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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R Ashwin retires from IPL
Putting an end to all the speculation, the former India bowler will now look to explore overseas T20 leagues.
If not CSK, where could Samson go?
If RR were to lose Sanju Samson, they would likely want an Indian spinner and/or a finisher in return.
KKR might be a viable destination for Samson, as the 2024 champions could certainly use a first-choice Indian wicketkeeper.
In any case, RR lead owner Manoj Badale is reportedly handling the negotiations personally.
Report: RR trying to trade Samson with CSK
According to a Cricbuzz report, "Rajasthan Royals have approached multiple franchises after Sanju Samson’s trade request", among whom, the "hottest link" is CSK.
The report further suggests RR have asked for Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dube in exchange for Samson, but CSK don't seem willing.
LSG set to part ways with mentor Zaheer Khan
A Times of India report claims that Zaheer Khan, mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, is set to leave his role with his replacement supposed to be given a bigger role "to montior RPSG group's other franchises".
Mitchell Owen, Cam Green to be expensive buys in the 2026 IPL auction: Ashwin
R Ashwin has predicted that the two Australian stars could fetch big bucks in the mini-auction ahead of the 2026 IPL. He also stated that pacer Mayank Yadav could be among the high-profile Indian players who enter the auction. Mayank was retained by LSG for Rs 11 crore this season, but persistent injuries limited his game time.
R Ashwin asks for clarity ahead of 2026 IPL
As rumours of Ashwin exiting CSK gain ground, the off-spinner confirmed on his YouTube channel that he has only asked for clarity: "Last year, I played only nine games; in all my years of playing in the IPL, that was the first year I played just nine games. I always used to play every game for whichever franchise I was in, so it was my first experience like that. I asked for clarity from my side, but I asked for it during the IPL season itself."
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.
