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Tag: Jeddah

  • Sarfaraz Khan breaks silence on IPL 2025 snub, also reacts to his brother Musheer’s selection

    Sarfaraz Khan breaks silence on IPL 2025 snub, also reacts to his brother Musheer’s selection

    Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, whose journey from a promising talent to a national debutant was closely watched, experienced a major setback at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25.

    A shocking setback for Sarfaraz Khan

    After a solid 2024 season, where he made his Test debut for India and featured in several key red-ball series, many expected the young batter to reclaim his spot in the IPL. However, despite entering the auction with a modest base price of INR 75 lakh, Sarfaraz found himself unsold. The lack of interest from any IPL franchise, especially considering his potential and recent national call-up, left many surprised and disheartened.

    Sarfaraz, who last played in the IPL for Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2023, had been hoping for a fresh start in the prestigious T20 league after a year away from the competition. Yet, when his name was announced, no team raised their paddle, leaving him without a contract for the upcoming season. This setback was a harsh reality for the cricketer, who had once been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

    Musheer Khan brings a ray of hope: IPL 2025 mega auction

    While Sarfaraz’s IPL hopes were dashed, there was a silver lining for the Khan family. Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz’s younger brother, was picked up by Punjab Kings for his base price of INR 30 lakh. While the amount may not seem large, the selection marked a significant milestone for the Khan family, as it brought another member into the IPL fold.

    Sarfaraz, who had previously played for Punjab Kings (PBKS), could now share the excitement of his brother’s inclusion in the league. Musheer’s selection is particularly meaningful considering his lack of T20 experience at the state level. He has, however, made a strong mark in first-class cricket, scoring 716 runs in 9 matches at an average of 51, along with picking up 8 wickets. Despite his recent injury setbacks, Musheer’s rise is an important moment for the Khan family, who have long been supporters of his cricketing journey.

    Also READ: Prithvi Shaw UNSOLD in IPL 2025 Auction: Is this the end of Mumbai batter?

    Sarfaraz’s message for over his non selection and Musheer’s selection

    Sarfaraz, despite the disappointment of being unsold, took to social media to express his feelings with a powerful and reflective message. In his story on Instagram, Sarfaraz wrote,

    “Malal hai Magar etna Malal thodi hai, ye Aankhen mere rone se laal thodi hai, maza to jab hai hum haar kar bhi haste rahe, humesha jeet hi jana kamal thodi hai.” (There is regret, but not too much, my eyes aren’t red from tears, the joy is in losing yet smiling, after all, winning is not always the real marvel.)

    Sarfaraz Khan’s Instagram Story (Image Source: X)

    This thoughtful message conveyed Sarfaraz’s maturity and resilience in the face of disappointment. His positive attitude in accepting his current situation, while celebrating his brother’s success, reflects a level of emotional strength that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges ahead.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price

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  • Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

    Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

    The IPL 2025 mega auction, held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, concluded with significant excitement as all ten franchises finalized their squads. A total of 182 players were sold during the two-day event at the Abadi Al Johar Arena, with franchises spending a collective ₹639.15 crore to strengthen their teams for the upcoming season.

    Here’s a comprehensive look at the complete squads of all ten teams following the IPL 2025 mega auction:

    Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

    Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rashid, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.

    Delhi Capitals (DC)

    KL Rahul, Harry Brook, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel, Tristian Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natrajan, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Mukesh Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, Dushmanta Chameera, Donovan Ferreira, Ajay Mandal, Manvanth Kumar, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

    Gujarat Titans (GT)

    Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler, B. Sai Sudharshan, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Gerald Coetzee, Mohmmad Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Sherfane Rutherford, R. Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Kareem Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya.

    Also READ: In pics and videos – Meet Kavya Maran, the gorgeous SRH owner at IPL 2025 mega auction

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

    Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markhande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Ajinkya Rahane, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Umran Malik.

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Matthew Breetzke.

    Mumbai Indians (MI)

    Hardik Pandya (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Verma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Shrijith Krishnan, Raj Angad Bawa, Venkat Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthhur, Suryakumar Yadav.

    Punjab Kings (PBKS)

    Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey, Nehal Wadhera.

