Legendary England pacer James Anderson has made a surprising decision to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the first time in his career. Known primarily as a Test specialist. Anderson retired from Test cricket in July 2024 after playing his final match in the West Indies. With his base price set at Rs 1.25 crore. Anderson is expected to draw considerable interest from IPL franchises eager to add his skill and experience to their bowling attack.
While Anderson has opted in, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has decided to withdraw from the IPL auction. Stokes’ decision, however, carries a risk of a potential ban from the next season’s IPL mini-auction. According to new IPL rules, if an overseas player skips the mega-auction. They will only be allowed to participate in the subsequent mini-auction if their home board provides a valid injury statement. In this case, if Stokes remains unregistered, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would need to confirm he is injured to make him eligible next year.
New IPL Rule to Prevent Last-Minute Withdrawals
In an effort to improve commitment from players, the BCCI introduced a new regulation ahead of the 2025 IPL season. This rule stipulates that any player who registers for the auction but withdraws after being picked by a franchise will face a ban from both the tournament and player auctions for two seasons. This rule is largely seen as a response to recent player withdrawals, especially from English cricketers. In the 2024 season, Harry Brook withdrew before the tournament’s start. While Phil Salt and Jos Buttler left before the playoffs, frustrating their respective franchises.
High Number of English Players Register for IPL 2025
Despite Stokes’ absence, English players have shown significant interest in the IPL. A total of 52 English players, including top-tier names like Jos Buttler and James Anderson, have registered for the upcoming auction. With a packed calendar in 2025, England has high-profile commitments in Test cricket. Including a home series against India and an away series in Australia under the captaincy of Ben Stokes. This demanding schedule could pose challenges for some English players, but for now, they appear keen on participating in the IPL.
2025: A Crucial Year for England’s Cricket
As England approaches a busy 2025, the national team is preparing for a series of high-stakes matches. Ben Stokes and his squad face strong opponents in both India and Australia. Aiming to uphold England’s prominence in Test cricket. Amidst these commitments, the interest in IPL reflects the global appeal and competitive allure of the tournament. As players balance national duties with franchise opportunities.
