IPL 2025 Auction: The much anticipated IPL 2025 mega-auction is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. With significant changes in the auction process, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced an accelerated phase that will start from player number 117 on the roster.
Table of Contents
IPL 2025 Auction: Accelerated Process to Begin from Player No. 117 – Key Details
BCCI Trims Auction Register from 1,574 to 574
In preparation for the auction, the BCCI has significantly pruned the player list, cutting it down from a massive 1,574 names to 574. However, not all of these players are guaranteed to go under the hammer during the two day event.
The auction will begin with marquee players and proceed through rounds of capped and uncapped players. A unique feature this year is the accelerated process, starting from player number 117, Ricky Bhui.
How the Accelerated Process Works
The BCCI, in a communiqué to franchises, outlined the structure of the accelerated phase.
- Initial Phase: The auction will first present 116 players, focusing on marquee names and key capped players.
- Accelerated Phase:
- Franchises must nominate a subset of players from numbers 117–574 by 10 PM IST on November 24.
- The shortlisted players will be presented in the auction on November 25.
- After these players are showcased, franchises can request unpresented or unsold players for further bidding rounds.
This streamlined approach ensures efficiency, given the trimmed roster size and the massive pool of talent available.
Star Players in the Marquee Lists
The marquee players are divided into two sets, featuring some of the biggest names in cricket:
First Set (M1):
- Jos Buttler
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant
- Kagiso Rabada
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mitchell Starc
Second Set (M2):
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Liam Livingstone
- David Miller
- KL Rahul
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
While these names promise exciting bidding wars, franchises were reportedly surprised by the smaller size of the marquee pool, expecting around 20 players instead of the announced 12.
Major Talking Points
Jofra Archer’s Absence
One of the biggest shocks was the absence of England pacer Jofra Archer from the auction register. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has opted to keep Archer out of IPL 2025 to ensure he remains fit for their summer assignments.
New Additions to the Register
The auction register also includes 39 players added at the request of franchises, including names like:
- Unmukt Chand (USA)
- Odean Smith (West Indies)
- Lizaad Williams (South Africa)
These inclusions offer franchises more options to build balanced squads.
Auction Timings: No Clash with Border-Gavaskar Trophy
To avoid overlaps with the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, auction timings have been carefully scheduled. The auction will begin at 3 PM IST (12:30 PM local time in Jeddah), ensuring no interference with the Test match broadcast, which runs from 7:50 AM to 2:50 PM IST.
What to Expect from IPL 2025 Auction
With marquee players, a robust capped and uncapped pool, and the streamlined accelerated process, the IPL 2025 auction promises drama and excitement. The decision to hold the event in Jeddah also reflects the league’s growing global reach.
Key Dates:
- Auction Briefing: November 23, 2024
- Auction Days: November 24 and 25, 2024
- Accelerated Phase Begins: Post Player No. 116
The IPL continues to set benchmarks in cricket innovation, and the 2025 mega auction is poised to be no exception.
FAQs
When is the IPL 2025 auction?
November 24 and 25, 2024