    Rajasthan Royals (RR)

    Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

    Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

    Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction – Full list of unsold players along with their base price

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  • IPL 2025 [Day 1]: Complete list of players sold at the mega auction with their price

    IPL 2025 [Day 1]: Complete list of players sold at the mega auction with their price

    The first day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction unfolded with grandeur at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, November 24. With a vast pool of 577 players available for selection, only the top-tier names from the first 12 sets were in focus during the initial phase of the two-day auction. By the end of Day 1, 84 players had gone under the hammer, setting the stage for a high-stakes bidding war between franchises.

    Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer shatter records

    Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stole the spotlight by becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured his services for a staggering INR 27 crore, breaking all previous records. Pant’s explosive batting, leadership potential, and adaptability made him the most sought-after player of the auction, highlighting his immense value in the shortest format.

    Before Pant’s record-breaking deal, Shreyas Iyer briefly held the title of the highest-paid player in IPL history. Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired the stylish middle-order batter for INR 26.75 crore. Known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, Iyer’s addition brings balance and stability to PBKS’s batting lineup. Reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines by re-signing all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for a hefty INR amount of over 20 crores. Iyer’s versatility as a hard-hitting batter and a dependable seam-bowling option proved too valuable for KKR to let go. His performances in previous seasons were instrumental in KKR’s success, prompting the franchise to break the bank for him.

    Indian bowlers command high prices: Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh

    Indian bowlers were in high demand, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh each fetching INR 18 crore. Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired both bowlers, solidifying their bowling lineup. Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, and Arshdeep, one of the most promising left-arm pacers in the league, are expected to play crucial roles in PBKS’s title aspirations.

    Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction showcased the growing value of Indian players in the league. High-profile acquisitions like Pant, Iyer, and Iyer underscored the premium franchises are willing to pay for proven performers and game-changers. As the auction progresses, the focus will shift to uncovering hidden gems and finalizing squads for the highly anticipated season ahead.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Australia, USA & other countries

    Complete list of players sold at the IPL 2025 mega auction with their price

    1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

    • Devon Conway – INR 6.25 CR
    • Rahul Tripathi – INR 3.4 CR
    • Rachin Ravindra (RTM) – INR 4 CR
    • R. Ashwin – INR 9.75 CR
    • Khaleel Ahmed – INR 4.8 CR
    • Noor Ahmad – INR 10 CR
    • Sameer Rizvi – INR 95L
    • Vijay Shankar – INR 1.2 CR

    2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

    • Mitchell Starc – INR 11.75 CR
    • KL Rahul – INR 14 CR
    • Harry Brook – INR 6.25 CR
    • Jake Fraser-McGurk (RTM) – INR 9 CR
    • Karun Nair – INR 50L
    • T Natarajan – INR 10.75 CR
    • Mohit Sharma – INR 2.2 CR
    • Ashutosh Sharma – INR 3.8 CR

    3. Gujarat Titans (GT)

    • Kagiso Rabada – INR 10.75 CR
    • Jos Buttler – INR 15.75 CR
    • Mohammed Siraj – INR 12.25 CR
    • Prasidh Krishna – INR 9.5 CR
    • Nishant Sindhu – INR 30L
    • Kumar Kushagra – INR 65L
    • Manav Suthar – INR 30L

    4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

    • Venkatesh Iyer – INR 23.75 CR
    • Quinton de Kock – INR 3.6 CR
    • Anrich Nortje – INR 6.5 CR
    • Rahmanullah Gurbaz – INR 2 CR
    • Angkrish Raghuvanshi – INR 3 CR
    • Vaibhav Arora – INR 1.8 CR
    • Mayank Markande – INR 30L

    5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    • Rishabh Pant – INR 27 CR
    • David Miller – INR 7.5 CR
    • Aiden Markram – INR 2 CR
    • Mitchell Marsh – INR 3.4 CR
    • Avesh Khan – INR 9.75 CR
    • Abdul Samad – INR 4.2 CR
    • Aryan Juyal – INR 30L

    6. Mumbai Indians (MI)

    • Trent Boult – INR 12.5 CR
    • Naman Dhir (RTM) – INR 5.25 CR
    • Robin Minz – INR 65L
    • Karn Sharma – INR 50L

