IPL auction to return to India after 3yrs abroad

After being held outside India for three consecutive years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is set to return to home soil. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken an in-principle decision to host the mini-auction for the 2027 season in India.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the IPL Governing Council on Tuesday.

The last IPL auction held in India was in Kochi in 2023. The auctions for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons were subsequently held outside the country, in Dubai, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi, respectively.

Hosting the mini-auction overseas had created additional logistical and financial burdens for the franchises, including the costs of travelling with large delegations, accommodation, meals and other arrangements. Taking the franchises’ concerns into consideration, the BCCI has decided to bring the auction back to India.

However, the date and venue have yet to be finalized. The board needs to ensure adequate room availability at five-star hotels, as India’s wedding season runs from October to December.

According to Cricbuzz, the mini-auction is likely to be held around mid-December. However, the BCCI is reportedly planning to hold the 2028 mega-auction outside India again.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s meeting did not reach a final decision on whether the IPL’s much-discussed ‘Impact Player’ rule will remain in place for the next season. A special meeting of the Governing Council is expected to be held next month to make a decision on the matter.