IPL 2027 auction expected to be held in India, says Arun Dhumal

Arun Dhumal said on September 16, 2026 in New Delhi that the IPL players' auction for 2027 is likely to be held in India after three successive auctions were staged overseas.

The past three editions of the auction were conducted in Dubai, Jeddah (mega auction) and Abu Dhabi. "Every year we try for this to happen in India, but we don't get the venue given the heavy marriage season. So, we definitely want it to be here this year, given that it would be a smaller auction and hopefully we will get the venue," Mr. Dhumal told PTI. The host city will be chosen based on the availability of the BCCI's preferred venue.

The IPL Governing Council recently discussed the Impact Player concept after the BCCI sought fresh feedback from the franchises on the rule that is due to remain in place until 2027. "The matter is under discussion. Will take feedback from all the stakeholders and then take a call on this," Mr. Dhumal added.

Several high-profile players have expressed reservations about the Impact Player rule, with India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, former captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel among those raising concerns. Majority of them argue that the provision dilutes the role of an all-rounder.

Ahead of IPL 2026, a majority of captains conveyed reservations to the BCCI, a move that intensified calls to scrap the Impact Player rule.

The strategic regulation permits teams to make a substitution at any stage of the match.

Mr. Dhumal and Khairul Majumdar will be re-elected to the IPL Governing Council on the sidelines of the BCCI annual general meeting on September 18.