New Delhi
The upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction has sparked debate as it coincides with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, raising concerns from cricket experts and players.
The two-day auction, scheduled for Nov 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, overlaps with days three and four of the first Test match. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch, remarked on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) influence. “When the BCCI want things to happen, they get their way. It’s unusual to clash with a Test, but they must have their reasons,” Finch said on Wednesday.
Cricket Australia (CA) officials and players have expressed frustration. Former cricketer Callum Ferguson highlighted the timing issue, saying, “It’s disappointing that this coincides with Australia’s first home Test of the summer, especially against India, their biggest drawcard.”
The auction’s appeal has drawn key figures away from Test duties. Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori, Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach, will skip the Perth Test entirely. Similarly, Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, head coaches for IPL teams, will miss Perth commentary for Channel Seven after day one to attend the auction.
Ponting shared his perspective, calling the scheduling “the worst-case scenario.” He emphasized the impact on players and coaches, many of whom are involved in both events. “It might be due to broadcast timings, but I thought a gap between Tests would’ve been better,”
The IPL auction’s timing underscores the league’s global pull but has reignited debates about balancing international cricket and franchise commitments.
