New Delhi: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction kicked off in spectacular fashion today at the iconic Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, marking a new era in cricket’s most lucrative league. A total of 84 players are set to go under the hammer during the two-day auction, with franchises fiercely competing to secure the best talents for the upcoming season.
Venkatesh Iyer Steals the Spotlight with Record INR 23.75 Crore Bid
All eyes were on Venkatesh Iyer, who became the highest-priced player so far in this year’s auction. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) broke the bank, securing the star all-rounder for a staggering INR 23.75 Crores, reaffirming their commitment to building a formidable squad.
Ravichandran Ashwin Returns to Chennai Super Kings
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set for a homecoming as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) acquired him for INR 9.75 Crores. The franchise also retained its trusted New Zealand duo, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, for INR 6.25 Crores and INR 4 Crores, respectively, showcasing a balance of experience and emerging talent.
Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings Make Strategic Moves
The Delhi Capitals (DC) retained their promising Australian player Jake Fraser-McGurk for INR 9 Crores using their Right to Match (RTM) card. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings made a powerful addition, roping in Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for INR 10 Crores, signaling their intent to bolster their middle order.
Auction Dynamics: Rules, Retentions, and Player Pools
Ahead of the auction, teams were allowed to retain a maximum of six players, leaving significant room for reshuffling. The retention trends varied:
- Punjab Kings retained just two players, while
- Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals maxed out with six retentions each.
This left a total of 204 vacancies, including 70 slots for overseas players. The auction pool featured 577 players, with 367 Indian and 210 overseas candidates. The original list of 1,574 registrants was meticulously pruned, but late entries like Jofra Archer, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Hardik Tamore added last-minute excitement.
High-Stakes Bidding Creates Buzz
As the first day unfolded, several players emerged as hot commodities, with franchises leveraging their budgets to secure impactful names. The auction has already hinted at a thrilling 2025 IPL season, where teams are strategically building rosters to outshine their competitors.
Stay tuned for more live updates and surprises as the second day promises to bring unexpected twists, intense bidding wars, and game-changing signings!
