Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Robin Uthappa shared a huge change in the structure of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of
the 2026 auction. However, all the franchises announced their list of retained and released players before the mini auction for the IPL 2026 as well. Uthappa also expressed that IPL needed to develop and do away with auctions and mini auctions as well, where he suggested for an open trade window or draft system like in other sporting leagues around the world.

“They are not taking it beyond the start-up stage. It is baffling. You are the leading cricket league in the world. Mature now. Just get on with it. Stop with the auctions and keep the trade window open throughout the year. Have a draft and get rid of the auctions. For crying out loud, get rid of the auctions. I have been saying this even when I was playing,” he said on his YouTube channel. “They are not going beyond the entertainment mindset, for TV. Even a draft can be great TV. You will get your fans engaging. Just get it going. I think it should be like a six-month league. You can have international fixtures in between. It has to evolve.”

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However, the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are among the most successful teams in IPL history with five titles. And,
Robin Uthappa pointed out that MI’s scouting system put them apart from others as well.

“They (MI) have a great scouting system. They actually send scouts to not just domestic leagues in India but every other league around the world. They are also looking to fringe players at practice sessions and in other leagues. I think that is what makes them a successful franchise. They do everything possible to give the players the best preparation. Mumbai to do it really well, Chennai do it really well, Kolkata do it well,” Robin Uthappa concluded.