As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, cricket fans are buzzing with excitement over some major player entries, especially the return of England’s legendary bowler, James Anderson, to the T20 scene. After a decade away from the T20 format, Anderson has registered for the IPL auction with a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. Known for his record-breaking performance in Test cricket, Anderson’s inclusion in the world’s biggest T20 league is drawing attention, alongside many other cricket stars who are preparing for this intense two-day auction event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25.
IPL Auction in Jeddah: An International Highlight
This season’s IPL auction will be hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the mega auction is being held outside India. The two-day event promises to be an extravagant affair, with 1574 players vying for spots across teams. The high-profile auction will include top international players, both established names and promising talent, aiming to secure contracts with some of the biggest franchises in cricket.
Anderson’s T20 Comeback: A Surprising Move
Known primarily for his Test career, James Anderson has been one of the most consistent bowlers in cricket, holding an incredible record of 704 wickets in Tests. Although he played limited T20s early in his career, Anderson has since focused on the longer format. His last T20 International appearance was in 2014, and fans have not seen him in the IPL since.
Anderson’s decision to enter the IPL auction has surprised fans and experts alike. It will be intriguing to see if his skills, refined over years of Test cricket, translate well to the shorter format. His base price of Rs 1.25 crore could be a strategic choice, offering teams a relatively affordable pick with vast experience and skill.
Big Names in the Auction: Star Players and High Bids
Apart from Anderson, some of the most notable players in this year’s auction include Indian stars like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer. Released by their franchises, they have set their base price at Rs 2 crore, making them among the most anticipated picks for teams looking to strengthen their rosters.
Foreign players also bring high competition, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who was sold for a record Rs 24.5 crore last season, re-entering the auction at a base price of Rs 2 crore. England’s Jofra Archer is also in the lineup, priced at Rs 2 crore, adding further excitement to the auction as teams strategize on how to secure top-notch pacers.
Key Indian Contenders in the Mega Auction
Several Indian players, released by their franchises, are expected to attract significant bids. Fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are all listed at a base price of Rs 2 crore. Additionally, all-rounders like Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, and Washington Sundar, alongside young talents such as Arshdeep Singh and Devdutt Padikkal, will also be closely watched.
Two experienced spinners, R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, also remain in the spotlight as teams look to strengthen their spin attack. Both players are available with a base price of Rs 2 crore, adding further depth to the spinner pool. With their combined IPL experience and high performance, Ashwin and Chahal are expected to draw interest from multiple franchises.
The Return of Vintage Flair: Unique Player Choices
Shalini Pasi, known for her luxury bag collection, has made headlines recently, but in the cricketing world, it’s Anderson’s return that adds a touch of vintage class. His T20 comeback alongside other experienced players reflects a balanced blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience in the upcoming auction.
Players like Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav, with their proven records, are also expected to attract bidding wars. These bowlers have set a base price of Rs 2 crore, making them prime picks for teams focused on strengthening their bowling line-ups.
Meanwhile, youngsters like Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan have set a lower base price of Rs 75 lakh, providing affordable options with high potential for teams that want to develop emerging talent.
What to Expect in the Auction
The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be an action-packed event as teams balance their picks between experienced international players and emerging domestic talents. With seasoned Test players like Anderson joining the T20 circuit and multiple high-profile players entering the auction pool, IPL 2025 could deliver one of the most thrilling seasons yet.
The auction is sure to be closely watched by fans as teams make strategic choices, combining budget constraints with performance potential, to build their squads. Anderson’s entry has added a new dimension, and cricket fans are eager to see if this Test cricket maestro can make an impact in the world’s most competitive T20 league.
