The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction is set to captivate cricket fans and team owners alike as 574 players go under the hammer in a two-day event scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. This auction, a critical juncture for all 10 franchises, promises to shape the fortunes of teams for the upcoming season, with star-studded names and marquee players dominating the bidding spotlight.

The auction will see a host of high-profile Indian cricketers, including wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and KL Rahul. Joining them is Shreyas Iyer, the captain who led his team to victory in IPL 2024, and pacers Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh, both of whom have consistently delivered stellar performances.

Indian players have historically been the most sought-after assets in mega auctions, with five out of the top six highest bids in IPL history being for Indian stars. This year is expected to be no different, especially with several franchises entering the auction with hefty budgets, ready to spend big to secure top talent.

With marquee players like Pant and Kishan in the pool, this year’s auction could set new records for the highest bids. Teams will look to revamp their rosters, targeting game-changers who can turn matches in their favour. Given the nature of the IPL, no franchise can afford to miss out on securing star performers, particularly as the stakes for the 2025 season climb higher.

Past Mega Auction Highlights
The IPL Mega Auctions have previously witnessed intense bidding wars, leading to some eye-watering price tags. Here’s a look at some of the most expensive purchases in IPL history:

Ishan Kishan (2022): Mumbai Indians shelled out Rs 15.25 crore for Kishan, making him the costliest player in mega auction history. Known for his explosive batting, Kishan was instrumental in MI’s 2020 title triumph.

Yuvraj Singh (2014): RCB secured Yuvraj for Rs 14 crore, leveraging his 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup heroics. Despite a solid season, Yuvraj moved to Delhi Capitals the following year for Rs 16 crore.

Deepak Chahar (2022): Chennai Super Kings made headlines by acquiring Chahar for Rs 14 crore, but injuries hampered the medium pacer’s contributions in subsequent seasons.

Dinesh Karthik (2014): Delhi Capitals paid Rs 12.50 crore for Karthik, following his standout performances for MI. However, he managed a modest 325 runs that season.

Ben Stokes (2018): The English all-rounder fetched Rs 12.50 crore from Rajasthan Royals after leading Pune to the final in 2017.

What to Expect in Jeddah?
The 2025 Mega Auction comes at a time when the IPL continues to grow as a global phenomenon, with teams adopting aggressive strategies to outbid rivals. With marquee players in high demand and historical trends pointing to record-breaking bids, this auction promises to deliver drama, and excitement.

Story first published: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 18:10 [IST]