IPL 2025 Mega Auction to Take Place in Saudi Arabia on November 24-25

IPL 2025 Mega Auction to Take Place in Saudi Arabia on November 24-25

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, marking the second consecutive time the auction will be held outside India. The two-day event will coincide with the third and fourth days of the Perth Test between India and Australia.

A total of 1,574 players have registered for the auction, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas players. Among the Indian players, 48 capped stars, such as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, will be up for grabs.

The auction will feature 204 slots, with 87 slots reserved for overseas players. The player registration closed on November 4, and the BCCI has confirmed that 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations will participate.

The overseas player contingent includes 272 capped internationals, 965 uncapped Indians, 152 uncapped Indians who have played in previous IPL seasons, and 104 uncapped internationals.

The country-wise breakdown of the 409 overseas players is as follows:

* Australia: 114
* England: 98
* South Africa: 77
* New Zealand: 62
* West Indies: 29
* Sri Lanka: 15
* Afghanistan: 10
* Bangladesh: 4

The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a highly competitive event, with teams looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming season. The auction will be streamed live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

IPL Auction to be Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November

IPL Auction to be Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold its highly anticipated auction in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the last week of November. This mega event will witness the participation of high-profile Indian cricket stars, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, who will go under the hammer.

The 10 IPL franchises will collectively have approximately ₹641.5 crore to spend on 204 available slots, with 70 of those slots earmarked for overseas players. As of now, 46 players have been retained by the franchises, with a cumulative expenditure of ₹558.5 crore.

The IPL auction is a crucial event that shapes the composition of teams for the upcoming season. Franchises will be eager to acquire the services of top-performing players to bolster their squads and increase their chances of success. The auction will also provide opportunities for uncapped players to showcase their talent and earn lucrative contracts.

The IPL has become a global cricketing phenomenon, attracting fans from all corners of the world. The tournament’s high-octane matches, star-studded lineups, and passionate fan base have made it one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

The upcoming auction in Riyadh is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. The presence of high-profile players and the potential for unexpected acquisitions will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Sabalenka's Soccer Shot Hits Photographer at WTA Finals Event

Sabalenka’s Soccer Shot Hits Photographer at WTA Finals Event

Aryna Sabalenka’s Unintentional Soccer Shot Hits Photographer at WTA Finals Event

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s attempt at a penalty kick during a visit with youth soccer players in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, took an unexpected turn when her shot veered off target and struck a WTA Finals photographer in the head.

The incident occurred as Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur, who is in Riyadh to support the event, were interacting with the young girls. Sabalenka’s attempt to showcase her soccer skills went awry when her shot missed the goal and hit the photographer, who was kneeling to capture the moment.

Sabalenka immediately rushed over to apologize to the photographer, who was not injured and took the incident in good humor. Jabeur also checked on the photographer’s well-being, joking that she “didn’t have insurance.”

The photographer later posted a video of the incident on social media, with a humorous caption acknowledging Sabalenka’s “serious damages” in Riyadh.

Despite the mishap, Sabalenka and Jabeur continued their visit with the youth soccer players, engaging in conversations and posing for photos. The two players were also presented with personalized Saudi soccer jerseys with their names and the number ’34’ on the back, representing the bid year for the 2034 World Cup.

Jabeur, who has been a vocal advocate for the WTA Finals to be held in Saudi Arabia, expressed her belief that the country is making progress in terms of women’s rights and that it is time for the WTA to support the event in the Gulf country.

Swiatek and Rybakina Arrive in Saudi Arabia for WTA Finals

Swiatek and Rybakina Arrive in Saudi Arabia for WTA Finals

Two of the biggest names in tennis, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, have arrived in Saudi Arabia to prepare for the season-ending WTA Finals. Both players have been out of action since the US Open, but they are now ready to return to competition.

