The 2025 IPL mega auction, set for November 24th and 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, promises to be one of the largest in league history. A total of 1,574 cricketers—1,165 Indians and 409 from overseas—are up for grabs, including 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 from Associate Nations. With 46 players already retained by their respective franchises, teams are gearing up to enhance their squads with strategic picks that will give them an edge in the upcoming season.
Attending my first live IPL auction has me thrilled. Watching team owners and strategists carefully construct their squads over those two important days will be fascinating. There’s so much to anticipate: which franchises will target which players, how many might try to rebuild a familiar core by buying back former players, and which teams will aim for a complete overhaul. The excitement around surprise picks, franchise strategies, and the competition for the biggest buy of the auction will make this an unforgettable experience.
Some of the Indian players I’m most excited to watch in this mega auction are Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh—all game-changers who are likely to attract high bids. Delhi Capitals’ decision to release Pant was a shock, and he could potentially set a new IPL bid record, possibly surpassing 20 crores. Although Rahul has faced recent form challenges, franchises will still see value in his potential once he’s back in rhythm. As a former IPL-winning captain, Iyer is likely to be a prime target for teams seeking a leader, especially with his strong showing in the Ranji Trophy. Lastly, Arshdeep Singh, considered India’s second most reliable T20 bowler after Jasprit Bumrah, is expected to command significant interest following his T20 World Cup heroics.
Some of the top international stars to watch in this mega auction include Jos Buttler, Rachin Ravindra, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Mitchell Starc. Each is likely to attract hefty bids. Buttler, the backbone of Rajasthan Royals, has shown exceptional consistency at the top order, making him a big target. Rachin, a rising talent who understands Indian conditions well, impressed with a solid stint for CSK and is expected to draw significant interest. McGurk, another young powerhouse, left a mark with his explosive IPL debut for the Capitals, making him a strong contender in a bidding war. Lastly, veteran Starc, who commanded the highest bid in tournament history last year, is expected to secure another major contract this season.
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