    7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

    • Arshdeep Singh (RTM) – INR 18 CR
    • Shreyas Iyer – INR 26.75 CR
    • Yuzvendra Chahal – INR 18 CR
    • Marcus Stoinis – INR 11 CR
    • Glenn Maxwell – INR 4.2 CR
    • Nehal Wadhera – INR 4.2 CR
    • Harpreet Brar – INR 1.5 CR
    • Vijaykumar Vyshak – INR 1.8 CR
    • Yash Thakur – INR 1.6 CR
    • Vishnu Vinod – INR 95L

    8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

    • Jofra Archer – INR 12.5 CR
    • Wanindu Hasaranga – INR 5.25 CR
    • Maheesh Theekshana – INR 4.4 CR
    • Mahipal Lomror – INR 1.7 CR
    • Akash Madhwal – INR 1.2 CR
    • Kumar Kartikeya – INR 30L

    9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

    • Liam Livingstone – INR 8.75 CR
    • Phil Salt – INR 11.5 CR
    • Jitesh Sharma – INR 11 CR
    • Josh Hazlewood – INR 12.5 CR
    • Anuj Rawat – INR 30L
    • Rasikh Salam Dar – INR 6 CR
    • Suyash Sharma – INR 2.6 CR

    10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

    • Mohammed Shami – INR 10 CR
    • Harshal Patel – INR 8 CR
    • Rahul Chahar – INR 3.2 CR
    • Adam Zampa – INR 2.4 CR
    • Atharva Taide – INR 30L
    • Abhinav Manohar – INR 3.2 CR
    • Simarjeet Singh – INR 1.5 CR
    • Ishan Kishan – INR 11.25 CR

    Also READ: From Eoin Morgan to Suresh Raina: Here’s the full list of cricket experts for IPL 2025 mega auction

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  • Fans celebrate as Yuzvendra Chahal breaks all-time IPL record with a INR 18 crore deal with Punjab Kings

    Fans celebrate as Yuzvendra Chahal breaks all-time IPL record with a INR 18 crore deal with Punjab Kings

    In a historic move at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured the services of ace leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for a whopping INR 18 crore.

    This acquisition has made Chahal the most expensive spinner in IPL auction history. The intense bidding battle on November 24 saw multiple franchises vying for Chahal, but PBKS triumphed after a fierce competition involving Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Chahal’s record-breaking bid underscores his immense value and skill set as a match-winning bowler in the shortest format. As PBKS aims to strengthen its bowling arsenal, the addition of the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker is a significant boost to their campaign in the upcoming season.

    A hotly contested bidding war for Yuzvendra Chahal

    The bidding for Chahal was one of the highlights of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Gujarat Titans (GT) initiated the bid at the base price of INR 2 crore, quickly followed by interest from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, as the stakes rose, both teams withdrew, paving the way for PBKS and LSG to lock horns. RCB and SRH later entered the fray, with RCB keen to reclaim their former star, given his past success at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

    Despite intense interest from multiple franchises, PBKS emerged victorious with a record INR 18 crore bid, making Chahal the costliest spinner in IPL history. His addition to the team adds depth and experience to their bowling lineup, significantly enhancing PBKS’s chances of a strong campaign in IPL 2025.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also READ: From MS Dhoni to Rishabh Pant: List of most expensive players bought in each IPL auction from 2008 to 2025

    The journey of the IPL’s leading wicket-taker

    Chahal’s IPL career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 205 wickets in 160 matches at an economy rate of 7.84, Chahal sits atop the all-time wicket-takers list in the tournament’s history. He surpassed Dwayne Bravo‘s record in 2023 and became the first bowler to breach the 200-wicket mark in IPL history. His tally includes six four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul, showcasing his ability to deliver match-turning spells consistently.

    Chahal’s career began with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he was a promising talent. However, his true potential was realized RCB, where he became the franchise’s highest wicket-taker with 139 wickets in 113 matches. After a successful stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR), including winning the Purple Cap in 2022 with 27 wickets, Chahal will now embark on a new journey with PBKS as his fourth IPL team.

