"Have a draft and get rid of the auctions"- Ex-CSK star suggests massive change in IPL structure ahead of 2026 auction

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Robin Uthappa suggested a massive change in the structure of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 auction. All the franchises announced their list of retained and released players before the mini auction for the upcoming IPL season.

Uthappa expressed that the biggest cricket franchise league in the world, that is the IPL, needed to develop and do away with auctions and mini auctions. He suggested for an open trade window or draft system like in other sporting leagues across the globe.

"They are not taking it beyond the start-up stage. It is baffling. 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," he said on his YouTube channel.

He added that the IPL organisers only looked at it from an entertainment perspective, but not to take the league to the next level. Uthappa also reckoned that it should move from a two and a half month tournament to a six-month league with windows for international fixtures in between.

"They are not going beyond the entertainment mindset, for TV. Even a draft can be great TV. You will get your fans engaging. Just get it going. I think it should be like a six-month league. You can have international fixtures in between. It has to evolve," he reflected.

At present, ten teams participate in the IPL, which is played once a year. The last season had 70 league matches and four playoff matches, including the final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions.

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Robin Uthappa praises the Mumbai Indians (MI) for their stand-out scouting system in the IPL

Mumbai Indians (MI) are among the most successful teams in IPL history. They have won the title five times, which is the joint-most alongside CSK. Robin Uthappa pointed out that MI's scouting system put them apart from most of the other franchises and made them successful.

"They (MI) have a great scouting system. They actually send scouts to not just domestic leagues in India but every other league around the world. They are also looking to fringe players at practice sessions and in other leagues. I think that is what makes them a successful franchise. They do everything possible to give the players the best preparation. Mumbai to do it really well, Chennai do it really well, Kolkata do it well," he said.

Over the years, MI have scouted some great talents and given them a platform. These include Akash Madhwal, Vignesh Puthur, and Ashwani Kumar. They have also scouted some big names who have gone on to represent India, such as Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Krunal Pandya, and Hardik Pandya, among others.