The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a significant challenge in securing a venue for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Initially planning to host the auction in Saudi Arabia, BCCI officials are struggling to finalize a specific location, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
Venue Dilemma: Riyadh or Jeddah?
The report highlights that BCCI has narrowed down the venue options to Riyadh and Jeddah, but no final decision has been made. Last year's auction took place in Dubai, which remains an option, although not the preferred choice this time.
Cost Concerns
One of the major hurdles is the high cost of hotels in Saudi Arabia, significantly more than in Dubai. This cost factor is proving to be a sticking point for both BCCI and the franchise owners, who are looking for a more cost-effective solution.
Initial Plans and Changes
Initially, London was considered for the auction, but the plan was shelved due to the cold weather during the auction period. The BCCI and IPL officials are now focused on finding a venue that can host the auction for two days and accommodate the entire IPL entourage, including delegations from the 10 franchises and two major broadcasters, Jio and Disney Star.
Retention Guidelines
Amidst these venue challenges, BCCI has released the retention guidelines for the IPL 2025. Franchises are allowed to retain up to six players, with the Right-To-Match option included. The retention fees are structured as follows:
- First priority: ₹18 crores
- Second priority: ₹14 crores
- Third priority: ₹11 crores
- Fourth retention: ₹18 crores
- Fifth retention: ₹14 crores
- Uncapped player retention: ₹4 crores
Looking Ahead
The auction is expected to take place in the last week of November, but the venue issue remains unresolved. As BCCI continues to explore options, the cricketing world awaits a final decision.
For now, the cricketing community is keenly watching how BCCI navigates this challenge and prepares for another exciting IPL season.