As the auction approaches, it’s been revealed that 45 players — including a mix of international stars and high-quality domestic cricketers — have opted for the top base price of ₹2 crore. That decision sends a clear message: these players are confident in their value and expect franchises to compete hard for them. Their presence at the top of the price ladder could set the tone for one of the most competitive auctions in recent memory.
Going in at a ₹2 crore base price places these players in a coveted but risky bracket. For teams, this price tag signals a premium asset — match-winners, game changers, or reliable performers expected to contribute immediately. It also means bidding for such players requires a strategic calculation: overspend early and risk running short of budget for squad depth, or stay disciplined and let the bidding escalate.
For franchises, the decision to register players at the maximum base price offers both opportunity and challenge. A strong bid can land a high-impact player early, securing a cornerstone for batting, bowling, or all-round strength. But aggressive spending on marquee names might compromise their ability to fill multiple roles later. As such, purse management, squad balance, and long-term strategy become more critical than ever.
From the players’ perspective, opting for ₹2 crore base price implies belief — in their recent form, in their role value, and in demand across teams. It also reflects confidence that their performances and track record will attract bidding war rather than scare off buyers. For some internationals, this might be about commanding respect and reward for past deliveries; for domestic players, doing so is a statement of arrival — an assertion that they deserve top-tier recognition.
The presence of 45 such high-priced entrants will likely shape the auction’s early phases. Expect bidding duels, quick-fire raises, and perhaps some jaw-dropping final prices as franchises bid aggressively for players they see as difference-makers. This might also push mid-tier players — those with base prices of ₹50–75 lakh — into the spotlight as teams strive for value picks after splurging on marquee names.
But the high-base group also carries risks. If several players go unsold or auction price exceeds realistic value, both franchises and players might find themselves recalibrating expectations. For teams, that could mean rethinking squad composition; for players, it could mean waiting on purse balance or entering into backup negotiations.
Overall, the decision by 45 players to opt in at ₹2 crore underscores the rising stakes of the upcoming auction. It promises fireworks — bidding wars, strategic gambles, and lineup reshuffles. But it also raises the pressure: for teams to manage their budgets, for players to justify their price tags, and for both to balance ambition with sustainability.
In the end, this auction isn’t just about filling 77 open slots — it’s about setting foundations, making statements, and buying belief. With 45 top-tier players entering at the highest base price, what happens next will define not just squads, but the tone for the entire season.
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