IPL mini-auction likely on February 18: Report

The much-awaited IPL mini-auction is likely to be held on February 18, a BCCI official was quoted as saying to PTI on Friday. "The auction will be held on February 18. The venue is yet to be decided," the official said.

The board is yet to decide whether the two-month cricket extravaganza will happen in India or not. However, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has frequently highlighted that the board will leave no stone unturned to organise the most-watched T20 league at home. 

The previous edition of the IPL was held in the United Arab Emirates during the September-November window due to the pandemic. A lot will depend on how India's home series against England pans out. The smooth conduct of the series could well clear the way for the IPL to be held at home.

The player retention deadline ended on January 20. Top draws like Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith were released from their respective franchises. Royal Challengers Bangalore also traded in Daniel Sams and Harshal Patel from Delhi Capitals. The trading window closes on February 4. 

A BOLD welcome to Daniel Sams and @HarshalPatel23 as they join the RCB family for the 2021 IPL. ?#PlayBold #NowARoyalChallenger #WelcomeDanSams #WelcomeHarshalPatel #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/dJ54dJJKjO

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 22, 2021

[PTI input]