The much-awaited auction of the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League 2023 is geared up to be hosted tomorrow, i.e. 23rd December in Kochi. All the franchises are set to make their lucrative bids on ace Indian and overseas players. The BCCI had received applications from over 900 cricketers all across the globe and had shortlisted 405 players who will go under the hammer in less than 24 hours.
A total of 87 player vacancies will be divided across 10 participating franchises with a combined purse of Rs. 206.5 crores. With a large pool of money likely to be floated and circulated in the auctions, all eyes will be on the experienced and performing overseas athletes.
Considering the player draft for the auctions, it is most likely that English cricketers Sam Curran and Ben Stokes, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and Indian batsman Mayank Agarwal will receive hefty bids from a number of franchises. With Curran being awarded the Man of the Tournament in the recently concluded T-20 World Cup, stakes will be high on the emerging all-rounder and it will be interesting to find whether he breaches the 20-crore mark to set an all-time high bid record.
Two factors will be prominently driving the franchise’s choice for the IPL 2023 Auctions
- No Objection Certificate by Cricket Australia and English Cricket Board to allow their players to bowl in all 14 league stage games.
- Impact Player rule that will be introduced. It allows a substitute player to replace any incumbent member of the Playing XI and perform all his actions including batting and bowling.
Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad (42.25 cr) and Punjab Kings (32.20 cr) have the deepest purse for the auctions after they released the majority of their players post a debacle in the 2022 season. All eyes will be on the battle among these franchises to sign top Indian and overseas talent.
Live Streaming Details of IPL 2023 Auction: The live stream of the IPL auctions will be exclusively available on Star Sports Network.
