Shift in plans - IPL auction may be headed overseas

There appears to be a shift in thinking regarding the IPL auction venue, which is now likely to be held overseas. Although the franchises have not yet been officially informed about the city, they have surely been hinted about. The potential destination is understood to be somewhere in the Gulf region, as usual. Abu Dhabi in the UAE seems a strong possibility, but other Middle Eastern locations - such as Oman and Qatar - are also being explored.

The development is a clear departure from an earlier plan, when it appeared that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was keen to host the auction in India itself. However, there now seem to be challenges in securing an ideal venue, given that the identified window clashes with the festival and wedding season in the country.

As previously reported, the auction is likely to be held around mid-December - give or take a few days - most probably in the second half of the month. The BCCI is expected to formally announce the date and venue before November 15, the deadline for franchises to submit their list of retentions and releases ahead of IPL 19.

With the deadline barely two weeks away, discussions around player retentions and releases are gaining momentum, with talk of a potential Sanju Samson trade - first reported by Cricbuzz - emerging as the major talking point. Several franchises continue to rate the India wicketkeeper-batter highly, even though he has not exactly managed to live up to the billing in international cricket lately - whether in the recent Asia Cup or the ongoing series in Australia. Franchises, however, value him highly as an IPL player.

The latest on his possible trade could be finalised in the next few days, when Rajasthan Royals' lead owner, Manoj Badale, will be in India. Based in the UK, Badale is arriving in Mumbai on Tuesday, and a few retention decisions are likely to be finalised - including those concerning Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, the spinners who were believed to be in the 'release list' during Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. With Kumar Sangakkara back at the helm, it remains to be seen whether there will be a change of heart regarding the two Lankan spinners.

There has also been some chatter around Mohammed Shami too but Sunrisers Hyderabad are understood to be reluctant to release him. What is more, the franchise has reportedly received a few trade offers for the veteran India pacer but has declined them. Elsewhere, a slew of releases is expected from Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and possibly Kolkata Knight Riders as well.

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