Dhaka: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is about to start in a few days. The IPL Auction for 2017 season will take place on 24 February in Bengaluru. Indian cricket board, the IPL governing body, has announced the list of players set to go under the hammer in the auction. Among 300 players, only 76 will get chance to play in the IPL.

Many franchises have shown interests in signing English all-rounder Ben Stokes. Besides, English batsman Jos Butler already played for Mumbai Indians. England skipper Eoin Morgan represents Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Sam Billings represents Delhi. Ben Stokes may be a new name in the next season of IPL. Moreover, cricketers such as Kevin Pietersen, Moeen Ali, and Jason Roy are also in the IPL auction-list.

Stokes’ base price is Rs 2,00,38,000. It is said that Stokes will be sold in 15 crore rupee. But, the English players want to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could lose over an amount as a fine per day from their contracts if they take part in the 2017 edition. The decision was taken by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Director Andrew Strauss.

The ECB actions though should not come as that much of a surprise as they have had success in preventing their cricketers from playing in the IPL in the past by imposing deductions.

According to Telegraph, A bidding war is set to ensue over Stokes with some sources going as far as saying that Virat Kohli has told the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) management to bring out the cash register to sign the Englishman. He may lose more than 84 lakhs — as per his contract with the ECB — if the deal does go through.

The 2017 IPL edition is slated to begin on April 5.