MOHALI: Rajeev Shukla is all set to continue as IPL chief as the BCCI top brass were engaged in deep-level talks past midnight on Monday. Though Maharashtra Cricket Association chief Ajay Shirke was the frontrunner for IPL chairman’s post, it is reliably learned that he was not keen. “Negotiations are on and it is unlikely that anybody will be interested to replace Shukla. (Shashank) Manohar tried his best to convince Shirke, but because of other commitments, he declined,” a top board official told Express.
Meanwhile, the IPL auction of all players would take place in 2017 and a price of R40 crore has been set as a base-price for reverse bidding for teams replacing the suspended CSK and RR. Jaipur and Kochi have been ruled out as venues. “As of now nine venues have been short-listed for bidding. We will have a walk-in bid on December 8 and the base price for reverse bidding from central revenue is fixed at R40 crore,” Shukla told Express.
Discussions regarding the choice of the new selection panel with talks of Sandeep Patil & Co sans Roger Binny occupying the chair are on.