Ricky Ponting Criticizes IPL 2025 Auction Timing During India-Australia Test Series
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the timing of the IPL 2025 auction. Scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the auction coincides with the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, creating logistical challenges for those involved in both events.
Ponting, now head coach of the Punjab Kings, and Justin Langer, the coach of Lucknow Super Giants, are part of the Channel Seven commentary team for the ongoing series. However, their dual responsibilities mean they will have to leave the Perth Test mid-game to attend the auction. Speaking about the situation, Ponting described it as “the worst possible case scenario” for both himself and Langer. He revealed that they had assumed the auction would be scheduled between Test matches to avoid such conflicts, as this arrangement would have minimized pressure on players and stakeholders participating in both events.
Ponting pointed out that the clash affects players as well, with many from both the Indian and Australian squads involved in the IPL auction. He stated that aligning the auction with a gap between Test matches would have been more convenient for everyone. Ponting speculated that the decision might be tied to broadcast considerations, as the auction is set to commence shortly after the conclusion of play on the first day of the Test.
Despite the scheduling challenges, Ponting confirmed his plans to commentate on the opening day of the Perth Test before flying out to Jeddah on Friday night. He hopes to return in time for the Test’s final stages, depending on the progress of the auction. If not, he intends to rejoin the commentary team for the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6. Channel Seven’s Director of Sport, Chris Jones, expressed excitement about welcoming both Ponting and Langer back for the Adelaide Test, where they will resume their commentary duties.
The timing of the IPL auction has sparked broader criticism. Some former players and analysts have questioned the rationale behind holding such a significant event during an important international series. They argue that the scheduling sends mixed signals about the prioritization of domestic and international cricket. This concern is amplified given the high stakes of the India-Australia Test series, a marquee event in the cricketing calendar.
Ponting’s frustration highlights the growing tension between the commercial interests of franchise cricket and the traditions of international cricket. While the IPL remains a global powerhouse in terms of revenue and viewership, its overlapping schedules with international matches often lead to logistical hurdles and divided loyalties for players, coaches, and broadcasters.
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth began on November 22, 2024, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage in the series. Australia, ranked number one in ICC Test rankings, is aiming to defend its dominance on home soil. Meanwhile, India, close behind at second place, is determined to reclaim the trophy. The series promises intense competition, with players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins expected to play pivotal roles.
The IPL auction is equally significant, as franchises strategize to build competitive squads for the 2025 season. The dual importance of both events underscores the complexities of modern cricket, where commercial and traditional formats often intersect. Balancing these priorities remains a challenge for governing bodies, as fans and stakeholders demand excellence on all fronts.
As the cricketing world debates this scheduling conflict, one thing remains clear: both the IPL and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hold immense value, and finding a harmonious coexistence between the two is crucial for the future of the sport. While the immediate focus will be on the auction and the ongoing Test series, the broader implications of such scheduling decisions will continue to spark conversations in the cricketing community.