The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 came to an end last month, but the fans cannot calm down yet as negotiations for the next season in 2026 have already begun. This is due to the fact that the IPL trade window has now opened. This period gives all 10 teams a chance to change their squads. They can release players they no longer need and add new ones by trading with other franchises.

This trade window has gained much popularity, particularly due to the fact that some household names could switch teams. In this article, we will clarify what the IPL trade window is and how long it remains open.

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The trade window in the IPL is a once-a-year period when franchises can do trades involving players before, or after, the auction. One team will, during this time, be able to acquire a player from another club in two manners: by either transferring money or by player exchanges.

For instance, Hardik Pandya was traded back to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. He led Gujarat to an IPL title in 2022 but was repatriated to MI in an all-cash transaction. This is a classic example of the trade window.

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There are two periods when the trade window remains open:

• First Window: This opens at 9 AM (IST) seven days after the IPL 2025 concluded and remains open until 5 PM (IST), seven days prior to the IPL 2026 auction. As the 2025 season concluded on June 3, the first window opened on June 10.

• Second Window: This opens at 9 AM (IST) the day following the end of the IPL auction and closes at 5 PM (IST) 30 days prior to IPL 2026. For instance, if the auction closes on December 10, 2025, then the window opens on December 11. In case IPL 2026 commences on March 22, the window closes on February 22.

This trading system provides the teams with a balanced opportunity to re-establish themselves and improve for the upcoming season.