The upcoming IPL auction on December 16 may officially be a “mini” event, but all signs suggest it could still bring surprising star power. One of the biggest talking points ahead of the auction is the expected presence of Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, who is currently recovering from a spleen injury.
Despite being sidelined since the ODI series in Australia last month, Iyer’s name has been included in the list of official team representatives submitted to the BCCI. As per auction regulations, each franchise can send up to eight members inside the hall, with an additional six allowed outside the venue.
BCCI sources indicate that Iyer is preparing to travel to Abu Dhabi unless there is a sudden change in his health situation. His leadership played a crucial role in guiding Punjab Kings to the final last season, making his presence valuable even if he is not active on the field at the moment.
Ricky Ponting Unlikely to Attend
While Shreyas Iyer is expected to join the team, head coach Ricky Ponting is unlikely to travel for the auction. Ponting is currently committed to commentary duties for the Ashes series on Australia’s Seven Network, with the third Test scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide.
In addition, Punjab Kings have limited business to conduct this year, with only ₹11.5 crore remaining in their purse and a maximum of four slots available, including two for overseas recruits. These factors further reduce the need for Ponting’s presence at the auction table.
Daniel Vettori to Attend Despite Ashes Commitments
In contrast to Ponting, Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori is expected to attend the auction. He has reportedly received permission from Cricket Australia to make a short trip to Abu Dhabi—similar to last year, when he was granted leave during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to attend the IPL auction in Jeddah.
Other Australian cricketing names will also be present. The Lucknow Super Giants delegation will include Justin Langer and Tom Moody, serving as head coach and global director of cricket, respectively.
Mumbai Indians Crowned Most Valuable IPL Franchise
In another major development, the Mumbai Indians have been ranked the most valuable IPL franchise. According to the Brand Finance Annual Report, MI holds a valuation of USD 108 million, leading the league’s financial standings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru follow closely with a valuation of USD 105 million, while Chennai Super Kings take third place at USD 93 million. The rest of the rankings are as follows:
- Kolkata Knight Riders: USD 74 million
- Gujarat Titans: USD 70 million
- Punjab Kings: USD 66 million
- Lucknow Super Giants: USD 59 million
- Delhi Capitals: USD 59 million
- SunRisers Hyderabad: USD 56 million
- Rajasthan Royals: USD 53 million
As teams prepare final strategies and target lists, the December 16 auction promises a mix of tactical decisions, strategic budgets, and unexpected appearances—making this “mini” auction far more intriguing than its label suggests.
