The much-anticipated IPL 2025 Mega Auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 at the Abady Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This two-day event has drawn global attention, marking the second consecutive IPL auction held outside India. With a player pool of 577, including recent additions like Jofra Archer, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Hardik Tamore, the auction promises fierce bidding as franchises prepare to fill 204 slots. Fans can tune in from 3 PM IST on Star Sports or stream the event live on Jio Cinema.

Why Jeddah is the New Host for IPL Auctions

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the IPL auction aligns with its broader strategy to bolster tourism and global visibility. By 2030, the kingdom aims to make India its largest source of tourists. The auction, which garnered over 20 million viewers last year, provides unparalleled exposure through its reach across Indian households.

Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in sports also underlines its ambitions. Having disrupted global arenas in boxing and football—signing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and hosting fights featuring Tyson Fury—the kingdom is now eyeing cricket, leveraging the IPL’s immense popularity to enhance its presence in the global sports landscape.

Inside the Auction Dynamics

Out of the initial 1,574 registrations, the player pool has been trimmed to 577, including 367 Indians and 210 overseas players. Among these, 70 overseas slots remain open for bidding across ten teams. The uncapped talent pool is dominated by 319 Indian players and 12 international players, highlighting the IPL’s focus on nurturing homegrown talent.

The auction brings back the Right-to-Match (RTM) card, offering franchises a strategic edge. Teams can use RTM options to retain their former players by matching the highest bid placed by other franchises. For instance, Punjab Kings, with the most RTM cards (four), are well-positioned to rebuild their squad, while Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, with no RTM cards, face more constraints.

Historical Trends: The Most Expensive IPL Buys

Over the years, the IPL auction has produced record-breaking bids for marquee players. Some notable examples include:

Yuvraj Singh's back-to-back blockbuster deals, fetching Rs 14 crore in 2014 and Rs 16 crore in 2015.
Sam Curran's historic purchase in 2023 for Rs 18.5 crore by Punjab Kings.
Mitchell Starc breaking all records in 2024, being sold for an astonishing Rs 24.75 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders.
As the 2025 auction approaches, eyes are on whether Rishabh Pant, recovering from injury, could set a new benchmark with his anticipated valuation exceeding Rs 20 crore.

Strategic Spending: Team Budgets and Goals

The Punjab Kings head into the auction with the largest purse, providing them a significant advantage to secure top-tier talent. Conversely, the Rajasthan Royals must navigate the challenge of assembling a competitive squad with just Rs 44 crore left in their budget.

Teams like Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians face tighter constraints but are expected to focus on value-driven purchases to address key gaps in their rosters.

Technical Details for Fans

The auction will be held at the Abady Al Johar Arena, starting at 12:30 PM local time (3 PM IST). Fans can watch the event live on Star Sports or via the Jio Cinema app and website, ensuring widespread accessibility for cricket enthusiasts.

Key Storylines to Follow

This year’s auction is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in IPL history. Late additions like Jofra Archer, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Hardik Tamore add intrigue, while teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, armed with healthy budgets, are poised to make bold moves. With 201 slots still open and 46 players retained, franchises are balancing marquee acquisitions with promising uncapped talent.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision: Beyond the IPL Auction

Saudi Arabia’s interest in hosting the IPL auction extends beyond cricket. The kingdom has already established itself as a global disruptor in sports, drawing attention with its investments in football, boxing, and motorsports. Hosting high-profile events like the IPL auction aligns with its ambition to become a global sports hub while boosting tourism and economic ties with India.

Wonderful Event for Cricket Fans

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises a blend of strategy, excitement, and record-breaking moments as franchises compete to build championship-worthy teams. From the grand stage in Jeddah to the high-stakes bidding wars for marquee players like Rishabh Pant, this year’s auction underscores the IPL’s global appeal and its growing influence beyond Indian borders. For fans and stakeholders alike, the next chapter of IPL history is set to be written with thrilling action and unexpected twists.