IPL Season 18 Auction: What to Expect
The eagerly awaited auction for the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to take place in November, likely during the third or fourth week. This information has been shared with IPL franchises by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Potential Locations and Concerns
This year’s auction is expected to be hosted internationally, with the Middle East emerging as a strong candidate, reminiscent of last year’s event held in Dubai. Other possible locations include Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia—countries that have been significantly investing in sports infrastructure and events. However, as per sources within IPL circles speaking to Cricbuzz, no definitive venue has been confirmed yet.
Franchise owners have voiced their concerns regarding this announcement since they are still awaiting details on retention rules for the upcoming mega auction. The BCCI has indicated that there may be delays in releasing these guidelines, which raises worries among team officials about having adequate time to strategize before the auction.
Retention Rules Timeline
Recent reports suggest that retention rules could be unveiled by the end of this month. If this timeline holds true, teams will have approximately two months to formulate their plans ahead of the auction. The deadline for franchises to declare their retained players is anticipated around November 15.
Historically, BCCI and IPL management have shown a preference for conducting auctions abroad; however, it was only successfully executed last December after years of consideration involving cities like London and Istanbul.
Coaching Changes on the Horizon
In related news within IPL circles, several coaches who previously collaborated with Rahul Dravid during his tenure with Team India are likely to secure positions across various franchises. For instance, Vikram Rathour—India’s former batting coach—is rumored to join Dravid at Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Trevor Penney. Penney may transition into a role with Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Additionally, Paras Mhambrey—who served as India’s bowling coach under Dravid—is also expected to align himself with an IPL franchise soon; however specifics remain unconfirmed at this stage. These former coaches appear inclined towards coaching roles rather than accepting commentary offers.
Moreover, Munaf Patel—a former Indian pacer renowned for his contributions during India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign—is anticipated to take up an IPL coaching position this season.
As anticipation builds around these developments leading up to Season 18’s auction and team formations through retention strategies and coaching appointments alike—the cricketing community remains eager for what lies ahead.
Student at Government College of Engineering Kolkata and an enthusiastic Journalist. Follows Topics such as Indian Politics, Gaming, Anime, etc. Click on the bell icon for more news and opinions from Srijan.
