The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on November 24-25 will see franchises vying for top talent as they build their squads for the upcoming seasons.
The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year marks a continuation of hosting the auction overseas, following the previous year’s event held in Dubai. The timing of the auction is noteworthy, as it coincides with the third and fourth days of the first Test match between India and Australia in Perth, raising the stakes for fans and franchises alike.
The mega auction, distinct from regular player auctions, occurs every three years and spans two full days. This unique format attracts significant attention from cricket enthusiasts as the ten franchises strategize to build competitive squads for the upcoming three-year cycle, covering the seasons from 2025 to 2027. A remarkable total of 1,574 players have registered to participate in the auction. This comprises 1,165 Indian players and 409 from overseas markets, representing a diverse array of cricketing nations including Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Scotland, the USA, and the UAE, alongside full member nations, with the exception of Pakistan. In total, there are 204 slots available at the auction, which allows each franchise to assemble a squad of up to 25 players, taking into account the retention of players from the 2024 season.
On October 31, teams finalized their retention decisions, with ten franchises retaining 46 players collectively. Notably, Heinrich Klaasen, a wicketkeeper-batter for Sunrisers Hyderabad, emerged as the most expensive retained player, with a retention value of INR 23 crore. Close contenders in the retention battle included Virat Kohli from Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Nicholas Pooran from Lucknow Super Giants, both retained for INR 21 crore. The Mumbai Indians made headlines on retention day by keeping their core Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, investing a total of INR 75 crore to secure them.
Each franchise has an allocation of INR 120 crore for the purpose of squad building. Following their retention strategies, the Punjab Kings emerge with the largest remaining budget, estimated at INR 110.5 crore. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals have the least amount to spend, with INR 41 crore left after retaining six players, the maximum allowed. Kolkata Knight Riders follow closely, with a remaining purse of INR 51 crore after also retaining six players.
In this auction, IPL regulations permit the retention of up to six players per franchise, of which a maximum of five can be capped players, and two can be uncapped. Franchises may opt to retain players outright before the auction begins or utilize Right-to-Match (RTM) options during the auction. The RTM option allows a franchise to reacquire a player by matching the highest bid made by another franchise, effectively re-entering the competition for the player’s services.
For thePunjab Kings, having retained only two players, this situation translates to four RTM options available for use at the auction. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have three RTM opportunities following the retention of three players, while the Delhi Capitals, having retained four players, hold two RTM options. The franchises of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants each retained five players and have only one RTM option available. Conversely, the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders will not have any RTM options due to their retention choices.
Franchises face no restrictions on the number of players they can pursue during the auction. Should they place the highest bids, they are free to acquire as many players as they desire during the ongoing bidding process. This auction format fosters a dynamic atmosphere where team strategies will be tested and refined as franchises navigate the complexities of retention, bidding wars, and player evaluations.
The IPL mega auction not only dictates the future of the teams but also influences the competitive landscape of the league for several years to come. Each team must carefully analyze player performance, potential, form, and strategic needs while constructing their line-ups to enhance their chances of success. As anticipation builds towards the auction dates, cricket fans in India are keenly following the developments, waiting to witness how the teams will reshuffle and reassemble in their quest for the coveted IPL trophy.