In a move that has taken the cricketing world by surprise, legendary England fast bowler James Anderson has registered for the IPL 2025 auction. At 42, Anderson is the oldest player in the auction, marking an unexpected turn in his illustrious career2. The news has sparked a flurry of excitement and speculation among fans and experts alike.
SOURCE : ZEE
Anderson, who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, has never played in the IPL before. His decision to enter the auction at a base price of INR 1.25 crore has raised eyebrows, especially given his limited T20 experience2. Anderson last played a T20 match in 2014 and hasn’t featured in the format for England since 2009.
Source:- bbc news
In an interview with BBC Radio, Anderson revealed his reasons for registering for the auction. “There is still definitely something in me that thinks I can still play,” he said1. “I have never done the IPL; I have never experienced it, and I think for a number of reasons I feel like I have more to give as a player.” Anderson added that he believes participating in the IPL could help him grow his knowledge of the game and contribute to his future coaching endeavors.
Despite his extensive experience in Test cricket, where he is the most successful fast bowler in history with 704 wickets in 188 matches, Anderson’s T20 record is relatively modest. He has played 44 T20 matches, picking up 41 wickets at an average of 32.14 and an economy rate of 8.472. However, his strategic understanding and ability to mentor young bowlers could make him an attractive option for franchises looking for seasoned leadership in the dressing room.
The IPL 2025 auction, scheduled to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, has drawn attention with 1,574 players registering for just 204 available slots. Among the notable names, Anderson stands out as a surprise entrant2. His inclusion has sparked debates about whether franchises will show interest in him, given his age and lack of recent T20 experience.
Anderson’s decision to participate in the auction has been met with mixed reactions. Some franchise CEOs have expressed skepticism, arguing that his age and limited T20 experience make him unsuitable for the league2. Others believe that his expertise and leadership qualities could be valuable assets for teams looking to bolster their bowling attack.
As the cricket world eagerly awaits the outcome of the auction, Anderson’s registration symbolizes his enduring passion for the game and the IPL’s ability to attract players of all profiles. Whether he secures a contract or not, his decision to enter the auction highlights his willingness to embrace new challenges and contribute to the sport in different ways.
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