Swiatek, the world’s No. 2-ranked player, has been working with new coach Wim Fissette in the two weeks since she officially tabbed the Belgian to lead her coaching team. She is eager to return to action and regain the top spot in the rankings, which she lost to Aryna Sabalenka on Oct. 21.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has also undergone a high-profile coaching change this year. She parted ways with Stefano Vukov ahead of the US Open and has been shrouded under a cloud of uncertainty about her physical and mental health in the weeks since. However, she looked in good spirits as she traveled to Riyadh with her team.

Both Swiatek and Rybakina have put to rest some of the lingering doubts about their respective statuses with their mere presence in Riyadh. However, it remains to be seen what sort of form they will bring to the match court when the tournament officially begins on Saturday.

IPL 2025 Mega Auctions to be Held in Saudi Arabia

IPL 2025 Mega Auctions to be Held in Saudi Arabia

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season, and the excitement is palpable among fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released guidelines for the mega auctions, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players.

Retention Guidelines:

Franchises can retain players with the following financial implications:

* First retention: Rs 18 crore
* Second retention: Rs 14 crore
* Third retention: Rs 11 crore
* Fourth retention: Rs 18 crore
* Fifth retention: Rs 14 crore
* Uncapped player retention: Rs 4 crore

Auction Venue:

The IPL 2024 auctions were held in Dubai, UAE, but for the 2025 edition, Saudi Arabia is likely to host the event. Riyadh and Jeddah are the probable venues for the two-day auction.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Influence:

The presence of renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al-Nassr, may have influenced the decision to host the IPL auctions in the country.

Expert Analysis:

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul will command a hefty sum if he enters the auction. Chopra also suggests that LSG may consider using the Right to Match card for Mayank Yadav, who has been selected in the India squad for the Bangladesh T20Is.

Conclusion:

The IPL 2025 mega auctions promise to be a thrilling affair, with franchises strategizing to retain their core players and acquire new talent. The event will be held in Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter in the history of the IPL.

IPL 2025 Auction Likely to be Held in Saudi Arabia

IPL 2025 Auction Likely to be Held in Saudi Arabia

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next season in 2025, and the highly anticipated “Big Auction” is set to take place in late November. While Dubai has been the traditional venue for overseas auctions, the BCCI is considering a move to Saudi Arabia for this edition.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Riyadh and Jeddah are the two Saudi cities being considered as potential hosts. While Dubai remains in the running, it is not the preferred option. The report suggests that the higher costs associated with hosting the auction in Saudi Arabia could be a factor in the final decision.

Despite the potential financial implications, the BCCI, as the world’s richest cricket board, is unlikely to be deterred by the increased expenses. However, the logistical requirements of the auction, including accommodating officials from the 10 teams and the two broadcasters, Disney Star and Jio, will need to be carefully considered.

London was initially considered as a potential venue, but the onset of winter in the UK ruled it out. The auction is expected to be a two-day event, and the BCCI is keen to finalize the venue soon.

The “Big Auction” is a crucial event in the IPL calendar, as it allows teams to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season. With a number of high-profile players expected to be available, the auction is likely to attract significant attention from fans and media alike.

Ronaldo Misses Al Nassr's Asian Champions League Opener Due to Viral Infection

Ronaldo Misses Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League Opener Due to Viral Infection

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League opener against Al Shorta in Iraq has cast a shadow over the tournament’s launch. The Portuguese superstar, who joined the Saudi Arabian club in January, was diagnosed with a viral infection on Sunday and will miss the match.

Ronaldo’s absence is a significant blow to Al Nassr’s hopes of winning the Asian Champions League, a trophy that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career. The 39-year-old forward has been in impressive form since joining the Saudi Pro League, scoring five goals in four appearances.

Al Nassr will be hoping to bounce back from Ronaldo’s absence and make a strong start to their Champions League campaign. The Saudi Arabian club has invested heavily in recent years, bringing in high-profile players such as Ronaldo and Brazilian winger Talisca.