    A legacy of excellence in T20 cricket

    Chahal’s impact extends beyond the IPL. He is also the leading wicket-taker for India in Men’s T20Is, with his tally only surpassed by Deepti Sharma across all Indian players in T20Is. Chahal’s ability to perform under pressure has made him a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, both domestically and internationally. Chahal’s IPL journey has been adorned with milestones. His Purple Cap-winning season in 2022 with the RR saw him take 27 wickets in 17 matches, leading his team to the finals. Although the Royals fell short against GT Chahal’s contributions throughout the tournament were unparalleled.

    PBKS’s strategy and the road ahead

    By acquiring Chahal, PBKS has reinforced its bowling unit with a proven match-winner. Chahal’s experience in high-pressure situations and his knack for breaking partnerships will be invaluable for the team. PBKS will rely on Chahal’s consistency and wicket-taking ability to lead their bowling attack and complement their other bowlers effectively.

    For PBKS, this signing represents a strategic move to solidify their core group of players. With Chahal in the squad, they aim to end their title drought and establish themselves as strong contenders in IPL 2025. As Chahal gears up for this new chapter in his IPL career, the spotlight will be on him to deliver yet another stellar season.

    Also READ: Fans go wild as Preity Zinta-owned Punjab Kings buys Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore at IPL 2025 mega auction



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  • IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Australia, USA & other countries

    IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Australia, USA & other countries

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction exemplifies cricket’s growing global appeal, with 574 players from diverse cricketing nations set to go under the hammer on November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This includes 366 Indian players, with a mix of 48 capped and 318 uncapped talents, highlighting India’s deep talent pool.

    Alongside them, 208 overseas players will participate, including 193 capped stars and 15 uncapped players, many of whom have proven their mettle in international cricket or domestic T20 leagues. Notably, three players from associate nations have also made the final cut, reflecting the IPL’s commitment to inclusivity and promoting cricket in emerging markets. The wide array of talent ensures that teams will be keen to acquire players who can strengthen their cores or provide match-winning performances, making the auction a strategic battleground for franchises.

    Marquee players: The spotlight on cricketing superstars

    Seven Indian cricketers have been named in the prestigious marquee player list, underlining their importance in the auction dynamics. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh are expected to be the center of attention as teams vie to secure their services.

    These players have consistently delivered exceptional performances in the IPL and international cricket, making them hot properties in the auction. The marquee list also includes global icons like Mitchell Starc and David Warner, who are likely to attract fierce bidding. With INR 2 crore as the highest base price, this category symbolizes the pinnacle of T20 cricket excellence, and acquiring these players could be pivotal for teams aiming for the championship in IPL 2025.

    Strategic budgets: Franchises prepare for intense bidding wars

    The financial strategies of franchises will play a defining role in the auction as each team starts with a INR 120 crore purse. However, the salaries of retained players have already been deducted, leaving varying amounts for each franchise. Punjab Kings (PBKS), with INR 110.5 crore, boast the largest purse, granting them significant leverage to dominate the bidding. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) follow with INR 83 crore, allowing them flexibility to make impactful purchases.

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), having already retained six players each, enter the auction with limited scope for additional retentions or Right to Match (RTM) cards, adding complexity to their planning. This financial disparity among teams ensures a riveting auction as franchises strive to maximize their remaining budgets while assembling balanced and competitive squads.

    Also READ: 3 teams that can target Saurabh Netravalkar in the IPL 2025 mega auction

    The return of Mallika Sagar: Ensuring a seamless auction experience

    Mallika Sagar’s return as auctioneer promises a smooth and professionally conducted event. Known for her composure and expertise, Sagar previously handled the IPL 2024 mini-auction and both editions of the Women’s Premier League auctions, garnering praise for her adept handling of the high-pressure environment. Her presence at the helm for the IPL 2025 mega auction ensures a seamless flow, adding to the excitement of the two-day event.

    With the auction being streamed live by Jio Cinema in six languages, it is poised to reach a global audience, further solidifying the IPL’s position as the premier cricket league worldwide. For fans and franchises alike, the stage is set for a spectacle that could shape the next phase of cricketing history.

