Reports: Riyadh to host IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24, 25

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to make history as it heads to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two-day event, tentatively scheduled for November 24-25, will be the second time an IPL auction will be held outside the Indian subcontinent, with the first being held last year in Dubai. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been intensively planning this event, with officials having already conducted preliminary venue assessments in Saudi Arabia. While several international locations including Dubai, Singapore, and Vienna were considered, Riyadh emerged as the preferred choice for this crucial auction.

The franchises announced their retention lists on Thursday, October 31 with 46 players being retained overall for a combined amount of INR 558.5 crore. Interestingly, Indian talent dominated the retention roster with 36 of the retained players being Indian, including 10 uncapped prospects. The notable names entering the auction pool include Jos Buttler, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer.

The release of IPL-winning captain Shreyas Iyer from Kolkata Knight Riders, along with Pant from Delhi Capitals and KL Rahul from Lucknow Super Giants, has created a scenario where three exceptional Indian leadership options are available for teams seeking new captains.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Retentions: Why was KKR deducted INR 69 crore despite spending INR 57 crore?

Mega-auction to overlap with India's first Test against Australia

However, with the auction set to take place on November 24-25, there is a scheduling overlap with India's first Test match against Australia in Perth (November 22-26). However, the time difference between Saudi Arabia and Australia may work in favor of the organizers, allowing the auction to proceed during Indian afternoon hours without conflicting with the Test match broadcast.

The BCCI is expected to dispatch a second delegation to Saudi Arabia to finalize the arrangements, with franchises awaiting official confirmation of the details to coordinate their travel and logistics plans.