England pacer Jofra Archer has decided to participate in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah.
This marks a significant shift in Archer’s plans, as the 29-year-old initially opted out of the event to focus on his preparations for next year’s Ashes.
Archer’s original decision to skip the auction stemmed from a desire to prioritize his fitness following years of injury struggles, including recurring elbow issues. However, according to reports from George Dobell of The Cricketer, Archer faced further complications when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) withheld No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for him and fellow pacer Mark Wood to participate in the auction.
The ECB aimed to ensure both bowlers focused solely on the upcoming Ashes series.
Cricket broadcaster Matt Kabir Floyd shed light on the situation during the It’s Not Just Cricket podcast, explaining, “Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were on the initial longlist for the auction but then weren’t on the shortlist. It turns out, by the sounds of it, that the ECB have denied them NOCs. I am hearing there are some negotiations going on right now between the BCCI, the ECB, and the agents.”
Unlike Archer, Mark Wood has reportedly chosen not to pursue a spot in the IPL 2025 auction and remains absent from the final shortlist.
After negotiations, Archer’s NOC was granted, enabling him to register for the auction. His inclusion brings the total number of registered players to 575, including 38 from England. Archer’s availability could reshape team strategies, as he remains one of the most lethal fast bowlers despite his injury history.
Archer previously fetched a significant Rs 8 crore bid from Mumbai Indians during the 2022 mega auction but missed the entire season due to injury. In IPL 2023, he managed just four appearances before an elbow injury cut his participation short.
Archer’s return to the auction pool has sparked excitement among franchises, with many expected to revise their plans to secure the speedster’s services. Despite his injury concerns, his ability to dominate in high-pressure scenarios makes him a sought-after asset.
With the IPL 2025 Mega Auction just days away, all eyes will be on Jofra Archer to see how his return impacts the bidding wars and team compositions.
