There have been conflicting signals over the IPL player auction. Although the BCCI is prepared for the January 8-9 event in Bangalore, it is preparing for any eventuality.
According to sources, the BCCI has received complaints from players of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab over non receipt of payments and the board is not taking chances.
The governing council of the IPL, which met in Mumbai on Thursday, is believed to have given an all-clear for the auction. Unless, of course, some new anomalies are discovered, the auction might take place. Reliable sources in the GC have told this paper the final decision will be taken by BCCI president Shashank Manohar but chances of a postponement of the auction, at this stage, look doubtful. “We are prepared. It is a 50-50 situation. There can be a postponement even on January 7. From our side, we are ready for the mega auction. If a player goes to court saying he has not received money, then we can’t say,” the GC member said. The GC, he said, discussed only operational matters.”
The member said efforts are being made to verify if all the procedures, ordered by the Bombay HC, have been complied with. “We’re looking if every player has been paid or not. At this stage, there is no evidence of any breach but if we come across any such thing, we will approach the court,” he said. Meanwhile, another member said there is no chance of a postponement.
The GC has identified a few reserve venues if the nominated venues are not ready for the league before the deadline. IPL4 will have 10 teams and 74 games but things could change in the next few days.
