The IPL always promises big hits, filling stadiums and deals dropping. But behind all the gloss, there is just one thing that won't stop stirring controversy: the player auction. Now, a two-time IPL winner says he's had quite enough. He has comprehensively slammed the BCCI auction system, calling it baffling and urging the board to ditch it for good.

He does not hold back. He calls the auction an "old-school and predictable table" and "unfair to everyones"—players and franchises alike. Over the years IPL auction has become high-stakes circus—a casualty of owners, analysts, and coaches making split-second, multi-crore call. Many love the drama, but this veteran, who understands inner workings of game, sees a whole lot of chaos and very little room for smart planning, you know. He argues that if the IPL wants to call itself one of the world's top sporting leagues, it needs a stable, structured way to build teams, not frantic one-day bidding.

The biggest problem? Nobody knows what’s coming. A domestic or international player who had an amazing season can go unsold because too many others are play, while another whose role is solid but not spectacular might hit jackpot. "It’s not always about talent. Sometimes it’s simply about the timing," the two-time champ points out. For pros who dedicate their lives to grind all year, this kind of randomness is very frustrating, often causing them to miss their financial and mental targets.

Franchises are struggling. They walk in with a detailed game plan only to completely scrap it midway through a few wild bidding wars. They suddenly end up spending far more than they should on one player, and then skipping over a crucial slot they actually need. "This is not how you build a squad for the long haul," he insists arguing, "especially not in a league that runs for nearly two months and demanding a deep, reliable bench."

So, what’s the fix? The player suggests the IPL should borrow a page from the NBA or NFL and bring in a draft system. Teams would select star players in a set, rotating order, usually based on the previous season's result. This keeps things balanced and fair, you see. There would be no mad scramble, no last-second drama—just clear strategy. This system would also provide genuine support for uncapped Indian players who often get lost in the auction shuffle sadly.

He’s not finished there. For players, especially the uncapped or those coming back injury, the auction is an emotional minefield. Imagine being glued to TV for hours only to hear nothing—that truly stings. He suggests that for some cricketers, auction day is more nerve-racking than any match is. The two-time winner believes it doesn't have to be this way. A fair, consistent selection process could end the one-day heartbreak and give players a real chance based on merit, not just luck.

His criticism has certainly sparked a fresh wave of debates. Sure, some people say the auction is what gives the IPL its unique edge. But plenty others agree it may be time for upgrading. Cricketers have changed dramatically over past decade. The IPL is no longer just a tournament; it’s a brand, a business, and a global model. Will the BCCI listen? Who knows. But one thing is certain: the debate is back, louder than ever before. And as the IPL continues to grow, so will the calls for a system that is fairer, smarter and truly built for future.