IPL 2025 Mega Auction Kicks Off in Jeddah: Key Players and Franchises Poised for Strategic Bidding

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction has commenced today, November 24, 2024, at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This two-day event marks the first time the IPL auction is being held in the Middle East, with proceedings starting at 3:00 PM IST (12:30 PM local time).

Auction Overview:

• Player Pool: A total of 574 players are set to go under the hammer, competing for 204 available slots across the 10 franchises. The player list comprises 366 Indian and 208 overseas cricketers, including three from associate nations.

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• Franchise Budgets: The combined purse for all teams stands at ₹641.5 crore. Punjab Kings lead with the highest available funds of ₹110.5 crore, followed by Royal Challengers Bangalore with ₹83 crore, and Delhi Capitals with ₹73 crore.

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Marquee Players in Focus:

The auction features two marquee sets comprising top-tier players:

• Marquee Set 1:

  • Rishabh Pant: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to attract significant bids, especially from teams seeking leadership.
  • Shreyas Iyer: Known for his consistent middle-order performances, Iyer is another captaincy prospect.
  • Jos Buttler: The explosive English opener brings invaluable experience to the table.
  • Arshdeep Singh: The young left-arm pacer has been impressive in recent seasons.
  • Kagiso Rabada: The South African speedster remains a top pick for any bowling lineup.
  • Mitchell Starc: The Australian pacer returns to the IPL auction, adding to the excitement.

• Marquee Set 2:

  • KL Rahul: A proven opener and former captain, Rahul is set to be a hot commodity.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal: The seasoned leg-spinner offers strategic depth to any team.
  • Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder is known for his big-hitting capabilities.
  • David Miller: The South African finisher brings experience and stability to the middle order.
  • Mohammed Shami: The veteran Indian pacer continues to be a reliable bowling option.
  • Mohammed Siraj: Known for his recent form, Siraj is expected to draw attention.

Franchise Strategies and Captaincy Prospects:

Several franchises are on the lookout for new captains:

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): With a need for strong leadership, KKR may target players like Rishabh Pant or Shreyas Iyer.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Holding the largest purse, PBKS has the flexibility to bid aggressively for top-tier talent.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): In search of a captain, RCB might focus on experienced players such as KL Rahul.
• Delhi Capitals: With a substantial budget, they are poised to make strategic acquisitions to bolster their squad.

Notable Participants:

• James Anderson: At 43, the veteran English pacer is the oldest player in the auction, aiming for his maiden IPL contract.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The 14-year-old from Bihar is the youngest entrant, showcasing the diverse talent pool.

Auction Dynamics:

• Right-to-Match (RTM) Cards: Teams have the option to utilize RTM cards to retain players from their previous rosters, adding a strategic layer to the bidding process.
• Base Prices: The highest base price is set at ₹2 crore, with 81 players opting for this bracket.

The auction proceedings are being conducted by Mallika Sagar, bringing her expertise to the event. Fans and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the outcomes as teams strategize to build formidable squads for the upcoming IPL season, set to commence on March 14, 2025.