There were a few surprises but most picks were on the expected lines as all 8 teams announced their retentions for IPL 2022 season. MS Dhoni was not Chennai Super Kings's first pick while Punjab Kings did not retain KL Rahul. Royal Challengers Bangalore retained Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad went for Kane Williamson but did not retain either David Warner or Rashid Khan.

Read Also: "Team not worried about Kohli"s form": Rohit Sharma

IPL 2022 Mega Auction : retained players

Retaining players cost the franchises a hefty amount if a team used all 4 options of retention then the total purse available for the 4 players was Rs 42 Crores. The first chosen player got Rs 16 Crores, the 2nd fetched Rs 12 Crores, the 3rd got a sum of Rs 8 Crores, and the 4th received Rs 6 Crores for their services.

The Punjab Kings thus have the highest salary purse available with INR 72 crore. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have the least at INR 47.50 to be used at the mega auction.

Mumbai Indians

1. Rohit Sharma – Rs 16 crores
2. Jasprit Bumrah – Rs 12 crores
3. Suryakumar Yadav – Rs 8 crores
4. Kieron Pollard – Rs 6 crores

Delhi Capitals

1. Rishabh Pant – Rs 16 crores
2. Axar Patel – Rs 9 crores
3. Prithvi Shaw – Rs 7.5 crores
4. Anrich Nortje – Rs 6.5 crores

Kolkata Knight Riders

1. Andre Russell – Rs 12 crores
2. Varun Chakravarthy – Rs 8 crores
3. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 8 crores
4. Sunil Narine – Rs 6 crores

Also Read: Most expensive players in each season of IPL auction

Chennai Super Kings

1. Ravindra Jadeja – Rs 16 crores
2. MS Dhoni – Rs 12 crores
3. Moeen Ali – Rs 8 crores
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad – Rs 6 crores

Rajasthan Royals

1. Sanju Samson – Rs 14 crores
2. Jos Buttler – Rs 10 crores
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal – Rs 4 crores

Royal Challengers Bangalore

1. Virat Kohli – Rs 15 crores
2. Glenn Maxwell – Rs 11 crores
3. Mohammed Siraj – Rs 7 crores

Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. Kane Williamson – Rs 14 crores
2. Abdul Samad – Rs 4 crores
3. Umran Malik – Rs 4 crores

Punjab Kings

1. Mayank Agarwal – Rs 12 crores
2. Arshdeep Singh – Rs 4 crores

Read Also: "I am a big fan of Ishan Kishan, he can smash 70-80 of 30 balls": Harbhajan Singh

The two new teams Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants have picked their first three draft picks. Let's check out.

Gujarat Titans

1. Hardik Pandya – Rs 15 crores
2. Rashid Khan – Rs 15 crores
3. Subhman Gill – Rs 8 crores

Lucknow Super Giants

1. KL Rahul – Rs 17 crores
2. Marcus Stoinis – Rs 9.2 crores
3. Ravi Bishnoi – Rs 4 crores

The auction for the next season of the Indian Premier League, IPL 2026, is expected to take place in December. It is reported that the auction could take place between December 13th and 15th. The BCCI has not yet finalized the auction date.

Compared to IPL 2025, this time a "mini auction" will be held, with fewer players up for grabs than last time. The same Cricbuzz report also stated that the deadline for retaining players could be November 15th.

Also Read: Exclusive: 'Would love to see her bat up the order,' Shib Shankar Paul, after Richa Ghosh's record-breaking 94 against South Africa

According to Cricbuzz, it has not yet been decided whether the auction will take place abroad or in India. Sources believe the BCCI may hold a "mini auction" in India, but the situation remains unclear.

Deadline for retention list

According to reports, all teams will have to release their retention lists by November 15th. By this date, teams must submit a list of players they wish to release. It is unlikely that there will be significant player changes.

Who can be released?

There is speculation that Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and star batsman Devon Conway could also be released before the 'mini auction.' In recent months, speculation about Sanju Samson being traded has also gained momentum.

