By Onkar Jadhav · 11 min read
The 30-day timeline to a flawless cricket auction.
From releasing the player registration form and setting base prices to dry-run testing and auction day execution without disputes.
Define Tournament Rules & Budget Model
- Determine team purse amount (e.g. ₹50,000 cash or 100,000 points)
- Set roster bounds: minimum 11 players, maximum 15 players
- Establish base price bands (Marquee: ₹2,000, Set A: ₹1,000, Uncapped: ₹500)
- Draft and distribute the official tournament auction rulebook
Player Registrations & Pool Verification
- Launch digital player registration form with photo upload and role selection
- Collect and verify registration entry fees and player availability dates
- Sort players into categories: Top-Order Batsmen, Fast Bowlers, Spinners, All-Rounders, Wicketkeepers
- Audit pool for duplicate entries and establish marquee lot shortlists
Team Franchise Verification & Purse Deposits
- Confirm team owner registrations and assign franchise paddle numbers
- Collect franchise entry fees and credit verified opening purses
- Execute any player retention agreements according to tournament bylaws
- Publish the official player auction list and tier breakdown to team owners
Technical & Venue Rehearsals
- Test projector display, HDMI cables, and secondary big screens at the venue
- Set up dual internet connections (venue broadband plus 5G failover hotspot)
- Verify audio systems: wireless auctioneer microphones and sound monitoring
- Prepare physical bidding paddles and tiebreaker bid cards
Live Bidding Execution
- Conduct mandatory 15-minute owner briefing on gavel rules and increment slabs
- Run 1 practice lot so all participants understand the bidding rhythm
- Auction marquee sets first, followed by positional rounds and accelerated unsold rounds
- Counter-sign official squad rosters with each franchise owner immediately post-gavel
Organizer Execution Questions
How long does a typical local cricket auction take to complete?
For a tournament with 6 to 8 teams and 100 to 120 registered players, a well-run auction with digital software takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Manual paper auctions frequently stretch past 6 hours due to calculation delays.
What is the role of an auctioneer during live player bidding?
The auctioneer controls pacing, repeats the current bid clearly, enforces increment slabs, manages room drama, and makes the definitive call when the gavel strikes. They hold final authority in the room.
How should organizers handle a tie or dispute between two simultaneous bids?
Auction rules should clearly grant the auctioneer exclusive authority to award the bid to the first paddle recognized. If truly simultaneous, modern platforms allow a rapid sealed tiebreaker bid or a re-opening of the lot between the two tied teams.