The IPL Auction is a cornerstone event of the Indian Premier League, held annually at the start of the year. Since its inception in 2008, it has retained its unique charm and excitement, captivating cricket fans worldwide. This two-day spectacle is no ordinary auction; it’s a meticulously planned process designed to maximize strategic outcomes for teams.
Curious to dive deeper? This article unpacks everything you need to know about the IPL auction, from its intricacies to the step-by-step bidding process. Read on to gain a comprehensive understanding of how it all works.
Understanding the IPL Auction: A Complete Guide
The IPL auction is an annual event where franchises bid on players to assemble their teams for the T20 tournament. Organized by the BCCI since the inception of the Indian Premier League, the auction determines the composition of each franchise’s squad. While the auction itself is a two-day affair, the preparation leading up to it involves meticulous planning and research by the franchises. They consider various factors, such as budget constraints, player performance expectations, injury history to mitigate risks, compatibility with the coaching staff, and more. These evaluations ensure well-rounded and competitive squads for the IPL season.
When Was the First IPL Auction Held?
The inaugural IPL auction took place on February 20, 2008, in Mumbai, marking the beginning of the Indian Premier League. Sixteen years later, the tournament has become a global phenomenon. The first auction made waves in the cricketing world, with numerous high-profile players fetching record-breaking prices in the debut season.
How Does the Auction Take Place?
During every auction, teams aim to reshuffle their roster by selecting players who can strengthen their squad. The auction process unfolds in the lead-up to the finals, where franchises bid for players they wish to acquire. It begins when players are listed for auction, and they are categorized based on their experience and status: capped, uncapped, and foreign players. Capped players have represented India at the international level, while uncapped players have only played in domestic matches. Foreign players, coming from associate cricket nations, can be either capped or uncapped. Each player sets a base price based on their skill and experience, and the auction proceeds with bidding from the teams.
The IPL team, interested in buying a particular player, bids for them. On some occasions, many teams bid for a single player; in that case, the highest bidder can purchase the player.
What Is the Base Price of the Players?
The base price is determined by the players themselves, reflecting their skill and experience. It can range from INR 10 lakh to under INR 2 Crore, with no player permitted to bid below their set price. Uncapped players typically have lower base prices, while capped and foreign players are often auctioned at higher amounts. Becoming a successful and established player requires significant dedication, alongside proper sports nutrition and health management to maintain peak performance and passion for the game.
How Many Players Are Required in the Team Squad?
Each team’s squad can consist of a minimum of 18 players and a maximum of 25 players. A team is permitted to have up to 8 foreign players, with the remaining 17 players being Indian, either capped or uncapped. In some cases, a squad of 25 players could be made up entirely of Indian players with no foreign players. Given their established reputation and global recognition, foreign players are highly sought after. However, only 4 foreign players can be included in the playing XI for any given match.
What Is a Right to Match Card?
The Right-to-Match (RTM) card is a distinctive aspect of the IPL auction process, allowing franchises to retain players from their previous squad who are being bid on by other teams. This is achieved by matching the highest bid placed during the auction. However, teams are permitted to use up to three RTMs, contributing to a maximum retention limit of five players.
What Are the IPL Auction Rules?
The following are the IPL auction rules to know;
- At least 18 to 25 players must be there in a team, of which 18 must be Indian players, and the remaining 8 players can be foreign players.
- Every team is allocated an amount of 100 crores, and every team must spend at least 75 from their purse.
- The capped players have the highest base price, whereas the uncapped players have a low base price. Foreign players usually have the highest base price.
- The lowest base price for a player is around 20 Lakh INR, and the highest should be 2 Crore INR.
How Much Money Does Each Team Get in the IPL Auction?
Each IPL franchise is allocated a budget of 100 crore INR to assemble a mix of domestic and international players for their team. However, recent regulations stipulate that franchises must utilize only 75% of their total purse. Teams also have the flexibility to manage their funds as they see fit, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once spending 79.85 crores, leaving just 15 lakh INR remaining in their budget.