The IPL auction follows a structured bidding order built around player sets. Before the auction, all registered players are grouped into categories such as capped batters, all-rounders, fast bowlers, uncapped players, and so on. The auctioneer works through these sets one by one in a pre-decided sequence shared with teams in advance.
Within each set, the auctioneer announces players in the listed order, starting with marquee names when applicable. The bidding starts at each player’s base price. Franchises signal interest, the auctioneer confirms the latest bid, and the process continues until only one team remains. If no team raises a paddle for a player at the base price, the player goes unsold and the auctioneer moves to the next name.
A critical detail many overlook: the auctioneer can recall unsold players later in the day if teams request another chance. This means early decisions often influence late bidding behaviour, especially when franchises reassess purse balance or squad gaps.
The order is fixed on paper, but its impact is shaped by real-time strategy, purse pressure, and how aggressively teams chase specific roles early in the auction.
Published on Dec 11, 2025
Comments are closed.