Full list of trades, retentions and releases of IPL 2026 - Pathirana released by CSK

The IPL 2026 season is set to witness dynamic team changes as several high-profile trades have recently been finalised. These trades have shuffled some of the league’s most experienced and impactful players across franchises, promising fresh excitement and strategic depth for fans and teams alike. With the retention deadline fast approaching, franchises have made bold moves to strengthen their squads. The latest trades involving prominent players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, and Mohammed Shami highlight the competitive spirit and evolving strategies of IPL teams ahead of the new season.

When is the deadline for IPL 2026 retentions?

Franchises can announce their retentions till November 2025, 5 pm IST.

Retentions, and swaps so far

Jadeja to RR, Sanju to CSK

The standout trade sees veteran all-rounder and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ravindra Jadeja joining Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jadeja, a seasoned campaigner with over 250 IPL matches under his belt, spent 12 seasons with CSK before this move.

His transfer comes with a revised league fee dropped from INR 18 crore to INR 14 crore.

In return, RR captain and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will switch allegiance to Chennai Super Kings while maintaining his existing league fee of INR 18 crore. Samson, having played 177 IPL games, will be representing his third franchise after debuting in 2013.

Apart from RR, he had brief stints with Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017. This trade adds a new chapter in Samson's career, aligning with CSK’s strategy to bolster their middle-order and leadership cadre.

England all-rounder Sam Curran is also on the move from CSK to RR, retaining his league fee of INR 2.4 crore. Now 27, Curran has been part of three IPL franchises, having previously played for Punjab Kings before his tenure at CSK.

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Shami, Tendulkar to LSG

In another significant transaction, veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following a successful trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Shami, who debuted in IPL 2013, has played 119 matches across five franchises. 

His move to LSG comes without a change in his existing fee. The pacer, who clinched the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets, aims to bolster LSG’s pace attack after a successful previous spell with Gujarat Titans and recovery from injury-related absence in 2024.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have secured promising leg-spinner Mayank Markande in a trade from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Markande, acquired by KKR for INR 30 lakh, now returns to MI at his existing fee. 

Having launched his career with MI, playing intermittently from 2018 to 2022 before moving through other franchises, Markande has featured in 37 IPL games taking an equal number of wickets.

Bowling all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar will also join LSG after moving from MI. Tendulkar, first picked in 2021, debuted in 2023 for MI and will bring his developing skills to LSG while keeping his current fee of INR 30 lakh.

Nitish Rana to Delhi

Left-handed batter Nitish Rana has shifted from RR to Delhi Capitals (DC) on terms that retain his existing fee of INR 4.2 crore. Rana, a seasoned campaigner with over 100 IPL matches and a former KKR captain during Shreyas Iyer's injury spell, strengthens DC’s middle order.

Another noteworthy trade has all-rounder Donovan Ferreira returning to his first franchise RR from DC. His league fee has been increased from INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore.

Pathirana released by CSK

Chennai Super Kings have been carefully considering their options regarding Matheesha Pathirana, and it appears they have now decided to release him into the auction pool. Previously retained for the 2024 season at a price of INR 13 crore, Pathirana will be looking for a new franchise this time around.

In IPL 2024, Pathirana took 13 wickets across 12 matches, but his economy rate of 10.13 raised some concerns. Head coach Stephen Fleming noted that the decline in Pathirana’s effectiveness might be linked to adjustments made by Sri Lanka Cricket officials, who reportedly altered his bowling release point, leading to some difficulties in his performance. This factor played a significant role in CSK’s decision to let him go.