IPL auction to be held in Bangalore this weekend

Short listThe IPL reduced its auction list for the next season from a preliminary 416 to 350 players.

New Attraction
Pune and Kochi -- the two new entrants to the IPL, bring in more attraction. There will be 70 league matches and four play-off games in the fourth edition of the IPL. 

Hot propertyAll eyes will be on former West Indies captain Brian Lara, who is making a comeback to cricket. Also England's Ashes hero James Anderson will be a sought-after personality at the auction. They are among 21 cricketers with the highest reserve price of $400,000 for a three-year contract.

Stars missingA few top cricketers have opted out of the IPL's fourth edition, including former India captain Anil Kumble,  Aussies Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson (above) will not participate too. 

Upper limitThe upper spending limit for a franchisee is $9 million and those franchises who have retained players, will have less money at their disposal.

Retained playersChennai Super Kings have retained captain MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay and South African all-rounder Albie Morkel
Mumbai Indians went for batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard. 

Delhi Daredevils chose to stick with Virender Sehwag. 
Virat Kohli was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Rajasthan Royals kept the faith in their charismatic captain Shane Warne and all-rounder Shane Watson.

List of 21 players with the highest reserve price of $400,000
1  Adam Gilchrist
2 Brett Lee
3 Shaun Marsh
4 James Anderson
5 Kevin Pietersen
6 Stuart Broad
7 Graeme Swann
8 Luke Wright
9 Michael Hardy
10  Rahul Dravid
11  Sourav Ganguly
12  Yuvraj Singh
13  Daniel Vettori
14  Brendon McCullum
15  Ross Taylor
16  Graeme Smith
17  AB de Villiers
18  Mahela Jayawardene
19  T Dilshan
20  Brian Lara
21 Chris Gayle