The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is set to be a spectacle of strategy and ambition. A total of 574 players – 366 Indians and 208 overseas – will go under the hammer, competing for 204 available slots, including 70 reserved for overseas cricketers. This year’s auction introduces a strategic twist, with marquee players divided into two sets, a move not seen since 2018. The stakes are high, with 81 players setting their base price at INR 2 crore, signaling fierce bidding battles.

Mitchell Starc’s record under threat: Irfan Pathan’s choice

Mitchell Starc set a new benchmark in IPL history during the 2024 auction, becoming the most expensive player ever at INR 24.75 crore. His record-breaking move surpassed Pat Cummins‘ INR 20.50 crore deal from the same auction. Starc’s ability to perform under pressure and his status as a premier fast bowler justified the massive price tag. However, with Rishabh Pant in the mix for the 2025 auction, Starc’s record could face a serious challenge.  Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has fueled speculation that Starc’s record might not last long. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pathan predicted, “Mitchell Starc’s auction record is in danger. Rishabh Pant is ready to break it,”

The potential record breaker of the IPL 2025 auction

Pant, released by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the 2025 auction, is poised to attract fierce bidding due to his game-changing abilities as a wicketkeeper-batter. His aggressive batting style and proven track record in the IPL make him a prime candidate to set a new auction record and is expected to dominate the auction headlines. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has been a cornerstone of Delhi’s lineup since making his IPL debut in 2016. Over eight seasons, Pant has amassed 3284 runs, boasting a strike rate of 148.93 and an average of 35.31, including one century and 18 half-centuries. His remarkable 2018 season, where he scored 684 runs with a staggering strike rate of 173.60, earned him the Emerging Player of the Year award.

Other key stars to watch

The auction will also feature marquee players such as KL Rahul, Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis etc. These international stalwarts have consistently delivered in the IPL, making them invaluable assets for franchises. With 204 slots to fill, teams will focus on acquiring game-changing players to build well-rounded squads for the upcoming season. The revised structure ensures that bidding wars for top-tier players will set the tone for the auction’s dynamics, with teams carefully calculating their moves to secure high-impact acquisitions.