James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, has made headlines by registering for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, surprising many given his long absence from limited-overs cricket. The 42-year-old, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, has explained that his decision to enter the auction is driven by his strong desire to continue playing the sport he loves.
Anderson, who has never played in the IPL, last featured in a T20 match in 2014 for Lancashire in the T20 Blast, and has not appeared in a white-ball game for England since the 2015 ODI World Cup. His last T20I appearance was in 2009, and he hasn’t played a limited-overs match for England in nearly a decade. Despite this, the legendary pacer feels he still has a lot to offer, and his decision to register for the IPL auction comes as a reflection of his continued passion for the game and his belief that he remains in good physical condition.
“I want to play cricket again, that’s the whole point of going in the auction,” Anderson said in an interview with Sky Sports. “Whether I get picked up or not is a different matter, but I definitely feel like I’ve got more to offer, in some shape or form.” Anderson, who retired as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 704 wickets, emphasized that his fitness level remains high. He has continued to bowl and feels he is in a good place physically.
“I feel really fit, I’ve been bowling still, ticking over, so I feel like I’m in a good place,” he added. "I’d love to have an opportunity to play somewhere." Anderson's entry into the IPL auction at a base price of Rs 1.25 crore has come as a surprise given his age and long break from the shorter formats. However, he remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging that the prospect of playing in the IPL could offer him a fresh challenge and a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Anderson’s decision to pursue a spot in the IPL is a testament to his passion for cricket and his enduring belief in his capabilities, despite the passage of time. Whether or not he is selected, his bold move serves as a reminder of his ongoing commitment to the game and his readiness to seize any opportunity that comes his way.
