As the BCCI released the list of over 1500 players who will be up for grabs, here are the key takeaways as franchises build towards the IPL 2025 mega auction.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Other Big Names Set Base Price at ₹2 Crore
New Delhi — The full list of 1574 players who will go under the hammer at the IPL 2025 mega auction was revealed on Tuesday, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling round of bidding. Among the prominent names who have set their base prices at ₹2 crore are star Indian cricketers like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, alongside several high-profile overseas players, including Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Jos Buttler.
In a surprise move, the likes of Pant, Iyer, and Rahul, who were not retained by their respective franchises—Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)—have decided to enter the auction with a high base price of ₹2 crore. These players have been regulars in the IPL over the years, and their decision to set a hefty base price signals their expectation of significant interest from the bidding teams.
Key Indian Players with ₹2 Crore Base Price
In addition to Pant, Iyer, and Rahul, several other established Indian players have also opted for the ₹2 crore base price, including:
- Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal: Both prominent spinners, who were released by Rajasthan Royals, are now available for bidding at ₹2 crore. Their experience in the IPL and ability to perform in various conditions makes them valuable assets for franchises looking to strengthen their bowling attack.
- Mohammad Shami: After being released by Gujarat Titans, Shami, who hasn’t played competitive cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has set his base price at ₹2 crore. His vast experience and proven ability with the ball make him a highly sought-after player.
- Other Notable Indian Players: The list also includes pacers like Mohammad Siraj, Deepak Chahar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, along with all-rounders like Krunal Pandya, Harshal Patel, and Shardul Thakur. Young pacer Umran Malik, who impressed in IPL 2022 with his fiery pace, will start his bidding at ₹75 lakh, a more modest sum compared to the ₹2 crore price tag of other stars.
Overseas Stars with ₹2 Crore Base Price
The overseas contingent for the IPL 2025 auction is just as impressive, with several world-class cricketers listing their base price at ₹2 crore. Some of the biggest names include:
- Mitchell Starc: After being picked by KKR in 2024 for a massive ₹24.50 crore, Starc has opted for ₹2 crore this year. The Australian pacer is one of the most lethal fast bowlers in world cricket and remains a hot commodity for IPL teams.
- Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis: Australia’s prominent trio, known for their leadership skills and ability to deliver under pressure, are all available for ₹2 crore. They will add significant value to any franchise looking to boost their middle-order batting and leadership quotient.
- Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow: England’s top white-ball batsmen, both of whom have been standout performers in previous IPL seasons, have opted for the ₹2 crore base price.
- Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, and Moeen Ali: These key overseas players are also up for grabs at ₹2 crore, offering franchises an opportunity to add experience and game-changing abilities to their teams.
Notable Absentees and Surprising Picks
While some major stars like Joe Root have opted out of the auction, others like David Warner, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, have decided to list themselves at ₹2 crore. Warner’s experience and consistency in the IPL make him one of the most reliable openers in the history of the tournament, and his decision to put himself in the auction pool could ignite intense bidding.
Another interesting pick is New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, an emerging all-rounder who was not retained by Chennai Super Kings. Ravindra has set his base price at ₹1.50 crore, reflecting his growing potential in both domestic and international cricket.
Auction Anticipation Builds
As the IPL 2025 mega auction draws closer, the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement. The hefty base prices of key players indicate that franchises are willing to invest heavily in experienced stars who can deliver immediate impact. With the full player list now out, IPL teams are set to plan their strategies carefully, weighing their options between established performers and emerging talents.
The inclusion of big names like Pant, Rahul, and Starc, alongside young talents like Malik, has added an extra layer of intrigue to the auction. The competition for top-tier players will be fierce, with every franchise looking to strengthen their squads for the highly anticipated 2025 season.
As the auction unfolds, all eyes will be on the big-ticket players, with franchises hoping to build a winning combination that can take them to the coveted IPL trophy.
Disclaimer: The base prices set by players are the starting point for the auction. Final bids may vary based on demand, form, and team requirements during the auction process.