Sports
IPL 2025 Auction Kicks Off in Jeddah Amid Excitement
The highly anticipated player auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commenced today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the second consecutive year that the auction is being held outside India, underscoring the league’s expanding global presence. A total of 574 players, shortlisted from 1,574 registrations, will vie for 204 available slots across ten teams. Of these, 70 slots have been designated for overseas players.
Among the marquee players featured in the auction are Indian cricket stars Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. Rishabh Pant has garnered significant attention as he was picked by Lucknow Super Giants for a substantial ₹27 crore, marking one of the biggest purchases of the auction. Notably, Pant had previously played for the Delhi Capitals, who retained him for ₹16 crore in 2023. Shreyas Iyer secured a deal with Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, while Venkatesh Iyer was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹23.75 crore.
Other notable acquisitions include Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, both going to the Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore each. KL Rahul was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, continuing the trend of top players commanding hefty bids.
The auction is broadcast live on Star Sports and is also available for streaming via the JioCinema app and website, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts worldwide can engage with the event as teams build their rosters for the upcoming season. Fans in the United States and Canada can watch the auction live starting at 5:00 am Eastern Time.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) specified that 366 of the shortlisted players are Indian, while 208 are from overseas, including players from associate nations. The highest reserve price is set at Rs 2 crore, with over 80 players opting for this bracket. Prominent names in the marquee sets include Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside the aforementioned Indian stars.
In this elaborate event, the franchises are also keen on availing the Right-to-Match (RTM) card, which allows them to retain players released by matching the highest bid during the auction. This rule adds an intriguing layer to the auction dynamics, offering teams a tactical element in player retention.
As the auction proceeds, cricket fans and experts will focus on team strategies and player valuations, with each franchise striving to secure an optimal mix of talent for their future campaigns.