Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, marking the second consecutive time the auction will be held outside India. The two-day event will coincide with the third and fourth days of the Perth Test between India and Australia.A total of 1,574 players have registered for the auction, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas players. Among the Indian players, 48 capped stars, such as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, will be up for grabs.The auction will feature 204 slots, with 87 slots reserved for overseas players. The player registration closed on November 4, and the BCCI has confirmed that 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations will participate.The overseas player contingent includes 272 capped internationals, 965 uncapped Indians, 152 uncapped Indians who have played in previous IPL seasons, and 104 uncapped internationals.The country-wise breakdown of the 409 overseas players is as follows:* Australia: 114* England: 98* South Africa: 77* New Zealand: 62* West Indies: 29* Sri Lanka: 15* Afghanistan: 10* Bangladesh: 4The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a highly competitive event, with teams looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming season. The auction will be streamed live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold its highly anticipated auction in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the last week of November. This mega event will witness the participation of high-profile Indian cricket stars, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, who will go under the hammer.The 10 IPL franchises will collectively have approximately ₹641.5 crore to spend on 204 available slots, with 70 of those slots earmarked for overseas players. As of now, 46 players have been retained by the franchises, with a cumulative expenditure of ₹558.5 crore.The IPL auction is a crucial event that shapes the composition of teams for the upcoming season. Franchises will be eager to acquire the services of top-performing players to bolster their squads and increase their chances of success. The auction will also provide opportunities for uncapped players to showcase their talent and earn lucrative contracts.The IPL has become a global cricketing phenomenon, attracting fans from all corners of the world. The tournament's high-octane matches, star-studded lineups, and passionate fan base have made it one of the most popular sporting events in the world.The upcoming auction in Riyadh is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. The presence of high-profile players and the potential for unexpected acquisitions will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season, and the excitement is palpable among fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released guidelines for the mega auctions, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players.Retention Guidelines:Franchises can retain players with the following financial implications:* First retention: Rs 18 crore* Second retention: Rs 14 crore* Third retention: Rs 11 crore* Fourth retention: Rs 18 crore* Fifth retention: Rs 14 crore* Uncapped player retention: Rs 4 croreAuction Venue:The IPL 2024 auctions were held in Dubai, UAE, but for the 2025 edition, Saudi Arabia is likely to host the event. Riyadh and Jeddah are the probable venues for the two-day auction.Cristiano Ronaldo's Influence:The presence of renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al-Nassr, may have influenced the decision to host the IPL auctions in the country.Expert Analysis:Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul will command a hefty sum if he enters the auction. Chopra also suggests that LSG may consider using the Right to Match card for Mayank Yadav, who has been selected in the India squad for the Bangladesh T20Is.Conclusion:The IPL 2025 mega auctions promise to be a thrilling affair, with franchises strategizing to retain their core players and acquire new talent. The event will be held in Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter in the history of the IPL.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next season in 2025, and the highly anticipated "Big Auction" is set to take place in late November. While Dubai has been the traditional venue for overseas auctions, the BCCI is considering a move to Saudi Arabia for this edition.According to a report by Cricbuzz, Riyadh and Jeddah are the two Saudi cities being considered as potential hosts. While Dubai remains in the running, it is not the preferred option. The report suggests that the higher costs associated with hosting the auction in Saudi Arabia could be a factor in the final decision.Despite the potential financial implications, the BCCI, as the world's richest cricket board, is unlikely to be deterred by the increased expenses. However, the logistical requirements of the auction, including accommodating officials from the 10 teams and the two broadcasters, Disney Star and Jio, will need to be carefully considered.London was initially considered as a potential venue, but the onset of winter in the UK ruled it out. The auction is expected to be a two-day event, and the BCCI is keen to finalize the venue soon.The "Big Auction" is a crucial event in the IPL calendar, as it allows teams to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season. With a number of high-profile players expected to be available, the auction is likely to attract significant attention from fans and media alike.