Robin Uthappa has raised concerns over the IPL auction system, urging the league to consider reforms and explore a more flexible player trade structure. (Image Credit: X/ @imArshit)
Former Indian cricketer and two-time IPL champion Robin Uthappa has urged the BCCI to reboot the Indian Premier League's player acquisition system. On his YouTube channel, the ex-India international spoke about how the league needs to move past auctions, go for a draft system instead, and keep the trade windows open throughout the year. His comments have come ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
The current auction system, according to Uthappa, was "baffling." Having won IPL titles with both Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, with 4,952 runs in 205 IPL games and an Orange Cap-winning season, the former batter believes the league has outgrown the current model.
"You are the leading cricket league in the world. Mature now. Just get on with it. Stop with the auctions and keep the trade window open throughout the year. Have a draft and get rid of the auctions. For crying out loud, get rid of the auctions. I have been saying this even when I was playing," Uthappa said.
He feels that the league's focus on TV entertainment has hindered the meaningful evolution of the system for player acquisition. "Even a draft can be great TV. You will get your fans engaging and create fan loyalty," he added.
Uthappa discussed how trade windows should be open all year round and not just in brief periods of auctions, which will allow teams to make strategic moves. This, he suggests, will give the franchises more leeway to build balanced squads, retain star players, and keep fans invested in ongoing team strategies.
He further proposed a draft system, something similar to the NBA or previous developmental talks by the IPL. Uthappa believes this can bring together entertainment and competitiveness, hence ensuring engagement for the fans while correctly distributing players.
Apart from trading players, Uthappa also suggested extending the current IPL season of two-and-a-half months into a six-month schedule. With this, a longer season can fit in the international fixtures of the teams, give players more consistency, and provide extended access to quality cricket for the fans.
"It has to evolve. You can have international fixtures in between. It should be like a six-month league," he said.
The mini-auction for the IPL in 2026 is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and Uthappa's suggestions may gain traction with the BCCI ahead of the event. Recent trades have set the tone for strategic reshuffles, as Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson went to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals.
CSK then sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR. Samson will remain at his current price of Rs 18 crore, while Jadeja's has been revised from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore and Curran stays at Rs 2.4 crore. Uthappa's suggestions, if accepted, could make such trades a year-round reality rather than a one-off blockbuster move that happens only around auctions.
