The anticipation for the IPL 2024 Auction is building as cricket enthusiasts mark December 19 on their calendars. This 17th edition of the IPL auction is set to unfold in Dubai, commencing at 11:30 AM local time and 1:00 PM IST.
For fans eager to catch the action, the event will be broadcast on the Star Sports network, while those preferring online streaming can tune in via Jio Cinema in India. The auction promises to be a captivating spectacle, and viewers can witness the strategic moves of franchises vying for the best players.
As the cricketing drama unfolds, a whopping pool of 333 players will be up for grabs. With a limited 77 slots available, the 10 franchises will engage in intense bidding wars to secure their desired players. Among these, 30 overseas players will add an international flavor to the teams, alongside 214 Indian talents and 119 players from overseas, including two from Associate nations. The player list boasts a balance of 116 capped and 215 uncapped individuals, further adding to the intrigue of the auction dynamics.
Money matters are crucial in this high-stakes auction, and the franchises have varying purses for their bidding endeavors. Gujarat Titans lead the financial race with Rs 38.15 crore, closely followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (Rs 34 crore) and Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs 32.7 crore). The other teams, ranging from Chennai Super Kings to Lucknow Super Giants, have allocated budgets ranging from Rs 13.15 crore to Rs 31.4 crore.
Adding a touch of youth and experience to the auction, the youngest player on the shortlist is 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka from South Africa. In contrast, the oldest contender is Afghanistan’s 38-year-old Mohammad Nabi, bringing a wealth of experience to the bidding table.
Notably, the auctioneer for this grand event will be Mallika Sagar, orchestrating the proceedings with finesse in Dubai.
As the cricketing world awaits the unfolding drama, the current squads of the teams reflect a mix of seasoned players and exciting talent. From Rohit Sharma leading the Mumbai Indians to KL Rahul taking charge of the Lucknow Super Giants, each squad is gearing up for a thrilling IPL season ahead. The auction is not merely about acquiring players but shaping the destiny of these teams for the battles that lie ahead on the cricket field.
