A one-day affair, Jaipur to host IPL auction on December 18

With just 70 slots available, the players' auction for 2019 Indian Premier League will be a one-day affair.

Richard Madley, during one of the session of IPL players auction.

The auction for next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in Jaipur on December 18.

With just 70 slots available -- 50 Indians and 20 overseas players -- Sportstar understands that the auction will be a one-day affair.

Though, there has not been any official statement from the BCCI yet, the franchises have already been informed.

Representatives of the eight franchises will be briefed about the entire proceedings a day prior to the auction.

The eight franchises have a total available purse of Rs 145.25 crore. While Chennai Super Kings needs to just fill in two spots (both Indians), Kings XI Punjab has 15 slots available (11 Indians, four overseas players)--the highest among the franchises.

UAE front-runner?

The BCCI, however, still hasn't announced where the tournament will be held next year.

With the dates of the general elections yet to be announced, there is not much clarity. But some of the franchises, prefer the UAE over South Africa as the possible venue. In their communication to the BCCI, they have cited time difference and logistical issues as the few reasons.

But then, with the World Cup lined up in May, the league is likely to begin on March 29 and go on till the second week of May. But there are talks that the league may start a week early.

Salary cap available: Rs 145.25 crore Player slots available: 70 (Indian 50, overseas 20) Number of players retained: 130 (Overseas players: 44) Total money spent: Rs. 510.75 crore