James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was left unsold during the second day of the IPL 2025 auction, despite entering with a base price of £115,000. The 42-year-old, who retired from Test cricket earlier in the year, had expressed his desire to compete in the IPL, even though he had not played a T20 international for over 15 years. Anderson, who has never featured in the IPL, remained optimistic about his chances, famously stating, "Something in me thinks I can still play," as he entered the auction.
Anderson’s entry into the IPL auction surprised many, considering his age and the long gap since his last T20 appearance. While his record in Tests and ODIs is legendary, with over 600 wickets in the longest format of the game, his lack of recent match practice in T20 cricket ultimately seemed to count against him. Despite his experience, no franchise opted to sign the veteran pacer during the auction’s final day on Monday. The auction ended without a deal for Anderson, although there is still the possibility that he could be called up as an injury replacement or to fill in for any player unavailable due to international commitments. However, given his lack of match fitness, this prospect seems unlikely.
While Anderson faced disappointment, the auction witnessed some exciting developments, including the remarkable signing of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi by Rajasthan Royals for £105,000. The young batter made headlines last month with a sensational 58-ball century for India Under-19s against Australia, and his performances earned him international attention. His signing marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, as he becomes one of the youngest players ever to be picked up in the IPL.
Despite Anderson’s snub, several other England players found new homes in the IPL. Sam Curran, who was the most expensive player in IPL history last year, was re-signed by Chennai Super Kings for another season. The franchise also secured the services of all-rounder Jamie Overton, further bolstering their squad for the 2025 season.
The IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah, was an exciting and record-breaking event, with several high-profile signings and young talents making their mark. As the auction concluded, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season of the IPL, which promises to deliver plenty of thrilling action and new rivalries.
