As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction travels to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it is expected to create history. After the first IPL auction was held in Dubai last year, this two-day event, which is tentatively set for November 24–25, would be the second to take place outside of the Indian subcontinent.
Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have already carried out initial venue inspections in Saudi Arabia as part of their extensive planning for this event. Although a number of foreign locales, including as Dubai, Singapore, and Vienna, were taken into consideration, Riyadh was ultimately selected as the appropriate destination for this important auction.
On Thursday, October 31, the teams revealed their retention lists, retaining 46 players in total for a total of INR 558.5 crore. Remarkably, the retention roster was dominated by Indian talent, with 36 players—including 10 uncapped prospects—being Indian. Prominent figures like Jos Buttler, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer are joining the auction pool.
Three outstanding Indian leadership choices are now available for clubs looking for new captains thanks to the release of IPL-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer from the Kolkata Knight Riders, Pant from the Delhi Capitals, and KL Rahul from the Lucknow Super Giants.
The first Test match between India and Australia will coincide with the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
The auction is scheduled for November 24–25, which coincides with India’s first Test match against Australia in Perth (November 22–26). The organisers may benefit from the time difference between Saudi Arabia and Australia, though, since it would enable the auction to take place in the afternoon hours of India without interfering with the coverage of the Test match.
Also Read: ‘We want to sustain and improve with that core’- Rahul Dravid explains reason behind Rajasthan Royals retaining six players
In order to finalise the arrangements, the BCCI is anticipated to send a second delegation to Saudi Arabia. Franchises would need to wait for official confirmation of the specifics in order to prepare their logistics and travel.
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