IPL 2025 Auction Set for November or December
The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction is likely to be held in the later half of November or as late as December’s third week. Once again, the auction is expected to take place overseas, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) being a potential venue, according to inside sources.
Last year’s mini-auction took place in Dubai, and there’s speculation that this year’s auction could also be hosted in cities like Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, or Dubai. Though the exact venue remains undecided, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unofficially communicated possible auction dates to the IPL franchises, hinting at a November event. Alternatively, it may extend into December, with the BCCI considering both the second and third weeks of November as prime candidates.
Jay Shah’s New Role May Push Auction to November
A key factor driving the potential timing of the auction is BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s new role as ICC Chairman, which begins on December 1. As a result, many expect the auction to happen before this date, further solidifying November as the likely timeline.
Retention Rules Still Awaited
One critical concern among IPL franchises is the delay in the announcement of retention rules for the upcoming mega-auction. The BCCI has yet to release any guidelines, raising uncertainty for team management. Franchises are waiting for clarity to begin planning their player retention strategy.
Previously, BCCI had promised to share these details by the second week of August during a meeting with franchise owners in July. In the 2022 mega-auction, teams were allowed to retain up to four players. As the end of this cycle approaches, some franchises are pushing for an increase in the retention limit, potentially up to eight players, while others are satisfied with the existing cap.
A Two-Day Auction Event
Like previous auctions, the 2025 event is expected to span two days. This format has been a staple in recent years and allows teams ample time to plan and strategize their bids for new talent.
New National Cricket Academy to Be Unveiled
In addition to IPL updates, the BCCI has confirmed the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on September 28. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah extended invitations to all state cricket associations via email, emphasizing the importance of this new facility.
The new NCA boasts three international-standard playing grounds, 45 practice pitches, indoor cricket pitches, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and cutting-edge training, recovery, and sports science amenities. This development aims to foster the growth of both current and future cricketing talent in India.
Grand Opening Before BCCI AGM
The inauguration of the NCA will take place just one day before the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for September 29 in Bengaluru. This highly anticipated facility represents a significant leap forward in India’s cricketing infrastructure, promising world-class training for the country’s players.
This exciting development, coupled with the impending IPL mega-auction, ensures that Indian cricket fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)