It has also been reported that Rajasthan Royals may release their two main spin bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. However, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara will be the head coach of RR next season, so Hasaranga and Theekshana may not be released.

These players can get a new team

Some other players including Mitchell Starc, Akashdeep, T Natarajan, Mayank Yadav and David Miller may join the new team, but nothing is clear on this. Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought by KKR for ₹23.75 crore last season, could also be on the line. There is speculation that Cameron Green could become one of the most expensive players in the auction.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Which matches will be streamed LIVE?

Players who can be retained

Mumbai is anyway, likely to retain Hardik Pandya, Surya Kumar Yadav, Bumrah and others. Chennai will retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni and Jadeja. Bengaluru is likely to keep hold of captain Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, amongst others. 

The final list of retentions will be out in roughly a month from now, and this will potentially set the stage for the upcoming auction in December.

N Srinivasan, the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made a comeback in sports administration as the chairman of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

80-year-old Srinivasan was appointed the president of the franchise in the CSK board meeting a few weeks ago. Although he will play an advisory role, his presence will strengthen the strategic direction of the team.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Bronco Test not take place in Bengaluru, know the reason

Srinivasan will serve as an advisory role

At this age, N Srinivasan will not be able to travel much. That is why his role will mainly be that of an advisor. The team's CEO Kasi Viswanthan clarified that CSK will remain in constant touch with him and will seek his guidance in important decisions. His strategic thinking and administrative skills will help set a new direction for the team.

"See, it's a great boon for CSK and he's been the best administrator for us and I'm very happy that he's come back into CSK. He'll be in an advisory role only because he doesn't travel much, but we'll be in contact with him.

"Both of us are in Chennai only. So he's in day-to-day contact with us," said Viswanathan.

Will also oversee global leagues

Chennai Super Kings is not limited to IPL only. It also has stakes in South Africa's SA20 League and America's Major Cricket League (MLC). N Srinivasan will oversee CSK's properties in both these leagues.

The CEO said Srinivasan will be in charge of all global properties and his guidance will further strengthen the international identity of the franchise. "He will be in charge everything (all CSK properties)" said the CEO.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

CSK is already one of the most successful and popular franchises in the IPL. MS Dhoni's captaincy and stable administration have made it a brand.

Now Srinivasan's return will not only give the team strategic strength but will also strengthen the image of the franchise at the global level. His deep understanding and long experience in cricket administration is expected to make CSK's future even brighter.

Rahul Dravid has decided to part ways with Rajasthan Royals as a head coach ahead of the 2026 IPL season, after turning down a "broader position" within the franchise. Rajasthan Royals announce this on Saturday.

The Indian team won the T20 World Cup last year under the coaching of Rahul Dravid. After this, his contract ended. After leaving the post of head coach of the Indian team, Dravid joined Rajasthan Royals as a head coach ahead of IPL 2025. However, the performance of the RR team was quite disappointing. Now, after just one season, Dravid has decided to part ways with the team.

Also Read: Value of the IPL Franchises since 2008 to the present

'Rahul has been central to the Royals' journey'

Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 202

Rajasthan Royals posted on social media X and informed about Dravid's resignation. The franchise wrote, "Rahul has been central to the Royals' journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise,"

"As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise," the statement added.

The franchise said that Rahul Dravid was offered some other position instead of the head coach. He refused this and resigned.

RR won only 4 matches in 2025

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid was part of Rajasthan Royals as a player from 2011 to 2015. He then returned to the franchise last year. The Royals' 2025 campaign was disappointing. The team won only 4 matches in 14 matches. Rajasthan Royals finished 9th in the table with 8 points. The franchise has not won any title since the first season of IPL.

Also Read: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours

Samson to leave the franchise?

Interestingly, the Royals announcement comes amidst rumours that skipper Sanju Samson also wants to leave the franchise. If Samson also leaves the side, it will leave the Royals in a tricky position a few months before the mini auction.

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and a total of 8 teams are to participate in it. But even before the tournament starts, a big change has been made in its schedule.

