Archer Out, Anderson In: Key Auction Developments
Jofra Archer, a top England fast bowler and former IPL MVP, is not on the 2025 IPL auction shortlist. The initial longlist had 1,574 entries, including the 29-year-old. But, after talks with IPL franchises, his name was missing from the final list of 574 players. Meanwhile, James Anderson, 42, a retired England Test legend, is in the auction. It’s his first since retiring from international cricket.
The IPL auction is on November 24-25. The 10 IPL teams did not retain any centrally-contracted England players this season.
Why Archer’s Absence is Significant
Archer’s omission is a striking development. He has a storied history in the IPL, where he was named MVP in 2020. The fast bowler has struggled with injuries in recent years, including elbow and back issues. He has yet to fully reclaim his place in England’s Test squad.
It is unclear if Archer opted out of the auction or was excluded from it. If Archer wants to play Test cricket in 2025, he will likely play for Sussex in the County Championship. This will overlap with the IPL season.
IPL rules now say that overseas players not in the auction cannot play in the league until 2027. This rules out Archer and fellow England stars. They are Mark Wood, Joe Root, and Test captain Ben Stokes. None can compete in the next two IPL seasons.
James Anderson’s Surprising Inclusion
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, James Anderson, is in the auction. His reserve price is about £117,000. The veteran seam bowler retired from international cricket earlier this year, playing his last Test match against West Indies at Lord’s. Anderson last played a T20 in 2014. He is on the final auction list. It is unclear if any team will bid for a player known for his red-ball cricket dominance.
English Stars in the Spotlight
Archer and Stokes will miss the 2025 IPL. But, several high-profile English players are still in contention. Of the 37 England-qualified players on the shortlist, white-ball captain Jos Buttler is one of 81 with a £187,000 reserve price. Other notable English players are Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Jonny Bairstow.
Despite this, no IPL franchises retained England players before this year’s auction. The lack of top English players on team retention lists shows the tournament’s rising competition and changing dynamics.
Complete List of England-Qualified Players in IPL Auction
Here’s the full list of England-qualified players available in the IPL 2025 auction:
- High Reserve Price (£187,000): Jos Buttler
- Other Notable Names: Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan.
- First-Time Entrants: James Anderson (Reserve Price: £117,000)
- Additional Players: Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Brydon Carse, Reece Topley, Luke Wood, Ollie Pope, and others.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
The exact dates of the 2025 IPL season are not confirmed. It should follow the March-to-May schedule of previous years. With key England players opting out or excluded, the new season will bring challenges and opportunities for those wanting to make an impact in the world’s richest T20 league.
