The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) authorities and the owners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are set to meet on July 31, 2024, in BCCI headquarters to discuss various issues about the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

However, one issue that has caused grief to multiple IPL franchises is that foreign players, who receive low bids in the auction pull out of the tournament at the last minute, leaving teams to find a replacement at short notice.

Various franchise managements have expressed concerns about certain international players' lack of respect and devotion to the IPL auction process.

The conduct of players such as Jason Roy, Alex Hales, and Wanindu Hasaranga, to name a few, who have previously withdrawn from the IPL, reportedly due to getting a low bid, has aroused worries among the IPL administration.

The meeting will emphasize the need for corrective measures to address these issues and ensure player commitment.

The franchise officials in their one-on-one meeting with the BCCI CEO have urged the authorities to take strict action against truant foreign players who pull out of IPL without valid reasons. Some officials have even suggested bans on such players.

The teams have complained that the surprise withdrawals have interrupted their meticulous pre-auction planning. While the BCCI's response to these allegations will be revealed during the meeting, the placement of this item on the agenda demonstrates the board's seriousness about the situation.

A recent example was the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recalling players for bilateral international matches shortly before the IPL playoffs. This decision caused disquiet among the affected clubs, which were missing vital English players for crucial knockout games.

Even England captain Jos Buttler expressed his disgust with the ECB's decision, arguing that no bilateral games should be scheduled during the IPL.

Another concerning issue the franchise officials have raised is how some of the foreign players choose not to participate in the mega-auction and instead enter the mini-auction, where they often secure higher bids.

It is understood that the meeting will be restricted to team owners, some of whom have requested the BCCI to facilitate their participation via video link.

(Cricbuzz report)