As to a report by Cricbuzz, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are preparing for the much awaited auction for the 2025 season, which is scheduled to happen in November 2024. According to the source, the auction will probably take place elsewhere, maybe in the Middle East, with Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi emerging as prospective locations.
The nation of Saudi Arabia, which is rapidly expanding its presence in cricket and other sports, has also shown interest in holding the auction. Regarding the location, no final choice has been made.
The IPL auction was held outside of India for the first time last year, when it was successfully held in Dubai. It is also said that the BCCI has long wanted to hold the tournament overseas, with talks about London and Istanbul taking place in the past. These ambitions, however, did not come to pass in prior years.
The IPL franchisees are eagerly anticipating the release of the retention guidelines as the auction dates get near. Teams are worried about having enough time to prepare after the BCCI notified them of a potential delay in the release of the regulations. According to prior reports, teams will have around two months to prepare their tactics when the retention guidelines are published by the end of September.
It is anticipated that franchise retentions will close on November 15. A number of policy changes, including the reinstatement of a former regulation that declared retired players with a five-year gap since their last international match to be considered uncapped, might be implemented in light of the fact that this will be another mega auction.
India’s WC-winning star to lead an IPL team?
The Cricbuzz story went on to say that Munaf Patel, a 2011 World Cup champion and former Indian pacer, will be joining the IPL coaching staff. Which franchise he will take over has not yet been determined.
Rahul Dravid, who was named head coach of the Rajasthan Royals earlier this month, is one of the other former coaches who has returned to the IPL. Between 2013 and 2015, Dravid served in the same role for the Royals; however, he departed the team to join the Indian setup.
Ricky Ponting was named the new head coach of the Punjab Kings on Wednesday as well. Up to the 2024 season, Ponting served as the Delhi Capitals’ coach. He had that role for seven years.
Read More: Vikram Rathour reunites with Rahul Dravid for IPL 2025, joins Rajasthan Royals as batting coach
