IPL 2025 mega auction likely to be held mid November or December in UAE

Last year’s auction took place in Dubai, and this year, in addition to Abu Dhabi, cities like Muscat and Doha are also being considered.

BCCI is planning to hold the mega auction for IPL 2025 abroad with UAE emerging as the front-runner. | Photo Credit: Sportzpics for IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring the possibility of holding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction overseas, with Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as the front-runner. Muscat and Doha are also being considered.

While the exact dates are yet to be finalised, BCCI officials have unofficially indicated two potential windows to franchises: either the second week of November or the third week of December. That said, Sportstar understands that the auction could potentially take place in November, before Jay Shah assumes his new role as ICC chairman on December 1.

As the auction is expected to span two days, the BCCI is carefully considering logistical challenges and ensuring the availability of key stakeholders. “The dates under consideration are either around November 16-17 or sometime between December 15 and 20. The BCCI operations team is currently evaluating these options,” said a source close to the situation.

Last year’s auction took place in Dubai, but “nothing has been decided yet,” according to another source. “The BCCI is exploring various options, and the franchises will be informed in due course about the final venue.” An official announcement is expected within the next couple of weeks.

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After meeting with franchise owners in July, the BCCI had promised to share the updated retention policy for the IPL 2025 auction by the second week of August. However, no official communication has been issued so far, raising concerns among the franchises.

According to sources within the BCCI, a formal update outlining the rules is expected to be sent to the franchises by the end of this week or, at the latest, early next week. With the auction potentially being held overseas again, the franchises need to prepare their travel plans and manage logistical arrangements.