IPL team owners oppose re-auction of players in 2011

New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The Indian Premier League (IPL) is facing opposition from within over its decision to re-auction players after three editions in 2011.

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The IPL during its three-day workshop in Bangkok that concluded Monday took some important decisions, including the re-auction of all players for the fourth season. But some influential members of the Governing Council and team owners have opposed the move.

The IPL management, however, feels that it would give a fair chance to the two new teams, which would be added in 2011.

A team owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed to IANS his displeasure over the issue and said that the IPL Governing Council will have to review the issue again.

IPL vice-chairman Niranjan Shah admitted that some team owners have opposed the move and the Governing Council is trying to take a middle-path.

'New ideas have always faced opposition, but we are trying to take a middle path, so that the two new teams get a chance to buy some best players of the world. We hope to get an amicable solution soon,' said Shah.

Shah also hinted that players, who have continously played for three seasons, are likley to be auctioned.

Asked if team owners would like to let go marquee players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar or Virender Sehwag, Shah said: 'The Governing Council will be reviewing the move and we will find a solution acceptable to all parties.'

Among other decisions taken in the workshop, it was also decided that the 2011 edition would be played under the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit. The IPL will also follow the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Anti-Doping policy for 2010 season.

The council decided that trading of players for the next season will start from Nov 23 and will end Jan 5. If Pakistani players want to participate, they would have to get a no-objection certificate from their government by Nov 20.

The IPL will also conduct an auction Jan 19 in Mumbai for the third season and a fresh purse of $750,000 will available to each franchisee for the auction. All franchises also agreed to do away with the icon player status after the 2010 season.