IPL 2026 Player Trade Window: Key Dates, Rules and Everything You Need to Know

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Player Trade Window sets the stage for a re-shuffle of high-profile moves and strategic teams ahead of the upcoming season. Speculation is swirling around celebrities like Sanja Samson and Ishan KishanHere we take a comprehensive look at the key dates, rules, and what to expect from this important period.

Important Date: IPL 2026 Player Trade Window

First trading window:

It opened at 9am on June 10th, 2025 (7 days after IPL 2025 ended on June 3rd).

It will remain open until 5pm, seven days before the IPL 2026 Player Auction. The auction date has not been announced yet.

Second trading window:

The opening will open at 9am the day after the IPL 2026 auction ends.

Closes to IST at 5pm, 30 days before the start of IPL 2026.

How does the IPL Trade window work?

Type of transaction:

All cash transactions: One team pays the player another (for example, moving to Hardik Pandya’s MI in 2024).

Player player swap: Teams exchange players directly.

All transactions require approval from the IPL Operating Authority.

Player Eligibility:

You can only trade players held by the franchise before the auction.

Players purchased at auctions are not eligible for trade in the same season.

Salary and contracts:

The purchasing team pays the player’s existing league fee (salary). This is deducted from the salary cap. Sales team wallets increase with the same amount.

Salaries can be renegotiated with BCCI approval. The increase is shared between players and sales teams. BCCI consent is required to reduce the number.

Player consent:

No transactions occur without the player’s agreement.

Foreign players:

Transactions involving overseas players require a certificate of objection (NOC) from the player’s homeboard.

Medical check:

The purchasing franchise is responsible for evaluating the player’s fitness and can request a health check before completing the transaction.

Trade restrictions:

There is no limit to the number of transactions, but each player can only trade one time between IPL 2025 and IPL 2026.

Teams must comply with squad size and pay cap rules.

Read again: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Major IPL 2026 Trade Movement is focusing on Sanju Samsung

Target Player

Sanju Samson to CSK:

According to multiple reports, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is actively pursuing Rajasthan Royals (RR) Captain Sanju Samson as a potential replacement for Ms Dhoni. Negotiations are underway, and several teams have shown interest in Samson.

Ishan Kishan to Michigan:

Mumbai Indians reportedly are looking for takeaway Ishan Kishan From Sunrisers Hyderabad after a shiny season with SRH.

Other prominent prospects:

The Mumbai Indians are filling key gaps in the team at Washington Sundar (GT), Kuldeepsen (PBKS) and Vishnuvinod (Kerala).

With a trade window open and the franchise is looking to bolster its lineup, fans can expect a surge in activity before the IPL 2026 auction and perhaps a blockbuster. All transactions must be finalized before the window closes, and if further moves, they will have to wait for the post-auction transaction period.

Read again: Rishabh Pant in the IPL big gun set to go under the hammer in Delhi Premier League 2025