November 2024
The excitement around the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is reaching new heights as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the list of 1,574 players set to go under the hammer. This year, the auction will be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a historic first for the IPL.
With franchises eyeing fresh talent and established stars alike, this auction is expected to be a high-stakes event, as teams vie to build balanced and competitive squads for the upcoming season. A total of 204 slots are open across the ten IPL teams, with 46 players retained from the previous season.
Indian Stars at ₹2 Crore Base Price
Several big names in Indian cricket will begin their bidding with a base price of ₹2 crore. This includes prominent players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, who were released by Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) respectively. Key spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, recently released by Rajasthan Royals, have also set their base price at ₹2 crore, ensuring intense competition among franchises.
Among fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami, despite limited playing time since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and Mohammad Siraj have both listed themselves at the same base price. Other notable Indian players at this level include Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh.
Young speedster Umran Malik, who lit up IPL 2022 with his blistering pace, is available at a base price of ₹75 lakh, likely to spark an exciting bidding war.
Overseas Superstars Ready to Spark Bidding Battles
Several top international players, including Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who broke auction records last year, have set their base price at ₹2 crore. Starc was signed by KKR in the previous mini-auction for a record ₹24.50 crore. England’s limited-overs star Jofra Archer, Australia’s Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, and New Zealand’s Trent Boult are also on the high-value list. David Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, is another major draw at the ₹2 crore base price.
In a surprising development, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has chosen to opt out of this year’s auction, while James Anderson, the veteran English fast bowler and current bowling coach, has entered the auction with a base price of ₹1.25 crore. Anderson has yet to play in the IPL, and his decision to enter adds an intriguing twist.
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, available at ₹1.50 crore, will also be one to watch after his release from Chennai Super Kings. However, one big-name absentee is Joe Root, who has opted out of this year’s event.
Global Talent: An Italian Cricketer Among the Hopefuls
A noteworthy inclusion in the list is Thomas Draca, a 24-year-old Italian fast bowler. Draca, who recently signed with MI Emirates for the UAE-based ILT20 league, could add an international flair to IPL teams. He’s placed at the 325th slot on the auction list, highlighting IPL’s growing global appeal.
Franchise Purses and Strategy
Each franchise heads into the auction with a total budget of ₹120 crore to build their squad. Punjab Kings, with the largest remaining purse of ₹110.50 crore, will have ample room to bid aggressively. Royal Challengers Bangalore follows with ₹83 crore, while Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans have ₹73 crore and ₹69 crore, respectively. Rajasthan Royals have the smallest remaining budget of ₹41 crore.
IPL Mega Auction in Saudi Arabia: A Milestone Event
The 2025 auction marks a major milestone, as it will be the first IPL event held outside India. The decision to host in Saudi Arabia signifies the IPL’s expanding global footprint and appeal. With over 1,500 players from across the world and some of cricket’s biggest names up for grabs, the two-day auction in Jeddah promises to be an electrifying affair.
As franchises strategize and scout potential stars, the IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Fans can expect a thrilling battle both on and off the field as teams finalize their lineups and prepare for another exciting year of IPL cricket.
Stay tuned to the Board of Sports in India (BOSI) for further updates on the IPL 2025 mega auction and player selections.
