The countdown to the highly anticipated 10th season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has officially begun. Ahead of the upcoming TNPL 2026 player auction, all eight franchises have locked in their core squads, revealing their lists of retained and released players. With the player registration window open from June 14 to June 25, 2026, the stage is perfectly set for a blockbuster auction.
This year’s retention phase features several major surprises. A crucial eligibility ruling from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has reshaped rosters, forcing teams into strategic manoeuvres to optimize their auction purses.
In a massive update ahead of the auction, TNCA Secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao clarified that players who have announced their retirement from BCCI-affiliated domestic and IPL cricket are no longer eligible to participate in the TNPL.
This strict ruling forced franchises to release several marquee names:
Ravichandran Ashwin: The veteran spinner and former Dindigul Dragons captain was released after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC).
Vijay Shankar: Released by Chepauk Super Gillies, the all-rounder is set to join the Kandy Royals in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) following his retirement from Indian domestic cricket.
Murugan Ashwin: The leg-spinner was released by Siechem Madurai Panthers after announcing his retirement from domestic and IPL cricket.
Additionally, defending champions Nellai Royal Kings released veteran wicketkeeper-batter K.B. Arun Karthick, while Chepauk Super Gillies parted ways with star player B. Aparajith, who informed the franchise of his unavailability for the upcoming season.
TNPL 2026 Retained Players Full List
The eight franchises have opted to retain their core strengths, blending experienced local stalwarts with promising young talent. Here is the complete list of players retained by all the teams:
Lyca Kovai Kings
The Kovai Kings have kept faith in their formidable core, retaining current international and IPL stars.
Retained Players: M. Shahrukh Khan, B. Sai Sudharsan, S. Lokeshwar, C. Andre Siddarth, M. Siddharth, R.S. Ambrish, B. Sachin, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, G. Govinth, R. Divakar, P. Vidyuth.
iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans
Tiruppur secured their leadership and bowling strength by retaining their captain and premier pacer.
Retained Players: R. Sai Kishore, T. Natarajan, R. Silambarasan, Tushar Raheja, S. Mohamed Ali, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, U. Sasidev, R.D. Pranav Raghavendra, V.P. Amith Sathvik, S. Mohan Prasath, C.V. Achyuth, M. Mathivanan, A. Esakkimuthu, V. Anovankar.
Dindigul Dragons
Despite losing R. Ashwin, the Dragons retained their mystery spin weapon and reliable top-order batters.
Retained Players: Varun Chakaravarthy, Hunny Saini, Sandeep Warrier, B. Indrajith, R. Vimal Khumar, Shivam Singh, R.K. Jayant, H. Dinesh, M. Karthik Saran, Athul Maruthi Vikar, M. Viju Arul, Sasidharan.
Chepauk Super Gillies
The most successful franchise in TNPL history retained key performers while letting go of significant veteran presence to rebuild.
Retained Players: Abhishek Tanwar, Swapnil K Singh, N. Jagadeesan, R.S. Mokit Hariharan, T.D. Lokesh Raj, M. Silambarasan, K. Aashiq, J. Prem Kumar, S. Dinesh Raj, G. Rajalingam, N. Sunil Krishna.
Trichy Grand Cholas
Trichy heads into the auction having secured a solid all-round foundation for the upcoming season.
Retained Players: J. Suresh Kumar, P. Saravana Kumar, J. Kousik, R. Sanjay Yadav, M.S. Washington Sundar, Jafar Jamal, R. Rajkumar, V. Athisayaraj Davidson, K. Easwaran, W. Antony Dhas, M. Ganesh Moorthi, N. Selva Kumaran, T. Saran.
Nellai Royal Kings
Nellai retained a massive 15-player core, focusing heavily on youth and long-term stability.
Retained Players: R. Sonu Yadav, G. Ajitesh, Muhammed Adnan Khan, S. Rithik Easwaran, S.R. Athish, Sachin Rathi, V. Yudheeswaran, N.S. Harish, S. Selvaganapathi, B. Emmanuel Cherian, D. Santhosh Kumar, B. Rocky, J. Rohan, A. Arun Bala Yoghi, S. Risheek Kumar.
Siechem Madurai Panthers
The Panthers chose to retain a tight-knit 11-player squad, ensuring they have ample funds heading into the auction.
Retained Players: M. Karthik, M.A. Atheeq Ur Rahman, B. Anirudh Sita Ram, Gurjapneet Singh, D. Deepesh, P. Vignesh, P. Saravanan, N.S. Chaturved, S. Rajalingam, S. Surya Anand, S. Shankar Ganesh.
SKM Salem Spartans
The Spartans retained an extensive 16-player roster, opting for continuity over a major auction overhaul.
Retained Players: M. Mohammed, C. Hari Nishaanth, S. Nidhish Rajagopal, Boopathi Vaishna Kumar, S. Ajith Ram, M. Eshwar, S. Abishiek, Sunny Sandhu, R. Vivek, S. Harish Kumar, M. Poiyamozhi, Rahil Sanjay Shah, V.S. Karthick Manikandan, Sudhan Sanjeevi Kandeepan, D. Rahul, M.E. Yazh Arun Mozhi.
Remaining Auction Purse for TNPL 2026
Following the retentions, the teams will head into the upcoming TNPL 2026 auction with varying financial firepower. The remaining purse will dictate auction strategies, giving certain franchises massive leverage on the bidding floor.
Franchise Remaining Purse
Chepauk Super Gillies ₹24,03,125
Siechem Madurai Panthers ₹22,78,125
Dindigul Dragons ₹20,28,125
Nellai Royal Kings ₹16,56,250
Trichy Grand Cholas ₹15,06,250
iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans ₹7,62,500
Lyca Kovai Kings ₹5,84,375
SKM Salem Spartans ₹4,71,875
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