IPL 2025 Mini-Auction: 1,355 Players Register As Big Names And Indian Stars Enter The Fray

The IPL 2025 mini-auction is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet, with more than a thousand cricketers throwing their hat into the ring for a chance to land a lucrative franchise deal. Scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, the one-day event has attracted unprecedented interest from both Indian and overseas players, reflecting the league’s continued status as the sport’s biggest talent marketplace.

Among the Indian contingent, several familiar names are back in the mix as they hope to revive or elevate their IPL careers. Senior domestic performers such as Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw and Umesh Yadav headline the list of homegrown aspirants, many of whom will be keen to impress after inconsistent recent seasons. With 1,355 total registrations, franchises will have no shortage of options while rebuilding their squads.

Also Read: Top Five Unexpected Releases Ahead Of Mini-Auction

Big Overseas Names Queue Up for the Auction

The auction register is packed with global stars, underlining the IPL’s unmatched pull. Leading international performers from England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa figure prominently, including headline acts such as Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Gerald Coetzee. Even Josh Inglis, whose availability remains uncertain due to personal commitments, has ensured his name is in the fray.

A large group of foreign players has slotted themselves into the top base-price bracket of INR 2 crore, 43 in total, which includes power-hitters, fast bowlers and mystery spinners. Just two Indian players, Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer, have opted for the same starting price, highlighting the premium demand for proven domestic all-rounders and wicket-taking leg-spinners.

The entries span 14 cricket-playing nations, stretching from traditional powerhouses to emerging regions, including a Malaysia-based Indian-origin player hoping for a breakthrough opportunity.

Franchises Gear Up With Big Purses and 77 Vacant Spots

After the retention deadline of November 15, the 10 franchises collectively carry a combined purse of INR 237.55 crore into the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders hold the biggest balance at INR 64.30 crore, giving them maximum flexibility to target marquee overseas players or rebuild core positions.

Chennai Super Kings follow with INR 43.40 crore, while several other teams hold significant budgets to manoeuvre aggressively for specialists in pace, finishing roles and spin depth.

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A total of 77 squad slots, including 31 for overseas signings, remain open across teams. With such a deep pool of candidates and multiple marquee names available, the mini-auction promises to deliver high-stakes bidding battles, surprise signings and major strategic reshuffles as franchises look to strengthen ahead of IPL 2025.