IPL 2020 auction likely to be held in Kolkata

Barring any major changes, the auction for the 13th edition of the IPL will be held in Kolkata on December 19. The BCCI, in a surprising move, shifted the venue of the auction from Bangalore to Kolkata this year. 

The trading window, which is currently open, will close on November 14, according to ESPNcricinfo reports. The report further said that all the eight teams have been informed about this on Monday. 

The franchises have been allotted Rs 85 crore to spend during the auctions this year. This is a Rs 3 crore increase from last year's starting money. Apart from the surplus, teams will be allowed to use the leftover money in their kitties from last year's auction. 

This year's auction is the last before the franchises disband. Next year, the franchises will prepare to assemble fresh squads at the mega auction for IPL 2021. Hence, a very intense bidding battle is highly expected, and it is likely from the looks of the trading window. 

Delhi Capitals, led by young Shreyas Iyer, have been very busy during the trading window. They have let go of all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford and brought Mayank Markande from Mumbai. It is also speculated that they are in talks to sign Ravichandran Ashwin from Kings XI Punjab.

Their mentor and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said they (DC) would be more than happy to have him (Ashwin) if KXIP are ready to release him. He said financial negotiations are stalling the high-profile move. 

Delhi Capitals are also in talks with Rajasthan Royals to sign Ajinkya Rahane. 

Funds remaining ahead of IPL 2020 Auction

Chennai Super Kings - Rs 3.2 crore, Delhi Capitals - Rs 7.7 crore, Kings XI Punjab - Rs 3.7 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders - Rs 6.05 crore, Mumbai Indians - Rs 3.55 crore, Rajasthan Royals - Rs 7.15 crore, Royal Challengers Bangalore - Rs 1.80 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad - Rs 5.30 crore.

Cover image credits: Hindustan Times