paid to the Gujarat Titans.
One of the earliest recorded player swaps dates back to 2009 when the Mumbai Indians traded Robin Uthappa to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in exchange for Zaheer Khan. That season, Shikhar Dhawan also moved from MI to Delhi Daredevils in exchange for Ashish Nehra.
Recently, speculations have been rife that Sanju Samson and R Ashwin are considering moves away from their respective franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. The last IPL auction was held in November 2024, and we are just months away from the next player auction. But before that, teams will have an opportunity to reshuffle their squads via trades before heading into the bidding war.
Also Read: IPL 2026 player trades: What are the rules for players to switch teams?
IPL 2026: Latest trade updates
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Samson opens up amid speculations over future at RR
Sanju Samson has opened about the speculations surrounding his future at RR.
"RR has meant the world to me. A small child coming from a village in Kerala, wanting to show his talent," Samson said on Ashwin's YouTube show.
"And then Rahul Dravid sir and Manoj Badale sir gave me a stage to get up and show the world what I am made of."
The IPL 2026 trading window is currently open, allowing teams to reshuffle their squads ahead of the auction. Here’s what the league’s rules state about player transfers during this period.
'It's a mutual discussion' – CSK reportedly in talks with Ashwin over future
An IPL source told PTI on the speculations on Ashwin's departure from CSK: "It is early stages to decide on any player's future. The cut off date for retention is yet to be announced. So we have time.
"It's a pre-auction plan to hold discussions with players and Ashwin, being a senior, is part of it. It is a mutual discussion to understand his role in the team ahead of next IPL season," he added.
Report: Ashwin set to leave CSK
According to a Cricbuzz report, R Ashwin is likely to part ways with the Chennai Super Kings franchise.
"The veteran offspinner is believed to have made up his mind and is understood to have conveyed this to the franchise," the report added.
The off-spinner had reunited with CSK after 10 years in 2025.
Samson reportedly asks RR to release him
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has asked the franchise to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
However, the report does not specify whether RR intend to trade Samson to another franchise or release him into the auction pool.
Cricbuzz also reported about Samson's possible departure from the RR's camp.
