The IPL auction is back, and it's time for the hammer to fall once more. This high-stakes event determines the destinies of many cricket players. Who will secure the lesser-known players? Who might go unsold? Which players will command massive bids? Are there any unexpected picks in store? Here's your comprehensive guide to the IPL 2024 auction.
Is this year's auction similar to the previous one?
Yes, it's a mini-auction, the last one before the mega IPL 2025 auction. While teams have retained and traded players, they're now focused on filling remaining slots.
How many player slots are available?
Out of 1166 registered players, 333 have been shortlisted, comprising 214 Indians and 119 overseas players. These include 116 capped players, 215 uncapped players, and two from associate nations. Across all 10 teams, a maximum of 77 slots need filling, with 30 reserved for overseas talent.
When and where will the auction take place?
Then IPL auction will be held on December 19. It will be held in Dubai for the first time, taking the event overseas.
What's each team's remaining budget?
Combined, the franchises hold a purse totaling INR 262.95 crore.
Gujarat Titans (Rs 38.15 crore), Sunrisers Hyderabad (Rs 34 crore), Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs 32.7 crore), Chennai Super Kings (Rs 31.4 crore), Punjab Kings (Rs 29.1 crore), Delhi Capitals (Rs 28.95 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rs 23.25 crore), Mumbai Indians (Rs 17.75 crore), Rajasthan Royals (Rs 14.5 crore), and Lucknow Super Giants (Rs 13.15 crore).
How does the auction process work?
Players are categorised into 19 sets based on their specialisations, with capped and uncapped players alternating after a few sets.
Any big names missing this time?
Yes, notable players like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer are skipping the IPL this year to manage their workloads. Kedar Jadhav, Litton Das, and Shakib Al Hasan's names are also absent.
Which players could attract big bids?
Mitchell Starc's return after an eight-year hiatus could spark fierce bidding. Rachin Ravindra, with a base price of INR 50 lakh, might also command significant attention. Australia’s World Cup 2023 final hero Travis Head and South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee are among other notable names who can start bidding wars.
Who are the promising uncapped players to watch?
Keep an eye out for young talents like Arshin Kulkarni, Kumar Kushagra, and Musheer Khan. Kulkarni and Musheer recently represented India in Under-19 Asia Cup.
What's the retained/traded List?
Teams have finalised their lists of retained, released, and traded players before November 26.
Can teams release or trade players before the auction?
The deadline for retention and release has passed. However, player trading can resume from December 20, a day after the auction, and continue up to a month before the 2024 season.
Who is the auctioneer?
Mallika Sagar takes the helm as the first female auctioneer in 16 years of the IPL, succeeding Hugh Edmeades.
When and where can you watch the IPL auction?
The player auction kicks off in Dubai, starting at 11:30 am local time (1:00 pm IST). You can catch it live on the Star Sports Network on TV and via live-stream on the JioCinema app.
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