The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, a blockbuster cricketing spectacle, unfolded on November 24 and 25 at the prestigious Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For the first time in its history, the IPL auction was hosted outside India, marking a significant milestone for the league’s global appeal. The two-day event brought together the 10 IPL franchises to shape their squads for the next three seasons, building anticipation among cricket fans worldwide.
With 577 cricketers up for grabs—367 Indian players and 210 overseas stars—the stakes were higher than ever. Teams were armed with a budget of ₹120 crore to construct squads of 18 to 25 players, with a maximum of eight overseas players allowed per team. The auction pool saw a minimum base price of ₹30 lakh and a maximum of ₹2 crore, setting the stage for intense bidding wars.
Historic Buys and Record-Breaking Moments
The Lucknow Super Giants etched their name in history by acquiring Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Earlier in the auction, Punjab Kings briefly held the record with a ₹26.75 crore purchase of Shreyas Iyer. Gujarat Titans also made headlines, securing Jos Buttler for ₹15.75 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player of the auction.
A particularly heartwarming moment came when Rajasthan Royals picked 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crore, making the young prodigy from Bihar the youngest-ever cricketer to be selected in IPL history.
Standout Uncapped Talent
Rasikh Dar, an uncapped bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, emerged as the most expensive uncapped player, fetching ₹6 crore from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His selection highlighted the IPL’s role in promoting grassroots talent on a global stage.
A Fresh Chapter for IPL
The mega auction, held every three years, allows franchises to rebuild their cores and inject fresh talent into their squads. It’s not just a business event; it’s a cricketing festival where strategies, scouting, and fortunes intertwine.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the auction symbolizes IPL’s expansion into newer territories, a testament to the league’s growing influence in global sports. With fresh squads and record-breaking signings, IPL 2025 promises a season like never before, blending youth, experience, and international flair to redefine cricket’s biggest extravaganza.
