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Italian fast bowler Thomas Draca has made history by becoming the first player from Italy to register for the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2025, marking a significant milestone both for him and for Italian cricket on the global stage. The 24-year-old seamer, known for his pace and skill, is among the 1,574 players who have put their names forward for the IPL 2025 mega auction, which is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Draca has been listed in the all-rounders’ category, with a base price of INR 30 lakh. His inclusion in the auction pool is a testament to his growing reputation and the increasing visibility of Italian cricketers in international circuits.
Draca’s entry into the IPL auction marks a historic moment for Italian cricket, as it reflects the sport's gradual expansion beyond traditional powerhouses. While Italy has not traditionally been a major player in world cricket, Draca’s involvement in such a high-profile event highlights the growing interest and potential for players from non-Test nations to showcase their talent in the IPL.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, Draca will be hoping to catch the eye of IPL franchises looking to strengthen their squads for the 2025 season. His inclusion in the auction pool is a proud moment for Italy, marking their growing presence in the global cricketing arena. During his recent stint with the Brampton Wolves in the Global T20 Canada 2024, Thomas Draca made a strong impression, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. The 24-year-old fast bowler claimed 11 wickets in six innings at an outstanding average of 10.63, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.88.
One of Draca’s standout performances came against Surrey, where he recorded exceptional bowling figures of 3/18 in four overs, playing a crucial role in defending a challenging total of 198. His ability to step up in key moments highlighted his match-winning potential. Draca also delivered solid spells in other matches, including 3/10 against Mississauga and 3/30 against Surrey, showcasing his consistency and skill under pressure.
These performances were instrumental in helping Brampton secure second place in the points table. Despite their strong showing, the Wolves were eventually eliminated in Qualifier 2, but Draca’s performances remained one of the key highlights of the campaign. His impressive display in the Global T20 Canada has not only enhanced his reputation as a promising fast bowler but also further strengthened his bid for a spot in the IPL 2025 auction.
Since making his international debut against Luxembourg in June 2024, Thomas Draca has quickly established himself as a rising star in world cricket. In that match, he impressed with figures of 2/15, and has since gone on to claim eight wickets in four T20Is at an average of 8.50 and an exceptional economy rate of 4.25. His standout performance came against the Isle of Man, where he took a remarkable 3/9, further showcasing his potential as a promising fast bowler.
Draca’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed, and he has already secured a contract with MI Emirates for the upcoming ILT20 season in the UAE, where he will have the chance to compete against some of the world’s best cricketers. His inclusion in the ILT20 adds to his growing profile as a highly sought-after player. As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, franchises will be looking to fill 204 available slots, with squad sizes capped at 25 players each. Given Draca’s strong performances in both domestic and international cricket, he is expected to attract significant attention from IPL teams seeking to strengthen their bowling lineups for the upcoming season.
List of 409 overseas players who have registered for IPL 2025 mega auction
Country | Players registered |
Afghanistan | 29 |
Australia | 76 |
Bangladesh | 13 |
Canada | 4 |
England | 52 |
Ireland | 9 |
Italy | 1 |
Netherlands | 12 |
New Zealand | 39 |
Scotland | 2 |
South Africa | 91 |
Sri Lanka | 29 |
UAE | 1 |
USA | 10 |
West Indies | 33 |
Zimbabwe | 8 |