IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Big Names, Major Changes as Franchises Finalize Retentions
New Delhi: The stage is set for an explosive IPL 2025 mega auction, with star players Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer headlining the list of high-profile names not retained by their franchises. October 31 marked the deadline for all ten franchises to submit their lists of retained players, leading to significant speculation about the future of numerous cricketers.
The Delhi Capitals have opted to retain key players such as Axar Patel (Rs 16.50 crore), Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 13.25 crore), and Tristan Stubbs (Rs 10 crore), marking a likely end to their nine-year association with Pant. Pant has been a pivotal figure for the franchise since 2016, evolving from a promising wicketkeeper-batter to a central batting mainstay and eventual captain. His departure is particularly poignant given his local connection, having developed his skills in Delhi.
Despite months of discussions between Pant and the franchise owners, including a last-ditch meeting, the attempts to retain him were unsuccessful. As he heads into the auction, Pant is anticipated to command a substantial price, with speculations suggesting he could fetch as much as Rs 30 crore, given his previous leadership experience.
Other notable releases from Delhi Capitals include David Warner, Anrich Nortje, Prithvi Shaw, and breakout star Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Similarly, KL Rahul will also enter the mega auction after being let go by Lucknow Super Giants, concluding his three-year tenure with the team. LSG has retained Nicholas Pooran (Rs 21 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (Rs 11 crore), and Mayank Yadav (Rs 11 crore), while parting ways with other significant names like Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis.
Shreyas Iyer’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders marks a unique situation, as he is the first title-winning captain from the most recent IPL season not to be retained. After three seasons with KKR, Iyer joins the auction pool alongside players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who were retained.
The shake-up continues across franchises, with five-time champions Chennai Super Kings releasing Devon Conway, Deepak Chahar, and others. The Gujarat Titans have let go of Mohammed Shami and David Miller, while the Rajasthan Royals part ways with prominent players such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Jos Buttler.
In a bid for a fresh start, Punjab Kings have opted for an overhaul, releasing key players including Harshal Patel and Sam Curran. The Mumbai Indians have also made significant cuts, not retaining Ishan Kishan and Tim David. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have released Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and others as part of their strategy heading into the auction.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the movement of these high-profile players will undoubtedly create a buzz, promising an exciting season ahead.
