IPL Auction 2025: From Date, Time, Venue & More; Here's A List Of The Most Expensive Cricketers In History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction is poised to be one of the most exciting events in cricket, with 574 cricketers vying for spots in the ten IPL franchises. Scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this auction marks the second time the IPL bidding extravaganza is being held overseas, following the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai.

Here's a comprehensive guide to the event, including auction specifics, viewing details, and a look back at the most expensive players from past auctions and their performances.

What's New in IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted the list of 1,574 registered players to 574-comprising 366 Indian and 208 overseas players. Among these, the top base price bracket of Rs 2 crore includes 81 players, featuring all current India internationals. The subsequent categories include:
Rs 1.5 crore: 27 players
Rs 1.25 crore: 18 players
Rs 1 crore: 23 players
This auction will set the stage for teams to rebuild their squads for the next three years.

Key Details for IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Dates: November 24 and 25, 2025
Venue: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Timing: Starts at 12:30 pm local time (3:00 pm IST)
Broadcast: Star Sports Channel
Online Streaming: JioCinema app

Revisiting the Most Expensive Players in IPL Auctions
Over the years, the IPL auctions have set records, with franchises breaking the bank to secure top talents. Here's a look at the most expensive buys in the last ten IPL auctions and their performances:

IPL 2024: Mitchell Starc (Rs 24.75 crore)
The Australian pacer, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), became the most expensive player in IPL history. Starc played 14 matches, took 17 wickets (best: 4/33), and was instrumental in KKR's title win.

IPL 2023: Sam Curran (Rs 18.50 crore)
The English all-rounder joined Punjab Kings, contributing 276 runs (strike rate: 135.96) and 10 wickets. Despite his versatility, Curran struggled with consistency, with his bowling average touching 48.90.

IPL 2022: Ishan Kishan (Rs 15.25 crore)
Retained by Mumbai Indians, the wicketkeeper-batsman scored 418 runs across 14 matches, including three half-centuries. His hands behind the stumps saw him take 13 catches.

IPL 2021: Chris Morris (Rs 16.25 crore)
The South African all-rounder fetched a record price from Rajasthan Royals. In 11 games, Morris picked 15 wickets and scored 67 runs, delivering in key moments despite limited batting contributions.

IPL 2020: Pat Cummins (Rs 15.50 crore)
KKR's acquisition of Cummins paid off with 12 wickets in 14 games, including a memorable 4/34 and a stunning 53 not out against Mumbai Indians, one of IPL's fastest half-centuries.

IPL 2019: Varun Chakaravarthy & Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 8.5 crore each)
While Chakaravarthy managed just one game for Kings XI Punjab, Unadkat claimed 10 wickets for Rajasthan Royals. Both players faced criticism for not justifying their hefty price tags.

IPL 2018 & 2017: Ben Stokes (Rs 12.50 crore, Rs 14.50 crore)
Stokes was the most expensive player in consecutive auctions. In 2017, he scored 316 runs and took 12 wickets, including a match-winning hundred. However, his 2018 season was less impactful, with 196 runs and 8 wickets.

IPL 2016: Shane Watson (Rs 9.5 crore)
Royal Challengers Bangalore's marquee buy, Watson delivered with 179 runs and an impressive 20 wickets.

IPL 2015: Yuvraj Singh (Rs 16 crore)
The legendary Indian all-rounder joined Delhi Daredevils but struggled to make an impact. Yuvraj scored 248 runs in 14 games and managed just one wicket.

What to Expect from the 2025 Auction?
The IPL 2025 auction promises intense bidding wars as teams aim to secure top talents. With Jeddah hosting the event, the glamour quotient is bound to rise. The revised base price categories and the focus on long-term team-building will make this auction particularly strategic.

The IPL's history shows that expensive buys do not always guarantee success, but they reflect the franchises' belief in a player's potential. As the 10 teams finalize their strategies, fans can look forward to seeing which cricketers grab the limelight.

*Some inputs from CNBC-TV18*