The upcoming mini-auction for the 2025–26 season will be held on 16 December 2025, and the venue chosen is Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi — the same location previously announced. The date and place mark a critical moment in the tournament’s schedule: with many slots still open and purse funds available, this auction will determine final rosters and set the tone for the season’s opening weeks.
With 77 slots to be filled across franchises, and substantial purse money on the table, this mini-auction is shaping up to be a battleground for talent. Teams will have the chance to pick from the pool of unretained players, including internationally experienced cricketers, promising domestic talents, and specialised T20 performers. For many players, 16 December represents a last chance to secure a place in the league for the upcoming season.
Because the auction is in Abu Dhabi, logistics are straightforward for franchises: travel arrangements and planning can proceed without city-shifts. Teams now have a fixed time and location to prepare scouting reports, shortlist target players, and finalize bidding strategy. The stability of venue and timing allows franchises to align their budgets, manage overseas-player quotas, and prepare for possible last-minute buys if injuries or withdrawals occur.
For the players, this mini-auction represents opportunity and risk in equal measure. With many high-profile names already demanding top base prices, competition will be fierce. Some may go for high bids, others might be picked by surprise by teams seeking value or bench depth. The schedule gives players — both domestic and overseas — time to prepare mentally, and physically (fitness, availability), before the auction.
Given the size of the purse and the number of slots available, expect the mini-auction to be aggressive and highly competitive. Franchises might stretch for marquee players, but mid-tier players — especially all-rounders, death-over specialists, and emerging young talent — could end up being the strategic buys that define squad balance. The 16 December date now looms large for all stakeholders: teams, players, and fans alike.
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