    Broadcast and live-streaming details

    Also READ: 3 teams that can target Mitchell Marsh in the IPL 2025 mega auction

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  • IPL 2025 Auction: Top 5 uncapped players who catch fetch more than five crore

    IPL 2025 Auction: Top 5 uncapped players who catch fetch more than five crore

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to be a crucial event for franchises looking to build their squads for the upcoming season. As teams prepare to form their rosters from scratch, uncapped players are expected to be in high demand.

    IPL 2025 Mega Auction: The rise of uncapped Indian players

    These emerging talents, who have not yet represented India at the international level, offer a wealth of potential and are seen as future stars of Indian cricket. With their affordable price tags and the opportunity to develop them into key players, uncapped players have become an integral part of IPL teams’ long-term strategies.

    Uncapped players have consistently proven to be valuable assets in the IPL, with many franchises benefiting from taking a chance on raw talent. The upcoming auction will give these young players an opportunity to showcase their skills and aim for a breakthrough that could propel them into the national team. Here’s a closer look at some of the uncapped players who have impressed in domestic cricket and could attract significant bids at the IPL 2025 auction.

    IPL 2025 Auction: 5 uncapped players who can cross the 5 crore mark

    1. Nehal Wadhera: A Rising Star with Remarkable Batting Skills

    Nehal Wadhera (Image Source: X)

    Nehal Wadhera is an explosive left-handed batter who made his mark in IPL 2023 with Mumbai Indians (MI). Although his 2024 season did not go as planned, with three consecutive single-digit scores, his previous performances have shown that he is a talent to watch. In 2023, Wadhera impressed with his ability to stabilize the middle order and take the attack to the opposition, making crucial contributions during MI’s campaign.

    Wadhera’s explosive batting was also on display in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023-24, where he played a pivotal role in Punjab’s title win. Despite a lackluster 2024 season, his batting power and potential make him an attractive prospect for many IPL franchises. His left-handed approach suits the demands of franchises looking to build a solid middle order, and MI, the team that initially nurtured him, may also look to repurchase him during the auction. Wadhera’s ability to turn the game around in the middle overs and his power-hitting capability will likely make him a highly sought-after player at the IPL 2025 auction.

    2. Ashutosh Sharma: The Explosive Finisher

    Ashutosh Sharma was one of the few positives for Punjab Kings (PBKS) during their forgettable IPL 2024 season. Known for his aggressive batting, Ashutosh has the ability to finish games with explosive cameos in the death overs. In his debut season, Ashutosh played 11 matches, scoring 189 runs with a highest score of 61. His strike rate, which hovered over 160, showcased his ability to accelerate the innings and provide the necessary momentum in the latter stages of the game.

    Ashutosh’s natural ability to strike the ball cleanly, particularly in the final overs, makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to add a hard-hitting finisher to their squad. Despite not ending the 2024 season on a high note, his consistent performances throughout the season and his aggressive batting approach will ensure that he remains in demand at the auction. Teams seeking power-hitting depth are likely to place high bids on Ashutosh in the IPL 2025 auction.

    Also READ: IPL 2025: Mohammed Shami returns to GT; David Warner joins Virat Kohli’s RCB in K. Srikkanth’s mock auction

    3. Swastik Chikara: The Power-Hitting Sensation

    Swastik Chikara
    Swastik Chikara (Image Source: X)

    Swastik Chikara has been one of the standout performers in the UP T20 League 2024, where he scored a staggering 499 runs in just 12 matches. His performances for Meerut made him the highest run-scorer in the tournament, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to dominate bowlers. With a strike rate of 191.56 and an average of 61.57, Chikara has proven that he can take on the best bowlers in the shortest format of the game.

    Swastik’s batting prowess, including his ability to hit sixes and fours with ease, makes him an exciting prospect for IPL franchises looking for dynamic middle-order players. His 2024 domestic record also includes 1 century and 4 half-centuries, which highlights his consistency in scoring big runs. Chikara’s power-hitting style is well-suited to the fast-paced nature of IPL, and he is expected to draw significant interest from franchises.

