IPL 2025 Player Auction Heads to Riyadh

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Player Auction is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, marking the second consecutive year the event is held outside India. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed the dates or venue, franchises have reportedly been informed about the schedule. Riyadh was chosen over other locations like London and Singapore due to its favorable time zone for international broadcasts, despite its higher cost compared to Dubai. The auction's purse is set at INR 120 crore, with teams allowed to retain up to six players through retention and the modified Right to Match (RTM) system. Key players such as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Pat Cummins are expected to be retained by their respective franchises. This move aligns with BCCI's strategy to expand IPL's global reach, tapping into Saudi Arabia's growing interest in cricket.