Published By: Sanchari Das

IPL Auction 2025: Five International Players Who May Not Attract Bids

// Picture Courtesy -- OneCricket

With age and recent form as factors, these experienced cricketers may be overlooked in favour of younger talents

The IPL 2025 mega auction is around the corner, and excitement is building. Franchises have already submitted their lists of retained and released players, sparking anticipation. While Indian icons like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni are staying with their teams, some big names were released. Fans are surprised to see stars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer back in the auction pool. However, some overseas players, despite their fame, may struggle to find a team. Here’s a look at five international players who might be left without a buyer in the IPL 2025.

David Warner

David Warner’s release by Delhi Capitals was unexpected, considering his illustrious IPL career. Warner is among the league’s top scorers, boasting 6,565 runs and holding three Orange Caps. Yet, his recent form raises doubts. In 2024, Warner managed only 168 runs from eight games, averaging a modest 21. With age catching up and recent dips in form, Warner’s appeal may be fading. At 37, teams might prioritise younger players over the veteran. Though Warner listed himself at ₹2 crore, his value in the eyes of franchises may not be as high as it once was.

Kane Williamson

The elegant New Zealand batter, Kane Williamson, faces uncertainty in the auction. Known for his calm demeanour and sharp cricketing mind, Williamson was released by Gujarat Titans after an injury-riddled season. He has registered himself at a ₹2 crore base price, but his recurring injuries make him a risky pick. Williamson’s recent form has also been inconsistent, as he played just two IPL games last year. Teams looking for aggressive, fit players may hesitate to bid on Williamson despite his impressive 2,128 IPL runs. His classic technique may not align well with the IPL’s fast-paced environment.

Shai Hope

Shai Hope, the West Indies ODI captain, has been improving his T20 game, especially in power-hitting. Although Hope impressed with his timing, his performance for Delhi Capitals last season was lukewarm. He scored 183 runs across nine matches and averaged 22.88 with a strike rate of 150. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, his T20 reputation isn’t as strong as some. Overseas wicketkeepers often struggle to secure spots unless they’re exceptional, and Hope’s inconsistent recent form doesn’t help. He’ll need a breakthrough performance in the West Indies’ upcoming series against England to boost his IPL prospects.

James Anderson

James Anderson, England’s legendary pacer, recently retired from international cricket and entered the IPL auction for the first time since 2012. Anderson, known for his prowess in Tests, has limited experience in T20, especially in the IPL. His last T20 outing was a decade ago, and his previous T20 international match dates back to 2009. With a base price of ₹2 crore, Anderson’s age (42) and lack of T20 credentials make him a risky investment. While he has taken 41 wickets in 44 T20 matches, teams might hesitate to bid for a player more suited to the red-ball game.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith, a renowned name in international cricket, hasn’t found an IPL team since 2021. The former Australian captain went unsold in 2024 and has not played a T20I since February 2024. He struggled in his last IPL stint, scoring just 152 runs with a strike rate of 112.59. Smith has an impressive IPL history, averaging 34.51 across 103 matches, but his recent struggles and unsuitability to the league’s pace may work against him. Though listed at ₹2 crore, Smith might not see much interest as franchises lean toward younger, more explosive T20 specialists.