The auction for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to take place in Jaipur on December 17 and 18.

Eight Indian Premier League team owners with a maximum of 145.25 crores INR to spend on up to 70 players have been advised to be in Jaipur on December 18 to complete their team line-ups for the IPL Season 12.

Though, there has not been any official statement from the BCCI yet, the franchises have already been informed.

The IPL auction being a two-day affair comes as a big surprise as this time there will be a small auction as all the teams have the minimum number of players they need. A mega-auction has already taken place earlier this year. The auction process is generally a one-day affair unless it’s a mega-auction.

The BCCI, however, still hasn’t announced where the tournament will be held next year.

With the dates of the general elections yet to be announced, there is not much clarity. But some of the franchises, prefer the UAE over South Africa as the possible venue. In their communication to the BCCI, they have cited time difference and logistical issues as the few reasons.

But then, with the World Cup lined up in May, the league is likely to begin on March 29 and go on till the second week of May. But there are talks that the league may start a week early.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Sunrisers Hyderabad have traded Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Daredevils in exchange for three players. He had played for the Delhi-based franchise in 2008 before being bought by Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad in later editions of the league.

In other changes, Quinton de Kock has moved to Mumbai Indians while Mandeep Singh has been traded to Kings XI Punjab in exchange for Marcus Stoinis. Mike Hesson has replaced Brad Hodge as Kings XI Punjab’s head coach while Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Pradesh have stepped down from their posts at the franchise.