Two of the all-time greats of cricket, Michael Vaughan and Ricky Ponting have voiced strong criticism toward the BCCI over the scheduling of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The timing of the auction is set to create logistical difficulties for Ponting along with his fellow commentator Justin Langer, requiring them to leave the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar series Test midway.
Recently appointed as head coach of the Punjab Kings, Ponting expressed his frustration with the situation, while Justin Langer, who will lead the Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season, shared similar concerns.
“It’s the worst possible case scenario for me and ‘JL’. Over recent months, we had hoped the auction would occur in the gap between the Test matches, relieving the pressure on players from both squads, many of whom will be a part of the auction.” Ponting said.
“I always believed it should have been slotted in the break, as it seemed more beneficial for everyone involved. I can’t fathom why the BCCI chose these dates—it could be linked to broadcasting arrangements since the auction goes live shortly after the day’s play concludes,” he added.
Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer will only do commentary for Day 1 of the first Test on Channel7.
– They will be prioritising the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. (The Age). pic.twitter.com/uN5oGGxQyV
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 20, 2024
On the other hand, Michael Vaughan believes the clash between the Perth Test and the mega auction could impact Indian players involved in both events. He criticized the BCCI for the “absurd” timing of the auction, noting that several members of the current Indian Test squad are set to be featured.
Vaughan highlighted the significant gap between the first Test in Perth and the second Test in Adelaide, starting on December 6th, suggesting the auction could have been held during this interval.
“I don’t agree with the fact that they put the IPL auction in the middle of the first Test. I think it’s ridiculous. We’ve got a nine-day break between the first and the second (Tests) why they’re putting it there when you know the players are under pressure playing in a Test match, why do they want to sway the profile of that Test match into an IPL auction in Saudi I’m not too sure,” Vaughan told Codesport.
India and Australia are poised to face off in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the opening Test commencing in Perth on November 22. Men in Blue will aim for their third consecutive Test series triumph on Australian soil, while the hosts are determined to give their all to deny India’s efforts and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The IPL 2025 auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking just the second instance of the event being held outside India.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
