IPL 2025 auction to be held outside India in November end; former pacer to become coach: Report

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the upcoming 2025 season could follow the same trend as the last auction. BCCI plans to hold it overseas, most likely in the Middle East, during the third or fourth weekend of November, it has been reported. The IPL 2024 auction was held in Dubai, and the IPL 2025 auction can also be held in another Gulf city, including Doha or Abu Dhabi.

While there’s currently no confirmation on the venue stage, the Cricbuzz has reported that BCCI has already indicated to the IPL teams that the 2025 auction will take place away from home in November.

Retention rules by September end

With no clarity on when the retention rules will be announced by BCCI, the possible deadline for the auction has caused a bit of concern among the IPL franchise as per the report. The franchises are worried they may end up with less time to decide their auction strategies and retention choices if rules are delayed any further.

The BCCI is now expected to announce the retention rules by the end of September which will give IPL teams around two months to devise their strategies for the auction. The deadline for announcing retention could be set at 15 November reportedly.

One of the reasons, the IPL auction can be hosted overseas is BCCI’s ambition to make the T20 league a more global brand. There were plans to hold the auction in London or Istanbul in the past but BCCI could not succeed in them.

Ex-India coaches in demand

Reports also say that Vikram Rathour, former India batting coach under Rahul Dravid, could join the latter at Rajasthan Royals. He will replace Trevor Penney. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who also worked under former coach Dravid in the national setup, is also close to joining an IPL franchise. The former coaches have reportedly declined commentary offers.

Inddia’s 2011 World Cup winner Munaf Patel could also be seen doing a coaching role in IPL 2025.