James Anderson, the legendary England pacer, has registered for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, marking his first-ever entry into the high-profile T20 tournament. At 42 years old, Anderson, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, has never before participated in any global T20 franchise leagues, making his inclusion in the IPL auction a significant milestone. He has set his base price at Rs 1.25 Crore, and his registration has intrigued many, as it would be a unique addition to the IPL if any franchise bids for him. Anderson’s illustrious career, primarily in Tests, has earned him the reputation of one of the best fast bowlers in cricket history, though he has not played a T20I since 2009 and his last white-ball appearance came in 2015.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, will feature 1574 players, including 1165 Indians and 409 overseas players. Among the overseas players, 52 are from England, and the list includes several top T20 stars like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, and Moeen Ali, all of whom have registered for the auction. Anderson, as a player with immense experience in the game, could bring valuable leadership and mentorship qualities to any franchise that signs him.
However, Anderson’s entry into the auction contrasts with the decision of England’s Test captain Ben Stokes, who has opted to skip the 2025 IPL auction. Stokes, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping Rs 16.25 Crore ahead of the 2023 season, was unable to play last season due to injuries. His absence this year leaves a significant gap for IPL franchises that would have wanted to add him to their ranks.
Stokes’ withdrawal from the auction could also have longer-term implications. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently introduced stricter rules regarding player participation for the 2025-27 IPL cycle. Under the new regulations, an overseas player who withdraws after being bought in the auction will be banned from the IPL for two years. This rule aims to deter players from targeting mini-auctions, where the bids for marquee players tend to be higher than in the mega auctions. However, the BCCI has also mentioned that exceptions can be made in case of injuries or medical conditions confirmed by the player’s home board.
Along with Anderson’s entry, Jofra Archer, another England pacer who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, has also registered for the auction, setting his base price at Rs 2 Crore. Archer’s inclusion has generated significant interest, given his previous performances in the IPL, though he too has had limited appearances in recent years.
The absence of retained England players in this year’s auction is noteworthy. Despite their strong performances in the past, none of the England players, including top names like Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali, were retained by their franchises. Buttler was released by Rajasthan Royals, and Moeen Ali was released by Chennai Super Kings, signaling that the IPL teams may be looking for fresh talent or new strategies for the upcoming season.
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, many teams will be looking to fill the remaining 70 overseas slots available, and England stars like Anderson, Archer, and others will be closely watched by franchise owners and fans alike. The outcome of the auction could see several top international players finding new homes in the world’s biggest cricketing league, adding further excitement to the upcoming season.
