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It’s that time of the year again – hammer time. The IPL auction 2024 is upon us, a day that shapes the destinies of numerous players. Who will secure a new home? Who might go unsold? Which players will command top dollar? Are there any unexpected picks in store? Let’s delve into all you need to know about the upcoming 2024 IPL auction 2024.
Auction Anticipation: IPL Auction 2024
The stage is set for another riveting IPL auction 2024, a mini edition before the impending mega auction leading to IPL 2025. As the 10 IPL teams jostle to finalize their squads, speculation is rife regarding potential blockbuster deals and strategic moves. This mini auction allows teams to tweak their rosters, addressing gaps and optimizing team balance.
Player Pool and Slots:
A whopping 1166 players registered for this year’s auction, with teams shortlisting 333 names – 214 Indians and 119 overseas players. Among these, 116 players are capped, 215 are uncapped, and two hail from Associate nations. The 10 franchises collectively have 77 slots to fill, including 30 reserved for overseas players.
When and Where:
This year’s auction is scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, marking the first instance of the auction being held overseas. The decision to host it in Dubai adds a new dimension to the proceedings and introduces an international flair to the IPL auction dynamics.
Financial Landscape:
Each team enters the IPL Auction 2024 with varying financial capabilities. Gujarat Titans lead the pack with a substantial purse of INR 38.15 crore (USD 4.6 million approx.), needing to fill eight slots, including two overseas players. Conversely, Lucknow Super Giants have the smallest available purse at INR 13.15 crore (USD 1.58 million approx.) to address six slots, two of which are reserved for overseas talents. In total, the franchises boast a combined remaining purse of INR 262.95 crore (USD 31.58 million approx.).
Auction Dynamics:
The auction process categorizes players into 19 sets based on their specializations: batters, all-rounders, fast bowlers, spinners, and wicketkeepers. Notably, 23 players have set their base price at the highest bracket of INR 2 crore (USD 240,000 approx.), featuring names like Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur. Another 13 players have listed their base price at INR 1.5 crore (USD 180,000 approx.).
Notable Absences:
The notable absence of key English players, including Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer, from the IPL 2024 player pool introduces a captivating twist to the dynamics of this year’s IPL Auction 2024. These players, renowned for their international cricket exploits and past contributions to the IPL, have traditionally been sought-after assets in the league. Their decision to sit out of the IPL this season creates an interesting vacuum, leaving franchises to recalibrate their strategies and consider alternative options.
Ben Stokes, known for his dynamic all-round abilities, Joe Root, the classical batsman, and England captain, and Jofra Archer, the express fast bowler, have been pivotal figures in both international and IPL cricket.
Potential Marquee Picks:
Several players are expected to be in high demand during the auction, with Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus generating significant interest. Young talents like Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Pat Cummins, Gerald Coetzee, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Shahrukh Khan are also likely to attract competitive bidding.
Trade Possibilities:
While the retention/release deadline has passed, the IPL’s player trading window opens again on December 20, allowing teams to engage in trades for up to a month before the 2024 season begins.
Auctioneer Spotlight:
Mallika Sagar, the first woman auctioneer in the 16-year history of the IPL, will conduct the auction. Her recent stint as the host of the WPL auction on December 9 showcased her prowess in overseeing such high-stakes events.
How to Watch:
The IPL Auction 2024 will kick off at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, commencing at 11:30 am local time (1:00 pm IST). Fans can catch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network on TV and can also stream the event on the JioCinema app.
Stay tuned as the auction drama unfolds, shaping the narrative for the upcoming IPL season!