In what could be another watershed decision in the history of the IPL, that would add more excitement among fans, is that the IPL franchises have asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to scrap away the mini-auctions!
The IPL 2023 mini-auction hogged the limelight across the world as Sam Curran (INR 18.5 crore to PBKS) and Cameron Green (INR 17.5 crore to MI) became the two most-expensive players in the history of the IPL.
But, the 10 IPL franchises have, reportedly, asked the BCCI to introduce a player draft system in the IPL instead of mini-auctions, while, though, keeping the mega-auction after every three years.
“The exorbitant price tags,” as reported by Insidesport, are the reason the franchises want a player draft instead of mini-auctions.
Sam Curran went for 18.5 Cr, Cameron Green bagged 17.5 Cr while Ben Stokes and Harry Brook bagged 16.25 Cr and 13.25 Cr respectively. Nicholas Pooran joined Lucknow Super Giants for 16 crores
Rajasthan Royals could have gone almost broke at the start of the auction itself when they bid 13 crore for Harry Brook out of their purse of 13.2 crore! But, fortunately for them, SRH were adamant about having Brook, and bought him for 13.25 crore. The franchises seem to be unimpressed that they have to splurge so much cash on overseas players.
“In a bid to stop the IPL franchises to spend the majority of their auction budget on these star foreign players, the franchises want BCCI to introduce the player draft,” Insidesport said.
A mega auction is held every 3/4 years. Ahead of the mega-auction, franchsies are allowed to retain maximum of 4 players, thereby allowing the squads to get refreshed. “The introduction of the player draft will see proper slab prices for the players, restricting the spending of excessive money on a particular player.”
Will the BCCI do away with IPL mini-auctions and introduce player drafts?
It is possible, but there has been response from the board yet to the franchises over their suggestion. The BCCI has plenty of time at hand now – about a year – till the IPL 2024 mini-auction.
Speaking about the IPL 2023, the 16th edition of the tournament is expected to start on April 1. The IPL will be returning to its home and away format for the first time since 2019.
