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'.
Here's all you need to know about the IPL 2021 auction:
Where is it happening?
The auction will be held at the Hotel ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.
When does it begin?
The auction is slated to begin at 3 pm today.
Where can I watch it?
The auction will be televised and live-streamed on Star Sports and their online streaming platform, Hotstar.
Why IPL 2021 auction is known as mini-auction not mega auction?
The IPL mega auction takes place every three years and while IPL mini-auction is held every year within the three-year period.
How many players are being auctioned?
While a record total of 1,114 players registered their names for the auction, only 292 will go under the hammer.
Players to watch out for?
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.
Which franchises are going to spend big?
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.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have the highest number of available slots with 11 while the Sunrisers Hyderabad have only three vacancies.
And who won't spend as much?
Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, both with Rs 10.75 crore each, will most likely use their funds sparingly.
Here's the complete list of players who have been shortlisted for the auction:
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