IPL 2025 Auction: Sky-High Saudi Hotel Prices Causing Delay In Final Venue Decision?

IPL 2025 Auction: Even though a call on the final location is yet to be taken, it is being learnt that Riyadh or Jeddah could get to host the IPL 2025 Auction.

IPL 2024 Auction was held in Dubai. The BCCI is now mulling to take the auction to Saudi Arabia.

Source : X/@JayShah

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering the hosting of a mega auction in a Saudi city. Even though a call on the final location is yet to be taken, it is being learnt that Riyadh or Jeddah could get to host the IPL 2025 Auction. A report carried by Cricbuzz has now made some fascinating revelations.

The said report suggets that Dubai, in the UAE, is also an option for the BCCI but not their preferred choice. The IPL 2025 Auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. Meanwhile, in an interesting claim in the report it is being said that finding a suitable hotel has proven challenging for BCCI.

However, despite hotels in both the shortlisted cities of Saudi costlier than ones in Dubai where the previous auction was held, the prices shouldn't be much of a worry for BCCI, the richest cricket board in the world. While United Kingdon's London was also considered as an option, it was rejected because of winter arriving in that part of the world during the timeframe the Indian cricket board intends to organise the event.

The organisers need to provide accomodation for all the officials of the 10 teams as well as the two broadcasters- Disney Star and Jio.

READ HERE | From MS Dhoni To Piyush Chawla: Players Expected To Be Retained As 'Uncapped' In IPL 2025 Auction

Will MS Dhoni Play IPL 2025?

Meanwhile, there is still no clarity on whether or not MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2025. It is being learnt that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials will meet him in Mumbai before taking a final decision is taken on whether or not he should continue to don the Yellow jersey.

It is pertinent to note that in a recent decision, it was announced that players who have not played international cricket for over five years can be classied as uncapped which suggests Dhoni can be retained for Rs 4 crore if he wishes  to play for CSK next year.