The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is set to be one of the most highly anticipated events in cricket this year. Scheduled for November 24-25, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this auction will bring massive excitement, strategic decisions, and team rebuilding.
The event marks only the second time the auction has taken place overseas, after Dubai hosted it in 2024. Fans and franchises alike are buzzing with anticipation as over 1,500 players, including top Indian and international stars, prepare to go under the hammer. This year’s auction is a “mega auction,” meaning teams will be required to undergo a major reset and can retain only a few players, making way for big-ticket purchases and thrilling bidding wars.
This article will guide you through every detail about the IPL 2025 auction: dates, location, player pool, purse, teams’ retentions, RTM (Right-to-Match) options, and the top players expected to attract the highest bids.
Key Details of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
| Detail |
Information |
| Auction Location |
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Dates |
November 24-25, 2024 |
| Total Registered Players |
1,574 |
| Capped Players |
329 |
| Indian Players |
48 |
| Highest Franchise Purse |
Punjab Kings – INR 110.5 crore |
What Makes the IPL 2025 Auction a ‘Mega Auction’?
- Reset Every Three Years: In IPL, a ‘mega auction’ takes place every three years, allowing franchises only to retain a limited number of players (six in 2025). Teams must rebuild their squads, leading to dynamic, exciting bidding.
- Two-Day Event: The sheer number of players up for grabs and the squad reshuffling make this a two-day event, in contrast to the single-day mini auctions in other years.
Expected Player Pool and Marquee Players
- Initial Registration: A record-breaking 1,574 players registered for the auction.
- Final List: The list will be pruned down to feature the best players from India and abroad, with numerous marquee names expected to draw top bids.
Top Indian Players Expected in IPL 2025 Mega Auction
| Player |
Base Price (INR) |
| Rishabh Pant |
2 Crore |
| KL Rahul |
2 Crore |
| Shreyas Iyer |
2 Crore |
| Yuzvendra Chahal |
2 Crore |
| Mohammed Shami |
2 Crore |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
2 Crore |
| Arshdeep Singh |
2 Crore |
| Washington Sundar |
2 Crore |
Top Overseas Players Expected in IPL 2025 Auction
| Player |
Country |
Base Price (INR) |
| David Warner |
Australia |
2 Crore |
| Mitchell Starc |
Australia |
2 Crore |
| Jos Buttler |
England |
2 Crore |
| Kagiso Rabada |
South Africa |
2 Crore |
| Marcus Stoinis |
Australia |
2 Crore |
| Sam Curran |
England |
2 Crore |
| Rachin Ravindra |
New Zealand |
1.5 Crore |
Franchise Purse and Retained Players
| Team |
Purse Remaining (INR) |
Retained Players |
| Punjab Kings |
110.5 crore |
2 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore |
83 crore |
3 |
| Delhi Capitals |
73 crore |
4 |
| Gujarat Titans |
69 crore |
5 |
| Lucknow Super Giants |
69 crore |
5 |
| Chennai Super Kings |
55 crore |
5 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders |
51 crore |
6 |
| Mumbai Indians |
45 crore |
5 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad |
45 crore |
5 |
| Rajasthan Royals |
41 crore |
6 |
- Punjab Kings: With the largest remaining purse, Punjab Kings will be a key player in high-stakes bids.
- Retention Strategy: Franchises are allowed up to six retentions, comprising up to five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped players.
Right-to-Match (RTM) Options Explained
- Purpose: RTM cards allow franchises to buy back players who were part of their team in the previous season if they are outbid for them.
- Limitations: RTMs vary by team; Punjab Kings, with the fewest retentions, have the most RTM cards, while teams that retained more players have fewer RTM options.
| Team |
RTM Options |
Players Eligible for RTM |
| Punjab Kings |
4 |
Four capped players |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore |
3 |
One uncapped, two capped |
| Delhi Capitals |
2 |
One uncapped, one capped |
| Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants |
1 |
One capped or uncapped |
| Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals |
None |
None |
Country-Wise Overseas Players Registered for the IPL 2025 Auction
| Country |
Players Registered |
| Australia |
76 |
| South Africa |
91 |
| England |
52 |
| West Indies |
33 |
| New Zealand |
39 |
| Sri Lanka |
29 |
| Afghanistan |
29 |
| Bangladesh |
13 |
Top 10 Players to Watch Out For in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
- Rishabh Pant – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- Highly coveted for his aggressive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping. Franchises like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore may make major bids for him.
- Shreyas Iyer – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- Known for his leadership and middle-order stability. Delhi Capitals may offer big to bring him back.
- KL Rahul – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- A seasoned captain and top-order batsman; RCB might seek him for his wicket-keeping and experience.
- Mitchell Starc – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- Australia’s star pacer, likely to draw high interest from franchises looking to boost their bowling attack.
- Jos Buttler – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- England’s explosive batter is expected to attract substantial bids, especially from teams seeking aggressive top-order strength.
- David Warner – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- A left-handed opener with IPL experience, Warner’s presence could anchor any batting lineup.
- Arshdeep Singh – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- A rising star in Indian pace bowling, expected to see strong bids from franchises with a focus on youth.
- Sam Curran – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- An all-rounder who brings versatility with bat and ball, adding depth to any team’s roster.
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Base Price: INR 2 Crore
- One of India’s leading spinners; his leg-spin is an asset for IPL teams with spin-friendly home grounds.
- Rachin Ravindra – Base Price: INR 1.5 Crore
- The New Zealand all-rounder is an attractive option for franchises looking for both left-arm spin and batting power.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction Outlook
This year’s mega auction promises intense competition, and the stakes are higher than ever as teams vie to create balanced and competitive rosters. The venue in Jeddah not only adds an international dimension but is also seen as a strategic move to grow the league’s reach. As teams finalize their strategies and rosters, the IPL 2025 season is set to offer unmatched excitement for fans and players alike. Keep an eye on the auction—it could define the future of IPL cricket for years to come.
