IPL 2025 Mega Auction: The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Mega Auction concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 25th November, marking two days of intense bidding and team building. A total of 577 players participated in the auction, out of which 182 players were sold, including 62 overseas cricketers, while 395 players went unsold. The 10 franchises collectively spent a whopping ₹639.15 crores, utilizing eight Right-to-Match (RTM) cards in the process.
Rishabh Pant: The Most Expensive Buy
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant emerged as the costliest player in IPL history, fetching ₹27 crores from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following him, Shreyas Iyer was picked by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crores, while Venkatesh Iyer went to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹23.75 crores. Punjab Kings also acquired Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crores each.
Bidding Highlights
On the first day, batters and all-rounders dominated the auction, while the second day saw Indian pacers steal the spotlight. This year’s auction also set a new record, with the ₹25 crore mark being crossed for the first time. Pant and Shreyas Iyer shattered last year’s record, where only two players – Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc – had breached the ₹20 crore mark.
Young Talent Makes Headlines
One of the biggest surprises was 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player ever to be bought at an IPL auction. With a base price of ₹30 lakhs, he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crores. Vaibhav’s selection marks a new era of scouting and nurturing young talent.
Unsold Stars
Despite the excitement, many prominent players remained unsold. Notable names like David Warner, Shardul Thakur, James Anderson, Prithvi Shaw, and Kane Williamson did not attract any bids. Initially, even players like Devdutt Padikkal and Ajinkya Rahane went unsold but were later picked up by RCB and KKR, respectively. Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, was bought by Mumbai Indians for his base price of ₹30 lakhs.
Tax Deductions on IPL Salaries
While IPL contracts often boast massive figures, players don’t receive the entire amount due to tax deductions. Here’s how it works:
- Indian Players: A 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applied. For example, if a player is bought for ₹10 crores, they only receive ₹9 crores after taxes.
- Overseas Players: A 20% TDS is applicable. For instance, a foreign player bought for ₹10 crores will take home ₹8 crores after taxes.
The deducted TDS is directly deposited with the Indian government by the IPL franchises.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 auction set new benchmarks in player valuations while providing a platform for young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. With strategic team building and bold decisions, franchises have strengthened their squads. As the season approaches, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the on-field action that promises to live up to the excitement of the auction.
