IPL auction tentatively set for January 29

The date for the player auction of the next edition of the IPL has been tentatively fixed for January 29, 2009. Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman and commissioner, said the current US$5 million cap on teams for players' salaries could be increased for the forthcoming season, but only after it is approved by the IPL governing council, which meets in Goa from October 16-18.

A significant development in the IPL's second edition is that the eight franchises can trade players, and Modi announced a one-month transfer window before the auction gets underway. "The players' transfer window will be between December 15, 2008 and January 15, 2009."

Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural winners, will have the right to decide on the venue for the 2009 final while runners-up Chennai Super Kings get to decide on the venues for the two semi-finals. Mumbai hosted the semi-finals and the final of the 2008 edition as they were the most expensive franchise, valued at $111.9 million.

The second season of the IPL is scheduled between April 10 and May 29 next year.