How does the IPL auction process work?


IPL 2023 Winner

How Does the IPL Auction Process Work?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is one of the most exciting aspects of the tournament, where franchises bid for players to build their squads. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works:

1. Player Registration & Shortlisting

  • Cricketers from India and around the world register for the auction.

  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) releases a long list of all registered players.

  • Franchise teams shortlist players from this pool based on their needs.

2. Setting Base Price

  • Each player sets a base price (starting bid), ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹2 crore.

  • Franchises can only bid at or above this base price.

3. Team Purse & Retention Rules

  • Every franchise gets a fixed purse (budget) to buy players (e.g., ₹100 crore in a mega auction).

  • Teams can retain a certain number of players before the auction.

    Retention Rules:

    • Maximum 4 players can be retained.

    • This includes up to 3 Indian players and up to 2 overseas players.

    • Retaining players reduces the team’s auction purse.

4. Auction Dynamics & Bidding

  • Players are divided into categories (batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, uncapped players).

  • The auctioneer starts the bidding at the player's base price.

  • Franchises bid against each other, raising the price until no further bids are made.

  • The highest-bidding team wins the player and adds them to their squad.

5. Special Rules in the Auction

  • Right to Match (RTM) Card (if applicable): A team can match the highest bid to retain a former player.

  • Accelerated Bidding: Later in the auction, teams can suggest players they want to bid for quickly.

6. Unsold Players

  • If no team bids for a player, they go unsold.

  • Some unsold players may be reintroduced later in the auction if teams show interest.

7. Post-Auction Squad Formation

  • Each team must have a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 players.

  • Each squad can have a maximum of 8 overseas players.

8. Player Replacements & Mid-Season Transfers

  • If a player gets injured, teams can sign a replacement.

  • Mid-season transfers allow uncapped and less-used players to switch teams.

Why is the IPL Auction Important?

  • It allows teams to strategically build their squad.

  • Young & uncapped players get a platform to shine.

  • It adds excitement as franchises battle for top talent.

Would you like to know more about the most expensive players in IPL auction history? 😊