TNPL governing council mulls player auction from next year

Chennai: However, for TNPL’s sixth season, which is scheduled to be hosted in June and July, the tournament organiser will stick with the draft system that has been in place since the inaugural edition in 2016. The idea of replacing the draft with the auction was discussed during the TNPL governing council meeting which was held on Monday.

“We are planning to move from the draft model to auction, but it (the change) can be implemented only next year. We had discussions [with the eight franchises]. All of us felt that auction is a better option [when compared to the draft]. All the franchises are happy with that,” TNCA secretary RS Ramasaamy told DT Next after the GC meeting.

“For this season, we will continue with the draft since we had informed the franchises about it last year. It will be a mini draft (the mega draft was held prior to TNPL Season 5),” added Ramasaamy. Meanwhile, the TNCA is on the lookout for a sponsor for the introduction of DRS (Decision Review System). “If we get a sponsor on board, we will go for it [this season itself],” said Ramasaamy.

Season-6 likely to begin on June 27

The sixth edition of the League will be hosted at four centres – Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Salem and Coimbatore – tentatively between June 27 and July 31. “There will be no matches in Chepauk (the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai). The schedule is subject to confirmation from Star Sports (the official broadcaster),” said Ramasaamy.