The ‘Big Auction’ ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025 is likely to be held in Saudi Arabia in late November, but the cost for that will be much higher than the previous overseas auction venue, Dubai — according to a report on Cricbuzz. That is possibly holding up a final decision on the venue by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI officials have marked Riyadh and Jeddah as the two Saudi cities as the likely venues, with Dubai staying in the race but not a preferred option, said the report.
Despite venues in the Saudi being costly compared to Dubai, it shouldn’t be a hindrance for the world’s richest cricket board and T20 league, but could be a point of contention in the final decision that should be arrived at soon.
The report also mentions that London was striked out as one of the venues considered earlier for the two-day auction because of winter arriving in the UK.
The logistical requirements of the auction include accommodating the officials of the 10 teams and the two broadcasters – Disney Star and Jio.