The BCCI is going to shift the IPL Mega Auction venue from Bengaluru and change the dates due to a sharp hike in Covid 19 cases and hotel restrictions.
As per re[Earlier, BCCI had finalised the dates for the auction, February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru through the Indian board is yet to book hotels. As per reports, the two hotels BCCI booked had put their booking on hold as the Karnataka government hasn’t issued fresh Covid-19 restrictions. It is speculated that the gatherings are to be restricted, thus the entire Auction will be prevented.
A senior BCCI in his statement told “Some things are out of our hands and we must wait. Bookings and stuff will not be an issue if we have an idea about the restrictions. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in talks with the state associations. If we need to move the venue, it can be done on short notice,”
The BCCI has kept Kolkata, Mumbai and Kochi as options for the IPL Mega Auction venue. The Covid-19 cases in these three places are already very high so BCCI has to change the dates for the time being.
Why is it important to shift the venue of IPL Mega Auction?
The Pro Kabaddi League has taken the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield Hotel. The Karnataka Government is yet to put on restrictions and in that case, BCCI has to shift the venue as well as the dates. Many cities have already imposed Covid-19 restrictions and have asked BCCI to wait. The standby cities Kolkata, Mumbai and Kochi are also under restrictions.
More than 100 heads will be present in the IPL 2022 Auction which could be a very difficult situation due to the Covid restrictions.
The last date for the other cricket boards to send the name of the players is 17th January 2022 to be part of the auction. 250 players are going to be shortlisted for the Mega Auction.
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