IPL 2025 will see lots of big names entering the auction pool
Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to formally confirm the location or dates, insiders say that final preparations are underway and that an announcement is expected shortly.
However, scheduling issues have emerged because the auction dates conflict with India's first Test match against Australia in Perth, which is scheduled for November 22–26. Disney Star, which owns the broadcast rights for both the IPL and the India-Australia Test series, wants to avoid any direct overlap between the two events.
Thankfully, due to the time difference with Australia, the auction, if held in the afternoon (IST), would likely avoid clashes with the match broadcast.
According to reports, BCCI officials have already made preliminary visits to Saudi Arabia to study potential venues. A second group is scheduled to visit the Gulf nation on Monday to complete details.
While Jeddah was originally considered, the capital, Riyadh, has emerged as the most likely location for the two-day auction. The BCCI also considered other overseas destinations, including as Dubai, Singapore, and even Vienna, but Saudi Arabia looks to have been chosen as the best venue.
The teams retained a total of 46 players while investing a cumulative sum of Rs 558.5 crore. Out of a total of 46 players retained across all franchises, 36 players are Indian. Out of these, 10 players are uncapped Indian stars.
With the release of IPL-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rishabh Pant from Delhi Capitals (DC), and KL Rahul from Lucknow Super Giants, three top-tier Indian captaincy choices would be available to teams looking for a new captain.
Notably, no English players were retained by clubs this season. Several prominent players, including Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks, were released.
(ANI inputs)