Jofra Archer amongst the late additions into the IPL 2025 mega auction list

England's speedster Jofra Archer has officially been added to the list of players eligible for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Initially absent from the first list released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Archer has now been included and will be registered as player number 576. The express pacer is expected to be part of the accelerated auction phase, given his immense potential and track record. While the IPL council has not disclosed Archer’s base price, his caliber and international experience suggest he will likely enter the INR 2 crore bracket, a tier reserved for marquee players.

In addition to Archer, two Mumbai-born players, Saurabh Netravalkar and Hardik Tamore, have also been added to the auction roster as players 576 and 577, respectively. Among them, Netravalkar has been particularly noteworthy, thanks to his outstanding performances on the global stage. The USA international first caught the cricketing world’s eye during the T20 World Cup 2024, where his exceptional bowling stood out. He followed that up with a stellar run in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive haul of 15 dismissals. With Archer’s return to the IPL auction pool and the inclusion of rising talents like Netravalkar and Tamore, the mega auction promises to be an exciting event as franchises look to secure game-changing players for the upcoming season.

Hardik Tamore, a 27-year-old cricketer from Mumbai, has made it to the IPL 2025 mega auction list. Known for his contributions in domestic cricket, Tamore has participated in 10 T20 matches, scoring 65 runs with a strike rate of 101.56. Although his numbers are modest, his inclusion reflects the league's focus on identifying emerging talent from the domestic circuit. In other updates, Rajasthan's all-rounder Deepak Hooda has been added to the suspect bowling action list. The 29-year-old, who has claimed nine international wickets and 89 dismissals in domestic competitions, will undergo further scrutiny to address concerns about his action. Cricbuzz has also reported that bowlers Saurabh Dubey (VCA, 344) and KC Cariappa (CAM, 381) have joined Hooda on the suspect bowling list, underscoring the cricketing authorities’ commitment to upholding regulations.

Additionally, experienced batter Manish Pandey (KSCA, 157) and wicketkeeper-batter Shrijith Krishnan (KSCA, 281) have been officially banned from bowling due to reported issues with their actions. These developments highlight the continued vigilance in ensuring fair play, even as excitement builds around the upcoming IPL mega auction, which promises to showcase a mix of seasoned stars and fresh talent.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for the next three editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), aiming to provide clarity for international cricket boards regarding player availability. The upcoming IPL season is set to commence on March 14, 2025, with the grand finale scheduled for May 25. Looking ahead, the 2026 edition of the marquee tournament will run from March 15 to May 31, maintaining the league's traditional window in the cricketing calendar. The milestone 20th edition of the IPL, to be held in 2027, will follow a similar timeline, beginning on March 14 and concluding on May 30.

By releasing these dates well in advance, the BCCI aims to streamline scheduling and coordination with international boards to ensure the smooth availability of players for the league. This proactive approach is expected to benefit both players and franchises, offering ample time for planning and minimizing potential clashes with international commitments. The move also underscores the growing significance of the IPL on the global cricketing stage, as it continues to attract top talent and captivate audiences worldwide.