For the first time in the history of an Indian Premier League (IPL) players' auction, there will be fans and audience present to watch the bidding war unfold in Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on December 19.
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Besides the debut of fans at the players' auction, the IPL will see a woman auctioneer for the first time, as Mallika Sagar takes on the role to invite franchises to bid before bringing the gavel down. Mallika also hosted the WPL auction held earlier this month.
While the team owners, coaches and officials have their strategical wishlists aligned to their remaining purses, they are equally excited to welcome fans to the auction hall to build an atmosphere never witnessed before.
Here's what the officials had to say:
It is expected that the biggest franchise-battles will be fought to bag Australia's World Cup-wining stars, especially Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and opener Travis Head, who scored a century in the World Cup final against India.
In a communication to the 10 IPL franchises on Monday, the BCCI said that Cricket Australia had assured the participation of all their players for the 2024 IPL except those who want to play in the Sheffield Shield final scheduled for March 21-25.
