The players’ auction for the next edition of India’s biggest money-spinner, Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to be taking place at Kolkata for the first time, on December 19. The West Bengal capital is home to the two-time champion franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. The auctions have mostly been held in Bengaluru so far.
As per the reports of ‘ESPNCricinfo’, the trading window that is currently open will close on November 14, and all the franchises were informed about it on Monday. While the franchises were allotted ₹82 crores each for the IPL 2019, ₹85 crores have been allocated for the 2020 season.
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The franchises were originally allotted ₹85 crores to build their teams for 2020. Every franchise will also have an additional purse of ₹3 crores in addition to the balance in their kitties from the last auction. Delhi Capitals (DC) have the biggest balance — ₹8.2 crores, followed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) at ₹7.15 crore and Kolkata Knight Riders at ₹6.05 crore.
DC mentor Sourav Ganguly had expressed interest in signing R Ashwin but financial negotiations are reportedly stalling the high-profile move. He said, “We would be more than happy to have Ashwin if KXIP is ready to release him.” Meanwhile, the franchise is also having a talk with Rajasthan Royals over signing Ajinkya Rahane for IPL 2020.
With a mega auction set for 2021, all 8 franchises will not shy away from signing horses-for-courses players in the upcoming auction.
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This year’s auction is the last one before the franchises get to choose new teams in the next auctions and prepare to assemble fresh squads from 2021 at a mega auction. The most-awaited event usually runs between April and May every year.
Funds left with franchises ahead of IPL 2020 auction:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – ₹3.2 crore, Delhi Capitals – ₹7.7 crore, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – ₹3.7 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹6.05 crore, Mumbai Indians (MI) – ₹3.55 crore, Rajasthan Royals – ₹7.15 crore, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – ₹1.80 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – ₹5.30 crore.
