The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering hosting the mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) outside India.
Presently, Abu Dhabi in the UAE is emerging as the prime location for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, with other potential options being Muscat and Doha.
The BCCI officials have not announced the dates for the IPL 2025 mega auction, but it is being said that they are considering two options: either in the second week of November or in the third week of December.
BCCI mulls hosting IPL 2025 Mega Auction abroad, Abu Dhabi leading the race
However, it is expected that the auction might be held in November, before the ongoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes up his new role as ICC chairman on December 1, 2024.
The IPL 2025 mega auction is planned to span two days, and the BCCI is evaluating the logistical requirements and availability of key figures.
A source close to the development revealed that the dates under review are around November 16-17 or between December 15 and 20.
The BCCI’s operations team is currently assessing these options. Following last year’s IPL auction in Dubai, no final decision has been made yet on the venue.
However, the BCCI will officially announce the venue within the next few weeks. A source was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “The BCCI is exploring various options, and the franchises will be informed in due course about the final venue.”
After meeting with the IPL franchise owners in July, the BCCI promised to release the updated retention policy for the IPL 2025 auction by early August. However, franchises have yet to receive any official communication, causing some uncertainty about the retention policy.
BCCI expected to announce IPL 2025 retention rules soon
However, sources within the BCCI hinted that a formal update on the retention rules should be sent to franchises by the end of this week or early next week. With the IPL 2025 mega auction likely to be held overseas again, franchises will need to finalize their travel and logistical plans accordingly.
On the other hand, a Cricbuzz report claimed that the IPL 2025 mega auction might be held in the third or fourth week of November, with potential venues including various Middle Eastern cities and London. IPL teams will have until mid-November to finalize their retention picks before the auction.
Vikram Rathour set to re-join Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Additionally, former Indian cricket team coaches Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey are in discussions with IPL teams for the coaching gigs. Rathour is reportedly close to rejoining the former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals (RR), while Mhambrey has declined a commentary role as he continues negotiations with the IPL franchises.
Recently, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) named Ricky Ponting, former Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach, as their new head coach for the next IPL season. Former Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel is also expected to secure a coaching position with one of the teams ahead of the IPL 2025.
