Jimmy Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, went unsold in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, a development that contrasts sharply with the historic signing of Indian teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At just 13 years old, Suryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player ever to secure an IPL contract, being signed by the Rajasthan Royals for 11 million rupees (approximately £104,000). His inclusion was notable not just for his age but also for his recent exploits, including a blistering 58-ball century for India Under-19s in a match against Australia U19s.
The Rajasthan Royals, coached by former India captain Rahul Dravid, made a bold move in acquiring the young prodigy. Suryavanshi, born during India’s victorious 2011 50-over World Cup campaign, is already making waves in the cricketing world with his precocious talent. His signing marks a significant moment in IPL history, demonstrating the tournament’s commitment to nurturing young talent alongside seasoned professionals.
Anderson, on the other hand, was listed at a price slightly higher than Suryavanshi’s but failed to attract any bids. The 42-year-old, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year, has not played a Twenty20 match in a decade, and his lack of recent T20 experience likely influenced the decision of franchise owners. Despite his legendary status in Test cricket, his unsold status highlights the IPL’s demand for players with contemporary credentials in the shortest format of the game.
Among the English players, Will Jacks was a standout, securing a deal with Mumbai Indians for £500,000. His explosive batting and all-around capabilities made him a valuable addition to the five-time champions. Sam Curran, known for his versatility, returned to the Chennai Super Kings for £230,000, while Jamie Overton joined him at the same franchise for £143,000. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for £246,000, joining compatriots Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone.
Moeen Ali also found a buyer, with Kolkata Knight Riders acquiring him for £189,000. However, several high-profile England players, including Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, and Chris Jordan, went unsold in the auction’s final stages. This highlights the intense competition and selective nature of the IPL auction process.
The auction’s opening day saw record-breaking bids, with Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant commanding enormous fees. Iyer, a former IPL-winning captain, was sold to Punjab Kings for a record £2.51 million, only to be surpassed minutes later when Lucknow Super Giants signed Pant for £2.54 million. These signings underscored the premium franchises place on established Indian stars.
England captain Jos Buttler was another notable acquisition, joining Gujarat Titans for £1.4 million. Royal Challengers Bengaluru also made headlines with their purchases of Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone for a combined £1.8 million. Jofra Archer, who was a late addition to the auction list, was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals for £1.4 million, while Harry Brook joined Delhi Capitals for £590,000.
The auction also saw significant interest in Australian players. Mitchell Starc, who last year became the most expensive player in IPL history, was signed by Delhi Capitals for £1 million, a notable drop from the £2.3 million he fetched in the previous season. Josh Hazlewood joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for £1.2 million, reinforcing their pace attack. However, David Warner, a stalwart of the tournament, went unsold in the accelerated final round, a surprising outcome for the seasoned opener.
The 2025 IPL season, set to begin on March 14 and conclude on May 25, promises a blend of emerging talents and established stars. With groundbreaking signings like Suryavanshi’s and the participation of cricketing heavyweights, the tournament is poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in its storied history.
