In a major development ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken stern action against five players due to suspicious bowling actions. This decision is set to impact the careers of several cricketers who were hoping to be part of the auction.
BCCI Takes Action Against Five Players
The BCCI released a list of bowlers with questionable actions, banning Manish Pandey and Sreejith Krishnan from bowling. Both players, who are part of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, were flagged for their suspicious bowling actions, leading to their exclusion from bowling in domestic and IPL competitions.
Additionally, Deepak Hooda, Saurabh Dubey, and KC Cariappa have been placed under scrutiny, with the possibility of bans looming over them as well. Although Hooda is primarily known as a batsman, he also bowls off-spin, which makes him vulnerable to the BCCI’s scrutiny.
Impact on IPL 2025 Mega Auction
These actions come as a major setback for the players involved, especially as they were gearing up for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The timing of the BCCI’s announcement has caused significant disruption, especially for players like Deepak Hooda, who had his base price set at ₹75 lakh. Hooda, who was part of the Lucknow Super Giants in the previous season, is considered one of the most in-demand all-rounders, but this ban risk could reduce his value in the auction.
Manish Pandey, a seasoned IPL player, has also set his base price at ₹75 lakh for the auction. Pandey has played for seven different IPL teams in his career and was hoping for another strong bidding war. However, this ban will likely diminish his prospects.
Meanwhile, the uncapped players—Sreejith Krishnan, Saurabh Dubey, and KC Cariappa—are also facing uncertainty. Each of them has set a base price of ₹30 lakh for the auction, but with their bowling actions under scrutiny, they may not receive the attention they anticipated.
What Happens Next?
As these players’ futures in the IPL hang in the balance, the BCCI’s decision to monitor their actions closely could lead to further restrictions if their bowling actions are not cleared. The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, which is expected to be a hotbed of bidding activity, will see players navigating a variety of challenges, including these recent bans.
For now, the players who were caught in this controversy will hope for a thorough review of their actions, but the BCCI’s firm stance on integrity and fairness in the sport will continue to make headlines as the auction draws near.
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