With the deadline for player retention fast approaching, the excitement around the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is building up. All franchises are required to submit their retention lists by 5 PM on October 31, 2024, ahead of the highly anticipated mega auction. In a first for the league, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has selected Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the venue for the IPL 2025 mega auction.
According to reliable sources, the auction will be a two-day event, scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25. While the BCCI is yet to make a formal announcement, insiders have confirmed that arrangements are underway, with a team already in Riyadh to verify locations and hotels.
“Yes, we are looking at Riyadh for the mega auction. A team has gone to Riyadh for proper verification, and once the booking is finalized, a formal announcement will be made,” a source told a leading publication. The source also mentioned backup locations like Abu Dhabi, in case any changes are required.
Interestingly, the mega auction dates overlap with India’s first Test against Australia, which will be held in Perth from November 22-26. This means the auction will fall on the third and fourth days of the Test. However, cricket fans will still be able to follow both events, as the time difference between Saudi Arabia and Australia ensures that the Test proceedings will conclude by around 3:20 PM IST. The auction is expected to begin between 3:30 and 4 PM IST, allowing fans to enjoy both without any overlap.
The BCCI had explored several other international venues, including Dubai, Singapore, and London, before settling on Riyadh as the final choice. This move marks a significant shift for the IPL, as this will be the first time the auction is hosted outside of India.
As the mega auction approaches, excitement is building as teams prepare to restructure their squads for the 2024 season, while fans eagerly await the player trades and acquisitions that will shape the upcoming IPL campaign.
