The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction for Season 18 is slated for November, likely during the third or fourth weekend of the month.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed franchises of this timeframe, with strong indications that the auction will be held overseas.
According to sources within the IPL, the Middle East is again the frontrunner to host the event, as it did last year in Dubai.
Doha or Abu Dhabi have emerged as potential venues, with Saudi Arabia—now investing heavily in sports, including cricket—also reportedly in contention.
However, the venue remains unconfirmed.
Franchise officials have reacted cautiously, as they await the retention rules ahead of the mega auction.
The BCCI has hinted at a delay in announcing these rules, raising concerns about the limited time teams may have to finalize their strategies.
The retention regulations are expected to be revealed by the end of this month, with teams likely facing a November 15 deadline to declare their retained players.
Hosting the IPL auction abroad has long been an aspiration for the BCCI, which successfully held the auction overseas for the first time in Dubai last year.
London and Istanbul have been considered in the past, but plans did not materialize.
In other developments, former coaches under Rahul Dravid’s leadership with the Indian team are likely to find roles within IPL franchises.
Vikram Rathour, India’s ex-batting coach, may join Dravid at Rajasthan Royals, replacing Trevor Penney, who could move to the Royals’ CPL team, Barbados Royals.
Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey is also expected to join an IPL team, though details are still being finalized.
Additionally, 2011 World Cup winner Munaf Patel is expected to take up a coaching role in the IPL this season.
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