BCCI Auction- (Source: @TanujSingh/X.com)
In a significant development, reports suggest that the BCCI has shortlisted two cities in Saudi Arabia to conduct the much-awaited IPL 2025 mega-auction.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the apex cricket board of India has identified Riyadh and Jeddah to host the auction. The report added that the BCCI is finding it difficult to find a suitable venue in the Middle East, but the auction are set to take place in the last week of November 2024.
BCCI Rejects London As Potential Venue
Apart from these two cities, Dubai, where the BCCI held the auctions in 2023, is also an option but not the preferred option. Cricbuzz reported that London was also in BCCI's mind, but the idea was dropped because of the cold climatic conditions in the UK.
The BCCI and IPL officials are now looking for a place that can host the auction for two days and accommodate the entire IPL entourage, including the 10 franchise delegations and a large entourage involving two broadcasters - Jio and Disney Star.
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Franchises Complain Regarding RTM Rule
Recently, the BCCI announced the new policies for the IPL 2025 mega-auctions where they increased the retentions to six from four. They also re-introduced the Right To Match (RTM) with new twists. However, it has been hit with controversy as the franchise owners are unhappy with the new rule and have reportedly filed a complaint against the rule.
Up until now, players go to the team that raises the RTM paddle during auction, but the revised rule suggest that the other bidder can raise the amount despite the RTM being activated. Thus, the franchises have opposed against it.
 "Abhinav Tyagi")
