A senior BCCI official said on Wednesday that the BCCI is planning to conduct the auction of the two-day Indian Premier League in Bengaluru on February 7 and 8.
This could be the last mega auction that BCCI can organize as most of the original IPL franchises want to call it off.
“Till the time the COVID-19 situation does not worsen, we will conduct the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we are planning to organize it in Bengaluru. Preparations underway. A senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
There were reports that the auction would take place in the UAE but at the moment BCCI has no such plans.
However, with the emergence of the Omicron version of COVID-19 and a rise in cases, the situation will remain fluid but if there are restrictions regarding foreign travel (unless all owners decide to use charter planes), it is possible in India. operation will be less. of a logistical nightmare.
This year’s IPL will be a 10-team one, with Sanjeev Goenka’s Lucknow franchise making its debut in a cash-rich league with Ahmedabad-owned by venture capital firm CVC.
Although the CVC is waiting for its letter of intent from the BCCI, it is expected that everything will be clear in the next few weeks.
Both the teams have time till Christmas to announce their three drafts but BCCI may extend the date for both as the CVC is yet to get the nod.
Most franchise owners feel that mega auctions have exceeded their sell-by date and that the composition and balance of a team is seriously compromised when auctions take place after every three years.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal actually went on record saying how difficult it is to release players in an effort to build a team.
“It’s very sad to lose Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada and Ashwin. The auction process itself is like this. Going forward, IPL should focus on this because it’s not like you make a team, young players get a chance Give them, groom them and get them opportunities from franchises, play for the country and then you lose them after three years.”
This story has been published without modification in text from a wire agency feed. Only the title has been changed.
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