The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring Saudi Arabia as a possible venue for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah are being considered for the auction, which is set to take place in late November 2024.
While Dubai has traditionally been a preferred location for such events, it is not the leading choice this time. Saudi Arabia’s potential as a host follows the success of last year’s auction, held for the first time outside India at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai in December 2023.
Logistical Challenges and High Costs
Despite the enthusiasm for holding the event in Saudi Arabia, the BCCI is facing some logistical hurdles. One of the primary challenges is the significantly higher costs associated with hosting the auction in Saudi cities compared to Dubai, according to Cricbuzz.
The BCCI needs to secure a venue that can comfortably host the two-day auction, which involves not only the IPL staff but also representatives from the ten franchises and key broadcasters like Jio and Disney Star. While the BCCI is keen on exploring new venues, they are cautious about the financial implications that Saudi Arabia presents.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 Participation Uncertain
On another note, the participation of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni in the IPL 2025 remains uncertain. A meeting between Dhoni and CSK officials is scheduled for mid-October in Mumbai, where Dhoni is expected to announce his decision regarding his future in the tournament.
In a recent rule change, the BCCI has classified players like Dhoni, who haven’t played international cricket for over five years, as ‘uncapped,’ allowing them to be retained for a price of INR 4 crore. Dhoni’s involvement in the IPL continues to be a major topic of interest among fans and teams alike.
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