The IPL 2025 mega auction will be on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks a new chapter in the tournament’s history. Of the 577 players up for auction, two names stand out: 42-year-old James Anderson and 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Their ages are very different.
At the auction, Anderson, the legendary English pacer, is the oldest player. Suryavanshi, a budding Indian prodigy, is the youngest ever in IPL history. Here’s a closer look at these two players and a list of the five oldest and youngest players at the auction.
James Anderson: The Oldest Player in IPL 2025 Auction
England’s James Anderson, aged 42 years and 117 days, is the oldest player in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The right-arm pacer retired from international cricket earlier this year. He has never played in a T20 franchise league. If a franchise bids for him, it would be Anderson’s debut in league cricket. This would be a milestone in his storied career.
Anderson’s Career Highlights:
- International Debut: 2002
- Test Wickets: 704 (the most by a fast bowler in cricket history)
- T20I Career: Last played in 2009
- ODI Career: Retired in 2015
Anderson hasn’t played competitive T20 cricket in over a decade. But, his fitness and experience are unmatched. Anderson can bowl consistent lines and lengths. He also knows the game well. So, he is expected to mentor young bowlers in whichever franchise he joins.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The Youngest Player Ever in IPL Auction
At the other end of the age spectrum is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old from Bihar. He is a cricketing sensation, having already made waves in India. Known for his explosive batting, the left-hander has excelled at the youth level.
Suryavanshi’s Rise to Fame:
- Ranji Trophy Debut: At 13, he became the youngest-ever player to play in a Ranji Trophy match, for Bihar against Mumbai.
- Youth Test Heroics: Scored a 62-ball 104 against Australia A earlier this year.
- Vinoo Mankad Trophy: Made headlines at 12 by amassing nearly 400 runs in the tournament.
Suryavanshi’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His inclusion in the India U-19 squad earlier this year highlights his potential as a future star. Suryavanshi’s fearless approach and maturity will attract franchises. They seek to invest in young talent.
5 Oldest Players at IPL 2025 Mega Auction
- James Anderson (England) – 42 years
- Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – 40 years
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 40 years
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 38 years
- David Warner (Australia) – 38 years
The oldest players list includes some of cricket’s most experienced names. Veterans like Faf du Plessis and David Warner still excel in T20s.
5 Youngest Players at IPL 2025 Mega Auction
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – 13 years
- Ayush Mhatre (India) – 17 years
- Andre Siddharth (India) – 18 years
- Kwena Maphaka (South Africa) – 18 years
- Allah Ghazanfar (Afghasnitan) – 18 Years
The youngest players list is led by Suryavanshi. Other teens, like Ayush Mhatre and Kwena Maphaka, hope to secure IPL contracts in the auction.
The IPL 2025 mega auction will surprise us. Fans are excited by the inclusion of James Anderson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The IPL, with Anderson’s experience and Suryavanshi’s talent, bridges generations. It redefines cricket’s global appeal.
