The final list of 574 players set to be auctioned for 204 slots in the 2025 IPL mega-auction has been announced, but Jofra Archer’s omission has raised eyebrows.
Archer, whose name featured among the 1,574 players in the first list, had initially registered for the auction. That first roster was reduced after discussions between the IPL governing body and the ten franchises, resulting in the final lineup of players scheduled to go under the hammer on November 24 and 25.
Interestingly, while James Anderson, who last played a T20I exactly 15 years ago, made the final cut, Archer did not.
Archer has dealt with recurring injuries in recent years but has shown signs of resurgence, most recently featuring in the West Indies-England T20I series.
Mumbai Indians last secured his services in the 2022 auction despite his recovery from elbow surgery, fully aware he would not play that season. However, Archer also missed the vast majority of the 2023 campaign and was subsequently released by the franchise. He did not play in the 2024 IPL.
Why is Jofra Archer missing from the final list?
If there has not been an administrative error, two scenarios are possible: either the franchises showed no interest in Archer, or he withdrew after initially registering.
Lack of franchise interest
Players interested in participating in the IPL register their names, creating a comprehensive list. Franchises then submit their preferences, and only players backed by at least one team make it to the final list. It is just about plausible that Archer, having faced multiple injury setbacks, did not generate interest among franchises wary of investing in a high-risk player.
But given the fact that there are over 200 overseas players on the list, including Anderson and 36 other Englishmen, this appears unlikely.
Possible withdrawal
Archer could have voluntarily withdrawn from the auction, potentially influenced by the ECB to manage his workload with the 2025-26 Ashes in mind. However, if Archer has indeed withdrawn, it would invoke penalties under IPL regulations. A player withdrawing from the mega-auction without injury-related reasons cannot participate in the following mini-auction.
Archer’s recent appearance in the West Indies-England series suggests that injury is not the cause of his omission. If the franchises simply opted against picking him, Archer remains eligible to register for next year’s IPL auctions.
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