The highly anticipated IPL 2025 auction has received a significant update, as England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer has been reinstated into the list of players available for bidding. This move comes just days after his name was notably absent from the initial shortlist sent to franchises by the IPL earlier this month. With the mega auction scheduled to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24, Archer’s inclusion has stirred excitement and curiosity across the cricketing world.
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Jofra Archer’s Surprising Absence and Return
In a surprising turn of events, Archer, who has been one of the standout fast bowlers in recent IPL seasons, was not included in the 574-player shortlist initially circulated by the IPL. Alongside his England teammate Mark Wood, Archer’s omission from the list raised eyebrows, given both had previously been part of the original longlist.
The IPL had sent out the shortlist to franchises over the weekend, but just a few days before the auction, news broke that Archer would be re-added to the final list. ESPNcricinfo reported that this addition was informally confirmed to franchises on Thursday, just three days ahead of the highly awaited two-day auction.
This change was welcomed by franchises, who will now have the opportunity to bid on Archer during the first set of fast bowlers (Set 6). Archer’s base price has been set at INR 2 crore, a figure that is sure to generate considerable interest from IPL teams seeking to strengthen their pace attack.
The Backstage Negotiations: Archer’s Discussions with ECB and BCCI
Behind the scenes, Jofra Archer and his representatives have been actively engaging with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to reports, the discussions centered on clarifying the potential consequences if Archer had not been included in the shortlist. Archer, who has a central contract with the ECB that runs until the end of September, has to adhere to specific workload management protocols. These discussions became especially important due to the tight scheduling between domestic cricket, international commitments, and the IPL.
Archer has not played Test cricket since early 2021, and while England remains hopeful that he will make his return to the format in 2024, a lengthy IPL stint could complicate that. As the managing director of the ECB, Rob Key, optimistically noted, “Everything is going exactly to plan for Jofra. Can he play Tests next summer? With all my fingers crossed, yes.” This statement reflects England’s aspirations for Archer to rejoin the Test squad in time for their upcoming series against India and Australia.
IPL’s New Regulations Impacting Archer’s Inclusion
The IPL has introduced a series of new regulations for the 2025 auction cycle, one of which has impacted Archer’s situation. Under these rules, players who have previously featured in the league but fail to register for a mega-auction are prohibited from participating in subsequent mini-auctions. This means that Archer’s absence from last year’s auction, alongside his specific injury management protocol, could have jeopardized his future participation in the IPL if he had not been re-added.
Another key regulation stipulates that a player who is drafted into a team but later withdraws without a valid reason faces a two-year ban from the league. This has added an extra layer of complexity for Archer, given his past injury history and his involvement in the 2022 mega-auction where Mumbai Indians had spent INR 8 crore (approximately USD 1.06 million) on him despite his elbow surgery and inability to play that season.
Archer’s IPL Career So Far: The Stats Speak for Themselves
Jofra Archer’s IPL journey has been full of both challenges and triumphs. After undergoing surgery, he made his much-anticipated debut for Mumbai Indians in 2023, playing five matches and claiming two wickets before his season was cut short due to another elbow issue.
Archer’s most successful IPL season came in 2020 when he was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for Rajasthan Royals, taking an impressive 20 wickets. To date, Archer has claimed 48 wickets in 40 IPL appearances, showcasing his exceptional pace and skill in a variety of match situations. His return to the IPL will be eagerly awaited by both fans and franchises, with many hoping to see the fast bowler return to his best form.
New Additions to the Auction List
In addition to Archer’s reinstatement, two other players have been added to the auction shortlist. USA fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar will be listed as player No. 575, and Hardik Tamore, the Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter, will be player No. 576.
These additions bring further intrigue to an already exciting auction, as franchises look to bolster their squads with both seasoned players and emerging talent.
Archer’s Future in the IPL
Jofra Archer’s inclusion in the IPL 2025 auction list is a notable development in the ongoing saga of his career. With his previous injuries, workload management protocols, and international commitments, his participation in the upcoming season remains a key topic of interest. As the auction draws closer, the fate of this talented fast bowler will become clearer, and franchises will undoubtedly be keen to secure his services for what could be a pivotal season in IPL history.
With the auction only days away, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see where Archer will land, and whether he can return to the form that once made him one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket.
FAQs
Why was Archer left out of the IPL shortlist?
Archer was initially omitted due to workload concerns and discussions with the ECB and BCCI.
What is Archer’s base price?
His base price is INR 2 crore for the IPL 2025 auction.
Why was Archer added back to the auction list?
Archer was re-added after clarifications with the ECB and BCCI regarding his participation.
What are Archer’s IPL stats?
Archer has taken 48 wickets in 40 IPL matches, with his best season in 2020 (20 wickets).
