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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its highly anticipated mega auction for the 2025 season, a significant event in the cricket calendar. Set to take place on November 24 and 25, 2024, this auction promises to be a game-changer, with teams across the league preparing to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. Here’s everything you need to know about the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
When and Where is the Auction Taking Place?
For the first time in IPL history, the auction will be held outside of India. The prestigious event will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, at the Abady Al Johar Arena in the city of Jeddah. With a seating capacity of 15,000, the arena will play host to an intense bidding war as franchises seek to bolster their squads.
The auction will take place over two days: Sunday, November 24, and Monday, November 25. The proceedings will commence at 3:30 PM IST on both days, promising an exciting and intense series of bids.
Who Will Be on the Auction Block?
A total of 577 players will enter the auction this year, with 367 of them being Indian players and the remaining 210 hailing from overseas. Initially, 574 players had registered, but a few late additions—England’s Jofra Archer, the USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar, and India’s Hardik Tamore—bring the total number to 577.
Among the high-profile names expected to go under the hammer are Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, India’s KL Rahul, and England’s Jos Buttler. These players, along with several others, will certainly generate a lot of interest, with IPL teams looking to strengthen their lineups in anticipation of the 2025 season.
How Much Money is Up for Grabs?
Each of the 10 IPL franchises will have a budget of Rs 120 crore for the auction. However, the actual amount available will be lower due to the retention phase, where teams retain certain players from their current squad.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) enters the auction with the highest purse, at Rs 110.5 crore, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) has the smallest budget at Rs 41 crore. This financial disparity means that teams with more substantial budgets could have an advantage in securing top talent, but strategic planning will be key for every franchise.
Right to Match (RTM): The Twist in the Bidding Process
One of the unique aspects of the IPL auction is the Right to Match (RTM) card, which allows teams to buy back a player who was previously a part of their squad. If a team’s former player is auctioned off, the original team can match the final bid and bring the player back into their fold.
However, the RTM rule will see a new twist in 2024. If a team uses the RTM card, the bidding team will be given a chance to counter with a final, increased bid. For instance, if KL Rahul is sold for Rs 15 crore to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and his previous team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), opts to use their RTM, PBKS will get a chance to raise the bid. If PBKS then bids Rs 17 crore, LSG must match that amount to regain Rahul. If they don’t, the RTM card won’t be activated.
This adds another layer of strategy to the auction, as teams must not only assess a player’s value but also anticipate potential RTM bids from rival franchises.
How to Watch the Auction?
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, offering fans nationwide the chance to watch all the action unfold. For digital viewers, the auction will be streamed live on the JioCinema app and website, ensuring that fans can tune in from anywhere to follow the excitement.
A Crucial Event for Teams and Players Alike
The IPL Mega Auction is always a significant event, but 2024’s auction holds special importance as franchises look to revamp their squads in preparation for the 2025 season. Teams will have to be strategic with their bids, balancing the acquisition of marquee players and the need for squad depth. For the players, the auction is an opportunity to secure lucrative contracts and fulfill their aspirations of competing in the world’s most prestigious T20 league.
As we count down to the auction dates, the buzz is building, and fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting to see how their favorite teams will shape up for IPL 2025.
Image Credit: NDTV / BCCI/IPL
Shankar Pashapu
