England Stars in the IPL Auction

As the IPL 2025 mega auction starts today November 25, England's cricketing talent is set to play a pivotal role. Scheduled for Sunday and Monday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 38 England-qualified players are on the shortlist, vying for 70 overseas slots across 10 franchises. The stakes are high, and England's management is keenly observing not just who gets picked but also the hefty price tags attached.

Big Bucks for England's Heavyweights

Interestingly, none of the 10 overseas players retained before the auction are from England, opening the door for the country’s top white-ball stars to potentially secure lucrative contracts. Leading the charge is Jos Buttler, whose stellar seven seasons with the Rajasthan Royals make him a hot property. Alongside him, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt are also expected to command significant attention.

At 34, Buttler’s impressive IPL resume—averaging 38.10 with a strike rate of 147.52 and seven centuries, second only to Virat Kohli—stands out, though his recent calf injuries might cause hesitation. Meanwhile, Phil Salt, fresh from his heroics in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign last year, is poised for his first major payday as a permanent squad member.

Sam Curran, who previously fetched INR 18.5 crore (£1.75 million) with Punjab Kings, may see a reduction in his earnings but remains a sought-after pick, especially after showcasing leadership skills in 2024. Liam Livingstone, after a challenging period with injuries, has returned to form, making him another contender for hefty bids. Punjab Kings' new coach, Ricky Ponting, could use the RTM rule to reclaim either or both players.

Harry Brook’s Determination to Shine

While some of England’s multi-format players, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, opted out of the auction to prioritise rest, Harry Brook is taking a different route. Determined to prove his mettle in Indian conditions, Brook has entered the auction with high ambitions.

Brook’s maiden IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023 had its highs and lows. Though he notched an unbeaten century early on, consistency eluded him, with only one more score over 20. Having missed subsequent tours to India due to personal reasons, Brook now seeks redemption. With limited experience against Indian bowlers, returning to the IPL provides a platform for Brook to refine his skills ahead of his first Test series against India while addressing concerns about his vulnerability to spin.

Fast Bowlers Face High Stakes

Jofra Archer’s late inclusion in the auction pool followed extensive discussions with the ECB, reflecting the evolving dynamics of player-board negotiations. With stricter regulations in place, boards now face challenges in withdrawing players, as such moves could trigger penalties, including bans.

Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse are among England’s seamers up for grabs, all of whom are expected to play vital roles in upcoming Test series against India and Australia. While Matthew Potts and Olly Stone are also listed, their chances of being picked appear slimmer. Mark Wood, meanwhile, is absent from the auction entirely, likely due to workload considerations.

Rising Star: Jacob Bethell

At just 21, Jacob Bethell is turning heads as one of England’s most promising young talents. With standout performances in T20Is, including taking down Adam Zampa and scoring consecutive unbeaten half-centuries against West Indies, Bethell has shown maturity beyond his years.

Currently part of the Rajasthan Royals’ affiliate team Paarl Royals in SA20, Bethell enters the auction as a potential long-term investment. His skills as a left-handed finisher and left-arm spinner, coupled with exceptional athleticism, make him an attractive prospect. However, there are concerns that extended time on the IPL bench could hinder his development as a red-ball cricketer, where he is seen as a future Test star despite modest first-class statistics.

Anderson’s Surprising Entry

At 42, James Anderson’s inclusion in the auction is nothing short of surprising. Despite not playing T20 cricket for a decade and lacking recent experience with white-ball formats, Anderson has thrown his hat into the ring with a base price of INR 1.25 crore (£118,000).

While his on-field skills might no longer align with the demands of modern T20 cricket, Anderson’s wealth of experience and leadership qualities could appeal to franchises seeking mentorship. Teams might even consider hiring him as a coaching consultant post-auction, bypassing the overseas player cap while adding immense value off the field.

The England Players to Watch

The auction features a wide range of England-qualified players, with stars like Buttler, Livingstone, Curran, and Brook listed at the highest base price of INR 2 crore (£189,000). Meanwhile, young talents like Bethell and experienced names such as Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid are also poised to make an impact. Notable players across price brackets include:

• INR 2 crore: Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali.
• INR 1.5 crore: Sam Billings, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts.
• INR 1.25 crore: Jacob Bethell, James Anderson.
• INR 75 lakh: Ollie Pope, Reece Topley, Olly Stone.

Final Thoughts

The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a spectacle, blending high drama with strategic bidding. England’s players bring a mix of experience, youth, and potential, ensuring they’ll be at the centre of the action. As franchises gear up to build their squads, all eyes will be on who strikes gold and how the auction shapes the future of these cricketers.