England fast bowler Jofra Archer has made headlines with his decision to participate in the upcoming IPL 2025 Mega Auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Initially, Archer had opted out of the auction to focus on his preparations for the Ashes series, raising concerns about his availability in the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to his ongoing battle with injuries.
However, after receiving a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), he has reversed his decision and is now set to enter the auction pool.
Jofra Archer journey in the IPL has been tumultuous, marked by injury setbacks since he was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for ₹8 crore during the 2022 mega auction.
He missed the entire 2022 season due to injury and played only four matches in 2023 before another elbow injury forced him to return home prematurely.
Despite these challenges, Archer remains a highly sought-after player due to his exceptional skills and potential impact on the game.
With Archer’s inclusion, the total number of players registered for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction has risen to 575, comprising 366 Indian players and 209 overseas players.
This includes a significant representation from England, with more than 35 English cricketers listed. The auction will see 204 slots available for teams, with ₹2 crore being the highest reserve price.
Archer’s return to the auction is expected to draw considerable interest from various franchises. Teams like Mumbai Indians, who previously invested in him, may look to bring him back at a potentially reduced price given his injury history.
Additionally, franchises such as Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals could also target Archer, recognizing his ability to bolster their bowling line-up.
The decision for Archer to participate comes after extensive discussions between him, his management team, and the ECB.
Initially, both Archer and fellow pacer Mark Wood were not granted NOCs as part of the ECB’s strategy to prioritize their fitness ahead of a busy international calendar that includes crucial tournaments like the Champions Trophy and a five-match Test series against India.
Also Read: IPL Auction 2025: Date, Time, Venue, Marquee Player Sets
