IPL 2024 auction to be held on THIS date! Which players are set to return? Know budget and other details here

The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has commenced the preparations for upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Dubai is set to host the upcoming IPL 2024 player’s auction on December 19, marking the first time this event will be conducted overseas. However, the official venue for the tournament itself remains unconfirmed.

According to an ESPNCricinfo report, this auction is scheduled for the same day as the second ODI of India’s tour of South Africa, which is planned for December 19 at Gqeberha. It may be noted that the ten IPL clubs have until November 15 to submit their lists of retained and released players. Following this, the auction pool will be finalised in early December. 

IPL 2024 Auction Schedule

What will be each team’s budget? 

Each team will receive INR 100 crore (approximately USD 12.02 million) to formulate their rosters for the 2024 season, which represents a notable increase of INR 5 crore compared to last season’s purse of INR 95 crore. The amount that each team must spend on auction day is determined by the value of the players they release and the unspent funds from the 2023 auction.

Currently, the Punjab Kings possess the largest purse at INR 12.20 crore (USD 1.47 million), while the Mumbai Indians have the smallest purse at INR 0.05 crore (USD 0.006 million). The Sunrisers Hyderabad hold INR 6.55 crore (USD 0.79 million), with the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals both having INR 4.45 crore (USD 0.54 million). 

Additionally, the Lucknow Super Giants have INR 3.55 crore (USD 0.43 million), the Rajasthan Royals possess USD 3.35 crore (USD 0.40 million), the Kolkata Knight Riders have INR 1.65 crore (USD 0.2 million), and the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, are equipped with INR 1.5 crore (USD 0.2 million).

Anticipations for upcoming auction are high

Despite being merely a one-day event, in contrast to the two-day mega auction, mini-auctions have given rise to some of the most extravagant deals, particularly in the overseas players’ category. Anticipations for the upcoming auction are high, with a roster of distinguished overseas players set to participate. 

This list includes Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who recently confirmed his return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus. Furthermore, Pat Cummins, who missed the IPL last season, is expected to enter the auction fray. Notably, Sam Curran made IPL history in December of the previous year when Punjab secured him for a whopping INR 18.5 crore, leading up to the 2023 season. Other prominent players that franchises are keen to have in the auction pool encompass names like Travis Head, Chris Woakes, Alex Hales, Sam Billings, and Gerald Coetzee.