The BCCI refused to shift the mini-auction day on December 23. Since it’s Christmas week, most of the foreign staff won’t be available. The franchises requested the board to change the date of the mini-auction but BCCI refused. Instead, the interaction with the foreign staff will take place through video conferencing. The mini-auction is all set to be held in Kochi on December 23.
“No, Stephen Fleming won’t be joining us for the auction. None of our foreign staff will be present in Kochi due to Christmas Celebrations. They will join by video conference,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed
A phone call during the auction is allowed but it is yet to be decided if it will be a dedicated video-conferencing.
“As for video conferencing, we will take a call on that in the franchise meeting before the auction. If all the stakeholders agree, I don’t see any reason not to allow it,” A BCCI official said.
IPL being the most popular T20 league in the world, all the ten franchises have foreign staff.
- Mumbai Indians has Mark Boucher (head coach), Kieron Pollard (batting coach), Shane Bond (bowling coach), James Pamment (fielding coach).
- Chennai SUper Kings has Stephen Fleming (head coach), Michael Hussey (batting coach), Eric Simons (asst coach).
- Delhi Capitals has Ricky Ponting (head coach), Shane Watson (asst coach), James Hopes (bowling coach).
- Lucknow Super Giants has Andy Flower (head coach), Andy Bichel (bowling coach).
- Gujarat Titans has Vikram Solanki (director of cricket), Gary Kirsten (batting coach).
- Rajasthan Royal has Kumar Sangakkara head coach), Lasith Malinga (bowling coach), Trevor Penney (asst coach).
- Royal Challengers Bangalore has Mike Hesson (director of cricket), Adam Griffith (bowling coach).
- Sunrisers Hyderabad has Mike Hesson (director of cricket), Adam Griffith (bowling coach.
- Punjab Kings has Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Brad Haddin (asst coach), Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach), Julian Wood (consultant), Charl Langveldt (bowling coach).
- Kolkata Knight Riders has James Foster (asst coach), Ryan ten Doeschate (fielding coach.
After the date was announced. multiple franchises requested BCCI to shift the auction date from December 23 due to Christmas. BCCI won’t be changing the date due to “logistical issues”
The main reason why the franchises wanted to reschedule was that seven out of 10 teams have foreign head coaches. They will need the head coaches to strategise for the upcoming tournament. Teams have a foreign influence in multiple departments. Not being present in the auction can prove to be a huge blow.
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