IPL Auction 2024: Unraveling the FAQs - Who, Where, Which, What, When, and How of the 'Mini' Event on December 19

Summary: IPL Auction 2024: Unveiling All You Need to Know About the Player Auction Set in Dubai on December 19.

Every year, the auction emerges as a standout event, creating substantial buzz, if not more. The IPL auction, evolving into an annual tradition, enjoys widespread popularity with its live broadcast. Whether on a grand scale like the 2022 'mega auction' or a more subdued version, the player auction remains captivating. Franchises vying for players to enhance their squads before another intense Indian Premier League season adds an element of fascination to the proceedings.

But don't be misled by the term 'mini.' While the IPL 2024 auction may not match the scale of the mega auction, the quantity and caliber of players available ensure it will be a star-studded affair. Taking all aspects into account, here's a breakdown of what awaits at Tuesday's grand event.

The IPL 2024 auction features 332 players, with 214 Indians and 116 foreigners. Out of these, 116 are capped, 215 uncapped, and two from associate nations, filling 77 slots across teams.

All 10 IPL franchises have a total budget of ₹262.95 crore. Gujarat Titans lead with ₹38.15 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad follow with ₹34 crore, and Kolkata Knight Riders have ₹32.7 crore. Chennai Super Kings have ₹31.4 crore, Delhi Capitals with ₹28.95 crore, Royal Challengers Bangalore with ₹23.25 crore, and Punjab Kings with ₹29.1 crore. Mumbai Indians hold ₹17.75 crore, Lucknow Super Giants with ₹13.15 crore, and Rajasthan Royals with ₹14.5 crore have slightly tighter budgets.

The player categorization remains consistent, featuring 332 players divided into 19 sets based on their skills. The highest-priced bracket is ₹2 crore, with 23 players, including Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, and Umesh Yadav. Another 13 are in the ₹1.5 crore segment, 11 in the ₹75 lakh category, and 43 (including 11 Indians) in the ₹50 lakh base price segment.

Notable absentees from the IPL 2024 auction include Ben Stokes recovering from knee surgery, Jofra Archer with an elbow injury, and Joe Root released by Rajasthan Royals.

Mitchell Starc's return and interest from five franchises add excitement to the IPL 2024 auction, joined by Aussie pacers Hazlewood, Cummins, and promising all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.

Mallika Sagar, who led the Women's Premier League auction, will become the IPL's first female auctioneer in its 16-year history, taking over from Hugh Edmeades.