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[Saba Sports News] The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is tentatively scheduled for November 25 and 26 in Saudi Arabia, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm this.
The BCCI is exploring venue options and will finalize the schedule soon.
A challenge arises as the auction dates coincide with India’s first Test in Australia, running from November 22 to 26.
Since Disney Star broadcasts both the Test and the IPL, all parties aim to avoid overlap.
However, due to the time difference with Australia, the auction could begin in the afternoon, Indian Standard Time, minimizing any conflict.
Some BCCI officials have already visited Saudi Arabia, with more expected to travel soon. Riyadh and Jeddah are being considered as host cities, with Riyadh emerging as the likely venue.
While other locations like Dubai, Singapore, and London were considered, Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the probable host.
Franchises would have preferred the auction to take place in India, but with that no longer an option, they are pushing the BCCI for an official venue announcement to make necessary travel arrangements.
The deadline for teams to submit their player retention lists is 5 PM on October 31.