IPL 2018 auction: Here is why Bengaluru got the nod as host

The much-awaited information regarding the dates and venue for the mega IPL 2018 auction has been revealed. Bengaluru will host the two-day event on January 27-28.

Though some reports suggested that Goa could be hosting the event, Bengaluru, which has hosted many IPL auctions, seems to have pipped the tourist destination. The IPL franchises also wanted the auction to be scheduled at Bengaluru.

"Since most of the capped players will be back in the auction, it will be a mega auction that will be held in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28. Since Bengaluru has been hosting all previous auctions, that was the choice of franchises," India Today quoted a senior BCCI official as saying.

It is going to be interesting as the Indian players are going to learn their fate during the third Test between Virat Kohli's men and South Africa as it collides with the auction dates. With a number of Indian players along with international players going under the hammer, the two-day mega auction is going to be the biggest in IPL history. 

The auction, as has been witnessed, is not only about the national team and international players, domestic uncapped players are also bought for mega money, which makes it even more exciting.

All the teams could go undergo massive changes in their respective teams. The retention policy, introduced by the IPL Governing Council ahead of the IPL 2018 auction could lead to some tricky situations as teams can only retain five players (from a combination of right-to-match at the auction and retention before the auction).

The IPL 2018 will also witness the comeback of two popular teams of the IPL -- Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. The two were suspended for a period of two years for their involvement in spot-fixing, but they will be determined to shine in the 11^th edition of the competition.