Predicting 5 most expensive overseas buys in IPL 2025 auction ft. Glenn Maxwell
The excitement is building as fans eagerly await the IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With 574 players up for grabs - 366 domestic players and 208 international stars - including three from Associate nations - the auction promises to be an event like no other.
Of the 330 uncapped players, 318 are from India, with 12 hailing from abroad. Out of the 204 spots available, 70 will be filled by overseas players, with many teams looking for top international talent.
The IPL auction is a major opportunity for franchises to secure some of the best cricketing talents from around the world. Overseas players often command high prices due to their standout skills, star power, and ability to make an immediate impact on the field.
However, as always, the auction is unpredictable, and various factors, including current form, team requirements, and tactical needs, will influence the final bids.
As we count down to the auction, here are the top overseas players who could end up being the most expensive acquisitions for IPL 2025.
#5 Liam Livingstone
English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is expected to attract strong interest in the 2025 auction, with a base price of ₹2 crore. However, many believe he will fetch a much higher bid given his explosive batting and power-hitting abilities.
Livingstone is known for his ability to clear boundaries with ease and can change the complexion of a game in an instant with his aggressive approach. At 31, Livingstone has played 53 T20Is for England, scoring 877 runs at a strike rate of 151.99, including a century and two half-centuries.
While his IPL journey began quietly with Rajasthan Royals (RR), his move to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2022 saw him thrive, amassing 437 runs in 14 innings at a blistering strike rate of 182.08. In 2023, he added 279 runs in nine innings.
Along with his powerful batting, Livingstone’s ability to bowl both off-spin and leg-spin adds value as an all-rounder. His versatility, combined with experience at the international level, makes him one of the most sought-after players for IPL 2025.
#4 Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL in 2024 after a nine-year break was highly anticipated. The left-arm pacer made history when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for ₹24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
Despite a slow start, Starc finished with 17 wickets in 14 games, helping KKR claim their third IPL title. However, the franchise has released him, and Starc will enter the 2025 auction with a base price of ₹2 crore.
Starc is known for his pace, bounce, and swing, regularly bowling at speeds above 145 km/h. He excels in both the powerplay and death-overs, making him a valuable asset for any team.
With 51 wickets in 41 IPL matches and 79 wickets in 65 T20Is for Australia, Starc's reputation as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket ensures he will be a highly sought-after player. Expect fierce competition for his services at the 2025 auction.
#3 Glenn Maxwell
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is another big name expected to fetch a high price at the IPL 2025 auction. Despite a quiet 2024 season where he scored just 52 runs in 10 games, Maxwell has been one of the standout performers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in recent years.
Maxwell’s IPL career took off in 2021 when he joined RCB, scoring 513 runs in 15 matches. Over the following two seasons, he added 701 runs in 27 games, including six fifties.
In addition to his batting, Maxwell has also contributed with the ball, taking 37 wickets in the IPL. His all-round abilities make him a highly valuable T20 cricketer as teams are always on the lookout for players who can contribute in both departments.
With a wealth of experience, including 114 T20I appearances for Australia and a reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments (like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup), Maxwell is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 auction.
#2 Kagiso Rabada
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is one of the top names to watch in the 2025 IPL auction. Known for his pace, accuracy, and consistency, Rabada has built a stellar reputation in both international cricket and domestic leagues.
Since his IPL debut in 2017, Rabada remained a key player for both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings. For DC, he took 71 wickets in 50 matches, with his best season in 2020, when he claimed 30 wickets and played a pivotal role in the team’s first-ever IPL final appearance. At Punjab Kings, Rabada has taken 41 wickets in 30 matches.
Rabada’s ability to bowl effectively with the new ball and his strength in the death overs make him a valuable asset for any franchise. With 71 wickets in 65 T20Is for South Africa, his experience and skill set ensure he will be in high demand at the auction.
#1 Harry Brook
At the top of the list is England’s explosive young batter, Harry Brook. Brook was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹13.25 crore in 2023 but had a disappointing season, managing just 190 runs in 11 innings, despite scoring an unbeaten century.
In 2024, Delhi Capitals picked him for ₹4 crore but he withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons. Now 25, he’s set to return to the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore.
Brook is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate fast-paced cricket. He has played 39 T20Is for England, scoring 707 runs, including three half-centuries. His ability to accelerate innings and provide momentum in both the middle and top order makes him an ideal fit for the IPL.
Given his attacking approach and potential for growth, Brook is expected to attract considerable interest, especially from franchises looking to build for the future. With his pedigree as a key player for England’s white-ball team, Brook is poised to be one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 IPL auction.