    His background in List A cricket, where he has accumulated 200 runs from 6 matches, further adds to his credibility as an all-rounder with the potential to deliver in various formats. IPL teams are likely to see Swastik Chikara as an excellent investment, especially considering his proven ability to perform under pressure in domestic competitions.

    4. Sameer Rizvi: A Dynamic Middle-Order Batter

    Sameer Rizvi, a 20-year-old right-handed batter, made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024, where he showed glimpses of his explosive batting. Although Rizvi could not make a significant impact in his limited opportunities, his domestic form has been impressive. Known for his ability to attack the bowlers from the start, Rizvi is a player who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.

    Rizvi’s performances in domestic cricket, particularly in middle-order roles, have established him as a promising talent. Despite limited IPL exposure, his aggressive playing style, which is well-suited for the middle order, makes him a key prospect for franchises looking to add depth to their batting line-ups. Given his familiarity with the CSK setup, it is possible that the franchise could bid for him again, but other teams are also likely to show interest in securing his services for IPL 2025. His ability to turn games with his dynamic batting makes him a valuable asset for any team.

    5. Mahipal Lomror: An Upcoming All-Rounder with IPL Potential

    Mahipal Lomror
    Mahipal Lomror (Image Source: X)

    Mahipal Lomror, the 24-year-old all-rounder, has been making waves in Indian domestic cricket with his remarkable performances. Despite his impressive IPL history, where he has accumulated 527 runs in 40 matches—including a solid 125 runs in the previous edition for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Lomror was released by RCB ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, his recent sensational display in the Ranji Trophy has put IPL franchises on high alert as they prepare for the upcoming auction on November 24-25 in Jeddah.

    Lomror’s explosive form was on full display during his record-breaking triple century in a Ranji Trophy Group B match against Uttarakhand. Scoring an astonishing 300 runs off 357 balls, Lomror’s innings included a blistering 13 sixes and 25 fours, which not only displayed his exceptional batting technique but also his ability to dominate bowlers in longer formats. His strike rate of 83.33 was particularly impressive, showing his ability to maintain a high level of aggression without losing control over his shots.

    This innings has surely caught the attention of IPL franchises, especially given his ability to score quickly and play a crucial role in both formats of the game. With his power-hitting and ability to perform under pressure, Lomror is now seen as a valuable asset for teams looking to add depth to their middle-order batting and all-round options.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 mega auction: Complete list of players with their base price of INR 2 crore, 1.5 crore, 1.25 crore and 1 crore

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  • Reports: BCCI eyeing at Saudi cities for mega IPL 2025 auction

    Reports: BCCI eyeing at Saudi cities for mega IPL 2025 auction

    The apex Indian cricket governing body, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is looking at Saudi Arabia as a potential host for the upcoming mega IPL (Indian Premier League) 2025 auction. The Indian board is considering Riyadh or Jeddah as prime locations for the event, scheduled to take place in the last week of November.

    While Dubai remains an option, it’s currently not the preferred choice. This potential relocation to Saudi Arabia comes after the success of last year’s auction, which was held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, on December 19, 2023, a historic first for an overseas IPL auction. Finding a suitable venue in Saudi Arabia has proven challenging for the BCCI.

    However, the costs in Saudi cities are much higher than in Dubai as per Cricbuzz, thereby presenting a logistical hurdle even for the world’s richest cricket league. The BCCI needs a location capable of hosting the two-day event and accommodating the entire IPL staff, including delegations from all ten franchises and representatives from the two broadcasters, Jio and Disney Star.

    MS Dhoni yet to confirm his participation for IPL 2025

    Initially, London was considered as a potential venue. However, the BCCI decided against it due to the cold weather typically experienced in the UK during that time of year. Last year, Mallika Sagar became the first woman auctioneer in IPL history, replacing Hugh Edmeades.

    Also Read: IPL franchises unhappy with new RTM clause, write to BCCI

    The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) still haven’t confirmed legendary MS Dhoni’s participation in the upcoming season. A meeting between Dhoni and key CSK officials is expected in mid-October in Mumbai, where he will likely announce his final decision. The BCCI recently ruled that players like Dhoni, who haven’t played international cricket for over five years, can be classified as ‘uncapped’ and retained for a price of INR 4 crore.

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