MUMBAI: The sports cluster of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all geared up to broadcast the Vivo IPL 2017 player auction live and exclusive. The auction will be aired from Bangalore on 20 February 9 am onwards on Sony Six SD and Sony Six HD channels.

A precursor to the IPL tournament, the Vivo IPL auction will see eight IPL teams bidding to build up their rosters from a host of impressive names including fast-bowler Ishant Sharma, all-rounder Ben Stokes, ODI and T20I captain Eoin Morgan, all-rounder Chris Woakes, Australian fast men Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, Dale Steyn, Trent Boult, Corey Anderson, Pawan Negi, Irfan Pathan and Saurabh Tiwary, amongst others.

Sony Pictures Networks India president sports and distribution Rajesh Kaul said, "The tenth season of Vivo IPL on our network will see the participation of some of the top Indian and International names in cricket. The auction will set the competitive tone of the league with the eight teams strategically bidding to build up their formidable line-up. In order to enhance the viewing experience for cricket enthusiasts, we will provide expert insights on the bidding strategies during the auction.”

As many as 140 cricketers including 44 overseas players have been retained by the franchises for the 2017 season. Viewers will get to witness a total of 351 players up for auction out of which are 122 capped players.

The auction will be led by Richard Madley, a professional auctioneer from England who has been driving the player auctions since the first player auction in 2008 which coincidentally also took place on 20 February, 2008. Former Indian cricketer, Murali Kartik and Extraaa Innings host Gaurav Kapur will be present at the auction and will engage viewers with their expert insights on the bidding strategies employed by the teams.