Stokes and Root Opt Out of 2025 IPL Mega Auction
Renowned England Test Captain Ben Stokes and star batter Joe Root have opted out of the highly anticipated 2025 IPL mega auction, confirming their absence from the Indian Premier League for the second consecutive season. This decision, officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through the player registration list, effectively bars Stokes from participating in the IPL until 2027.
The BCCI’s recent regulation stipulates that any overseas player who fails to register for the mega auction will be ineligible for the subsequent year’s player auction, directly affecting Stokes’ and Root’s IPL eligibility. This new policy represents a significant shift in the BCCI’s approach to auction policies, as historically, overseas players like Stokes had the flexibility to skip mega auctions and then re-enter through mini auctions, often securing lucrative contracts.
“Any Overseas Player will have to register for the Big Auction. In case the overseas player doesn’t register, then he will be ineligible to register in the following year’s player auction.”
Stokes, for instance, was one of the biggest beneficiaries of this practice. After opting out of the 2022 mega auction, he rejoined the IPL in 2023, fetching a hefty Rs. 16.25 crore bid from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the mini auction. Since his debut season in 2017, when he was signed by Rising Pune SuperGiant for Rs. 14.25 crore, Stokes has remained a high-value asset in the IPL marketplace.
The BCCI’s tightened regulations appear to be a strategic move to prevent top players from strategically skipping mega auctions only to re-enter later at potentially higher bids. Additionally, the BCCI has mandated that any player who withdraws post-auction will face a two-year IPL ban, underscoring the league’s aim to ensure commitment from players once contracts are signed.
While the absence of Stokes and Root will undoubtedly be felt, they are expected to be eligible for the 2027 IPL season, although their return will need to occur through a mini auction format as per the current regulations. As the IPL prepares for its 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on November 24-25, these new rules are poised to significantly influence the dynamics of the auction process, both for franchises and players.
🔗 Source