As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, two players have captured attention for their contrasting milestones—James Anderson, the oldest participant, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest contender in the auction.
James Anderson: The oldest player in IPL auction history
At 42 years and 108 days (as of November 15, 2024), England’s legendary pacer James Anderson is the oldest player at the IPL 2025 auction. The veteran, known for his unparalleled Test career, retired from international cricket earlier this year and is ready to embrace the T20 format after a decade-long hiatus.
Anderson last played a T20 match in August 2014 and has 41 wickets in 44 games in the shortest format. Despite his limited recent T20 experience, Anderson’s reputation and skill set could attract interest from teams looking for a seasoned campaigner. He has set his base price at ₹1.25 crore, a newly introduced slot by the BCCI.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The youngest player in IPL auction history
At just 13 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the youngest player in IPL auction history. Born on March 27, 2011, the batting all-rounder from Bihar has already made headlines by playing five first-class matches. However, his lack of T20 experience makes him an unlikely candidate to secure a bid in the auction.
Despite being an underdog, Vaibhav’s inclusion in the auction pool highlights the IPL’s role as a platform for aspiring cricketers. His journey at such a young age will undoubtedly inspire countless young talents.
IPL 2025 auction: A historic event in Jeddah
The IPL mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2024, in Jeddah, with a finalized shortlist of 574 players from an initial pool of 1574 registrations. The auction will showcase a mix of seasoned veterans like Anderson and promising youngsters like Vaibhav, reflecting the league’s inclusivity and competitive spirit.
As the auction unfolds, fans and franchises alike will be keen to see how these unique stories shape the upcoming IPL season. Will Anderson’s experience prove valuable, or will Suryavanshi’s potential attract a surprise bid? The stage is set for excitement and surprises.