<p>The much-awaited IPL auction is slated to begin today with eight franchises vying for 292 players set to go under the hammer. The event is being held at a bio-bubble in a Chennai hotel as the Covid-19 pandemic yet to dissipate. This year's auction is set to be a 'mini-auction'.</p>.<p><strong>Here's all you need to know about the IPL 2021 auction:</strong></p>.<p><strong>Where is it happening?</strong></p>.<p>The auction will be held at the Hotel ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2021-auction-a-look-at-strategies-of-the-teams-951847.html" target="_blank">IPL 2021 auction: A look at strategies of the teams</a></strong></p>.<p><strong>When does it begin?</strong></p>.<p>The auction is slated to begin at 3 pm today.</p>.<p><strong>Where can I watch it?</strong></p>.<p>The auction will be televised and live-streamed on Star Sports and their online streaming platform, Hotstar.</p>.<p><strong>Why IPL 2021 auction is known as mini-auction not mega auction?</strong></p>.<p>The IPL mega auction takes place every three years and while IPL mini-auction is held every year within the three-year period.</p>.<p><strong>How many players are being auctioned?</strong></p>.<p>While a record total of 1,114 players registered their names for the auction, only 292 will go under the hammer.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-here-are-top-10-players-in-demand-for-the-2021-ipl-auction-951779#1" target="_blank"><strong>In Pics | Here are top 10 players in demand for the 2021 IPL auction</strong></a></p>.<p><strong>Players to watch out for?</strong></p>.<p>Senior spinner Harbhajan Singh and middle-order batsman Kedar Jadhav, along with Australians Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, have been bracketed in the Rs 2 crore highest base price category. A total of 164 Indian players, 125 overseas players and three from associate nations have been shortlisted for the auction.</p>.<p><strong>Which franchises are going to spend big?</strong></p>.<p>The renamed Punjab Kings have the highest budget among all teams, with Rs 53.2 crore to spend. Rajasthan Royals, with Rs 37.85 crore; and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with Rs 35.4 crore will also spend big to bolster their squad. </p>.<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore have the highest number of available slots with 11 while the Sunrisers Hyderabad have only three vacancies. </p>.<p><strong>And who won't spend as much?</strong></p>.<p>Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, both with Rs 10.75 crore each, will most likely use their funds sparingly.</p>.<p><strong>Here's the complete list of players who have been shortlisted for the auction:</strong></p>
<p>The much-awaited IPL auction is slated to begin today with eight franchises vying for 292 players set to go under the hammer. The event is being held at a bio-bubble in a Chennai hotel as the Covid-19 pandemic yet to dissipate. This year's auction is set to be a 'mini-auction'.</p>.<p><strong>Here's all you need to know about the IPL 2021 auction:</strong></p>.<p><strong>Where is it happening?</strong></p>.<p>The auction will be held at the Hotel ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2021-auction-a-look-at-strategies-of-the-teams-951847.html" target="_blank">IPL 2021 auction: A look at strategies of the teams</a></strong></p>.<p><strong>When does it begin?</strong></p>.<p>The auction is slated to begin at 3 pm today.</p>.<p><strong>Where can I watch it?</strong></p>.<p>The auction will be televised and live-streamed on Star Sports and their online streaming platform, Hotstar.</p>.<p><strong>Why IPL 2021 auction is known as mini-auction not mega auction?</strong></p>.<p>The IPL mega auction takes place every three years and while IPL mini-auction is held every year within the three-year period.</p>.<p><strong>How many players are being auctioned?</strong></p>.<p>While a record total of 1,114 players registered their names for the auction, only 292 will go under the hammer.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-here-are-top-10-players-in-demand-for-the-2021-ipl-auction-951779#1" target="_blank"><strong>In Pics | Here are top 10 players in demand for the 2021 IPL auction</strong></a></p>.<p><strong>Players to watch out for?</strong></p>.<p>Senior spinner Harbhajan Singh and middle-order batsman Kedar Jadhav, along with Australians Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, have been bracketed in the Rs 2 crore highest base price category. A total of 164 Indian players, 125 overseas players and three from associate nations have been shortlisted for the auction.</p>.<p><strong>Which franchises are going to spend big?</strong></p>.<p>The renamed Punjab Kings have the highest budget among all teams, with Rs 53.2 crore to spend. Rajasthan Royals, with Rs 37.85 crore; and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with Rs 35.4 crore will also spend big to bolster their squad. </p>.<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore have the highest number of available slots with 11 while the Sunrisers Hyderabad have only three vacancies. </p>.<p><strong>And who won't spend as much?</strong></p>.<p>Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, both with Rs 10.75 crore each, will most likely use their funds sparingly.</p>.<p><strong>Here's the complete list of players who have been shortlisted for the auction:</strong></p>
