BCCI exploring Dubai for auction venue
MUMBAI: New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is set to reap a rich harvest after putting in a series of impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup so far. TOI has learnt that the 23-year-old is poised to be the most sought-after player in the IPL auction, likely to be held in the second half of December in Dubai.
Meanwhile, the Bangalore-born Wellington-based left-hander is the top run-getter for the Black Caps in the World Cup so far, having scored 290 runs in five matches@72.50, at a strike rate of 100.69, with one century (against England in the tournament opener at Ahmedabad), and two fifties.
"Ravindra offers three skills-he can bat well-he can be used as a floater in the top-order, he can bowl well and he's a good fielder too," a franchise official told TOI. "I will not be surprised if he gets sold for around Rs 7-8 crores in the auction. What adds to his appeal is that he's a desi (of Indian origin), and that always adds to your appeal in the IPL," said another franchise source.
"This will just be a mini-auction. Expect real action when the IPL mega auction takes place next year," said a source. The IPL auction, though, will be preceded by an auction for the Women's Premier League (WPL)."A team of the BCCI and the official telecasters is in Dubai to explore the city as an IPL auction venue," a source said. If Dubai is finalised, this is the first time that the IPL auction will be held outside India.
The trading window is currently open, but there has been no trading so far. "There are still a few matches to go in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. Those matches will give the IPL scouts more of an idea about new domestic talent," said a source.
