Decoding the IPL Auction 2024: All You Need to Know about the 'Mini' Event on December 19.
Discovering the IPL Auction 2024: Comprehensive Information on the Player Auction Taking Place in Dubai on December 19.
Every year, one event that creates significant buzz, if not more, is the IPL auction. Evolving into an annual tradition, the IPL auction has garnered widespread attention, especially with its live broadcast. Whether it's a massive affair like the 'mega auction' in 2022 or a smaller scale event, auctions never fail to capture attention. The dynamic process of franchises vying for players to optimize their squads for the upcoming Indian Premier League season is always captivating to watch.
But don't be misled by the term 'mini.' While the IPL 2024 auction may not be as extensive as the mega auction, the quantity and caliber of players available make it a noteworthy and star-studded event. Considering all aspects, here's an overview of what to anticipate from Tuesday's grand affair.
How many players will be up for bidding?
In another significant statistic, a total of 332 players have enlisted for the IPL 2024 auction. Initially, an impressive 1166 names were submitted, but the 10 franchises collaboratively narrowed down the selection to just over 300 players, reducing the original count by 833 cricketers. The 77 available slots will be distributed among all the teams. Out of the 332 players, 214 are Indian, and the remaining 116 are foreigners. To delve deeper into the categorization, 116 are capped players, 215 are uncapped, and two players hail from associate nations.
How much money is available in total for the teams?
All 10 franchises have a total of ₹262.95 crore to spend in order to build their ideal squads. Among them, Gujarat Titans boast the largest purse of ₹38.15 crore, thanks in part to letting go of Hardik Pandya, providing them ample funds to fill eight slots. Sunrisers Hyderabad hold the second-largest purse at ₹34 crore, aimed at securing six slots, setting the stage for a potential bidding war. Kolkata Knight Riders follow closely with ₹32.7 crore, intending to fill 12 slots.
Chennai Super Kings have the freedom to spend ₹31.4 crore, while Delhi Capitals (₹28.95 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (₹23.25 crore), and Punjab Kings (₹29.1 crore) also have substantial amounts at their disposal. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians with ₹17.75 crore, Lucknow Super Giants with ₹13.15 crore, and Rajasthan Royals with ₹14.5 crore operate on a slightly tighter budget compared to the other franchises.
How is the IPL 2024 auction structured, and what are the different price categories?
I apologize for the oversight. Here's the revised version with highlighted key words:
The process remains consistent with the previous years, including the one before. The 332 players are categorized into 19 sets based on their skills, covering specialist batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, fast bowlers, spinners, and uncapped cricketers in all disciplines. The top-priced bracket is set at ₹2 crore, featuring 23 players, including India's fast-bowling trio of Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, and Umesh Yadav. Additionally, 13 players are listed in the ₹1.5 crore segment, 11 in the ₹75 lakh category, and a total of 43 (including 11 Indians) in the ₹50 lakh base price segment.
Have there been any last-minute withdrawals or additions?
Three players, Rehan Ahmed from England, Taskin Ahmed, and Shariful Islam from Bangladesh, have decided not to participate. On a positive note, we have two new additions: Kaushal Tambe from Maharashtra and Sahil Dhiwan from Rajasthan. Furthermore, Nandre Burger's designation has shifted from uncapped to capped following his participation in the 1st ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday. This has influenced his base price, now established at ₹50 lakh.
Who are the eldest and youngest players participating in the IPL 2024 auction?
In the IPL 2024 auction shortlist, the youngest cricketer is 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka from South Africa, and at the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, aged 38, holds the title of the oldest player on the list.
Which prominent stars are absent from the IPL 2024 auction?
Surprisingly, there are several notable figures absent from the IPL 2024 auction for various reasons. England Test captain Ben Stokes, who was released from Chennai Super Kings last year, won't be participating due to a recent knee surgery. Additionally, his World Cup 2019 and Ashes teammate Jofra Archer is also skipping the auction due to an elbow injury. Another English player not in the auction is former captain Joe Root, who was released by Rajasthan Royals.
Additionally, Bangladesh all-rounder and captain Shakib Al Hasan, released by Kolkata Knight Riders, has chosen to step away from the auction to concentrate on his international career. Another individual not partaking in the auction is Kedar Jadhav, who was let go by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Acquired by RCB last year for ₹1 crore, Jadhav, aged 38 and enlisted as an injury replacement for David Willey, featured in only two matches.
Which players might spark intense competition in the bidding process?
All attention will be on Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who has reportedly attracted interest from as many as five different franchises. Starc's return to the IPL auction is notable, as he has only played two seasons so far, back in 2014 and 2015. His fellow Australian pacers, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, are also expected to draw significant attention, although there might be concerns about Hazlewood's fitness given his tendency to suffer injuries. Another player to watch out for is the young New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who made a strong impression with his performances in the 2023 World Cup.
Is the trading window now closed?
Guess what? It's not finished just yet. The trade window is set to reopen on December 20. According to IPL regulations, the trading window starts one month after a season concludes and remains open until a week before the auction. It then resumes immediately after the auction, continuing until one month before the start of the next season. So, the window will open again the day after the auction and close a month before the commencement of IPL 2024.
Who will conduct the auction?
Mallika Sagar, who oversaw the Women's Premier League auction recently, will be in charge of the auction proceedings, taking over from Hugh Edmeades. Notably, she is the first woman auctioneer in the 16-year history of the IPL.
Comments