After the stampede in Bengaluru, the ICC has now decided to shift the matches to be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the ground in Navi Mumbai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Indian squad announced, Shefali Verma not in the team

Matches cancelled in Bengaluru due to RCB stampede case

After 17 years of long wait, RCB team finally won the IPL 2025 title. After this, RCB players gathered at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to celebrate the victory. There was a huge crowd to see them and after this many fans lost their lives due to a stampede.

Then the Karnataka government formed a commission, which declared the Bengaluru ground unsafe for big events. Now after this, the ICC has decided not to hold matches on the Bengaluru ground.

Matches will be held at Navi Mumbai ground

The match between India and Sri Lanka was to be held on 30 September at Bengaluru ground, which will now be played at Guwahati ground. The match between England and South Africa was also scheduled to be held on 3 October, which will now be held in Guwahati. The match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on 20 October was to be played at Colombo ground, which will now be played at Navi Mumbai ground. 

On the other hand, Navi Mumbai has got two more matches to be played in Bengaluru. These include India vs New Zealand (23 October) and India vs Bangladesh (26 October). There is also a strong possibility that the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final will be held either in Navi Mumbai or Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Also Read: India Cricket team's performance in every ICC Women's World Cup

Jay Shah expressed satisfaction about the new venue

"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Jay Shah said in an ICC release.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in the journey of the women’s game. This World Cup has the potential to be remembered as one of those defining milestones that shaped the sport’s future, not only in India but across the cricketing world.

“While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans.”

A single social media activity has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world ahead of IPL 2026 auction. A recent 'hint' from Sanju Samson's manager has intensified the possibility of his transfer to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in the next season.

Fans are wondering whether this would come true and change the landscape for both the teams in the future, or is it just another false call.

There's been a mixed bag of positive and upsetting reactions in the past 24 hours, but the real question still stands: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Check out how Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours.

"Time to Move": Samson's recent viral Instagram post

On June 7, Sanju Samson posted a photo on Instagram that begin the rumors. The image featured him alongside his wife, crossing a prominent yellow line on the road. He captioned the post: "Time to MOVE..!!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sanju V Samson (@imsanjusamson)

This visual cue, combined with the caption and the fact that a Tamil song ('Mun Andhi' from 7 Aum Arivu) was also part of the post, immediately sparked discussion. The comments section was quickly flooded with fans linking the "yellow" color and the "move" message to the Chennai Super Kings.

Comments like "He is definitely moving to CSK" and "Welcome to CSK 💛" can be seen all over the post.

Read Also: "Whatever the future brings," Yashasvi Jasiwal's cryptic post after the Royals' end of IPL 2025

Manager's IPL 2026 hint that sparked Sanju Samson transfer rumours

The intense speculation regarding Sanju Samson moving to CSK for IPL 2026 intensified due to a subtle yet impactful social media action by his manager, Prashob Suvedan. He liked a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which explicitly stated that Samson might be released from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

This gets more interesting as the post also claimed CSK having already approached Samson regarding the move.

Therefore, the timing and nature of his manager's digital interaction ignited widespread speculation and put a layer of possibility about this matter.

Read Also: Value of the IPL Franchises since 2008 to the present

How the cricket fans reacted:

Fans have flooded with opinions and future calculations after the incident. Here's a glimpse of that:

Can’t blame them 😉 https://t.co/XviV2CVSM8 pic.twitter.com/RHsZDNJUZ7

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 16, 2025

🚨 Sanju Samson wants to join CSK, CSK wants Sanju Samson. Talks are on but it is not at all this simple.

RR doesn't want to trade Samson with any CSK's player, if Samson wants to join CSK then he will have to do it through auction. But then in Auction there is KKR who gonna… pic.twitter.com/Dy6mpX1Ke2

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 17, 2025

Sanju Samson's manager Prashobh Sudevan has liked a post which says that Sanju Samson will be released by Rajasthan Royals.

This means that Sanju is definitely joining CSK.💛#csk #WhistlePodu #IPL #SanjuSamson #MSDhoni𓃵 pic.twitter.com/VNtAiOzlrs

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) June 16, 2025