The Asian Champions League has undergone a major revamp this year, with the introduction of a new format that splits the 24 teams into two groups of East and West. Each team will play eight different opponents in the group stage, with the top eight teams from each zone advancing to the last 16.

The final stages of the tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4, with the winners taking home at least $12 million. Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Neymar’s Al Hilal are among the favorites to win the tournament.

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Hilal remains a formidable force. The Saudi Arabian champions have signed Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and boast a star-studded squad that includes Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic.

The defending champions, Al Ain, will also be looking to make a strong title defense. The United Arab Emirates club, coached by Argentina great Hernan Crespo, defeated Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos in last year’s final.

In the East zone, clubs from Japan have been the most successful in recent years. Yokohama F-Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale, and Vissel Kobe will all be hoping to challenge for the title. South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Ulsan are also among the contenders.

The Asian Champions League is set to provide plenty of excitement and drama, with some of the world’s best players on display. Despite Ronaldo’s absence, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

Saudi Arabia Eyes Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. with Billion-Euro Offer

Saudi Arabia Eyes Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. with Billion-Euro Offer

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. has become the latest target of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports investment strategy. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reportedly approached the Brazilian forward with a lucrative offer to join the Saudi Pro League (SPL) on a five-year contract.

The offer, which arrived before Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Atalanta, is said to be worth over one billion euros, including a fixed salary of 200 million euros per season and bonuses. Additionally, Vinicius would become an ambassador for the FIFA World Cup 2034, which Saudi Arabia is bidding to host.

According to Reuters, Vinicius is open to considering the offer, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the world. The 24-year-old has not dismissed the move and has allowed PIF to approach Real Madrid.

Vinicius’ camp believes that the offer should be carefully considered, despite his contract with Madrid running until 2027. The Saudi league has recently attracted several high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema.

PIF’s interest in Vinicius is part of a broader strategy to invest in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector. The fund owns 75% of the capital of the country’s four premier clubs and has been actively pursuing top talent from around the world.

If Vinicius accepts the offer, it would be a major coup for Saudi Arabia and a significant loss for Real Madrid. The Brazilian has been a key player for Los Blancos, helping them win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles in recent seasons.

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has etched its name in football history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories. The Riyadh-based club extended its winning streak to an astonishing 28 matches, surpassing the previous record of 27 held by Welsh team The New Saints.

Al Hilal’s remarkable run culminated in a 2-0 triumph over fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. The victory propelled them into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate score.

The match was a tense affair, with Al Ittihad posing a significant threat despite missing key players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, Al Hilal’s resilience and attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents.

Yasser Al Shahrani broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a pass from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Brazilian forward Malcom sealed the victory deep into injury time, securing a memorable night for the Riyadh giants.

Al Hilal’s dominance has been evident throughout their Champions League campaign, as they have won their last nine matches. They are also the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy four times.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ulsan also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Jeonbuk Motors. Seol Young-woo’s first-half volley proved decisive in a tense encounter between the two K-League powerhouses.

Ulsan’s victory brings them closer to a place in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. They will face either Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos or China’s Shandong Taishan in the semi-finals.

Saudi Arabia Launches Bid to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia Launches Bid to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the sole contender for the tournament after no other expressions of interest were received before FIFA’s deadline. With Morocco, Portugal, and Spain set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, FIFA restricted the 2034 bidding process to nations from the Asian and Oceania confederations.

Saudi Arabia’s bid, titled “Growing. Together.,” aims to highlight the nation’s growing international partnerships through sports. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) emphasizes the country’s significant investments in high-profile sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf.

Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing,” using major sporting events to improve its human rights image. However, the country denies these allegations, stating that it protects its national security through its laws.

SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal expressed the importance of showcasing Saudi Arabia’s football story to the world. He highlighted the nation’s progress in both men’s and women’s football, inviting the world to join them on this exciting journey.

The next step in the bidding process involves submitting full bid documents to FIFA in July. The hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups will be announced at a FIFA Congress later this year.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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