Aoba Tanaka 
“Final Call for Cricket Stars: IPL Auction Registration Closes on November 30!”
Thursday, November 30, marks the last chance for cricket players to throw their hats into the ring for the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. To secure a spot in the auction, players must submit their names and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) through their respective boards. The auction itself is set to take place on December 19.
With expectations soaring, over 700 players are anticipated to join the auction fray this time around. Among the potential top draws are familiar faces from the World Cup, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmat Shah.
One name in particular, Mitchell Starc, is generating significant buzz. Despite past instances of unavailability post-auction, sources close to Cricket Australia reveal that five franchises are actively pursuing the left-arm pacer, making him a likely marquee player in the upcoming season.
Once the registration phase concludes, franchises face the challenge of narrowing down the list. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expecting around 70 players to find new homes during the auction. With a spending cap of INR 262.95 crore and 77 available slots spread across 10 squads, the competition is fierce. Teams also have the option to acquire up to 30 foreign players.
While Ben Stokes has withdrawn, uncertainty surrounds the availability of Jofra Archer, recently released by Mumbai Indians. Additionally, there are whispers about Josh Hazlewood possibly entering the league after being released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The IPL is slated to kick off in the third week of March, running until the third week of May. This timeline allows ample preparation for players and boards gearing up for the Twenty20 World Cup, commencing on June 3. As the registration deadline looms, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the talent set to grace the IPL stage.
