Will there be mega auction ahead of IPL 2021? BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has his say

As the ongoing 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) is heading towards its business end, three franchises namely Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been eliminated from the tournament while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still fighting for a place in the playoffs.

IPL 2020 has made all the franchises well aware of the shortcomings in their squads and they must be desperately waiting for the auctions for IPL 2021 in order to add strength to their squads and come back stronger in the next edition of the T20 extravaganza. The franchises were looking forward to a mega auction later this year in order to give a new look to their teams.

However, earlier there were reports that the mega auction which was scheduled to take place ahead of IPL 2021 is likely to be scrapped due to COVID-19. Though no official announcement was made regarding the same by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Clearing BCCI’s stance, president Sourav Ganguly revealed that the board is yet to take a final call on whether there will be a mini or mega auction for 2021.

BCCI planning to host IPL 2020 in India

“We haven’t decided anything yet. Let this season conclude, we will take a call,” BCCI president Ganguly was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times on being asked about the player auction next year.

Further, Ganguly reckoned that the Indian board is keen on hosting the next edition of the cash-rich league in India if the COVID-19 situation Improves in the country and a vaccine is in place. Ganguly also mentioned that though their first priority will be India, they will keep UAE as a back-up option for IPL 2021.

The next season is likely to begin in April or May next year. “Hopefully the vaccine will be out by that time and we can host it,” said Ganguly on hosting IPL 2021 in India.

The 2020 edition of the T20 Championship is one of the most exciting seasons ever in history. All the eight franchises were struggling hard to find a spot in the playoffs of the league. Also, this is the first time that the team that finished last on the points tally, Rajasthan Royals, has 12 points in its kitty.