The highly anticipated IPL 2025 auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. With only 80 overseas slots available for the season, competition is fierce, and even high-profile cricketers may miss out. Over the years, stars like Steve Smith, Tim Southee, Adam Zampa, and Tabraiz Shamsi have gone unsold. In 2024, Phil Salt also went unsold initially before being picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders as Jason Roy’s replacement.
These instances highlight that reputation alone doesn’t guarantee selection, as seen with Sourav Ganguly in 2011. Franchises prioritize form, age, attitude, and overall value, often leaving some notable players on the sidelines. The 2025 auction might see a similar trend, with certain big names potentially going unsold.
Liam Livingstone: A Risk in Set Two
England’s Liam Livingstone is regarded as one of the most versatile T20 players globally, but his position in Set Two of the marquee players could hurt his chances. Players like Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc from Set One will likely attract significant bids, leaving franchises cautious about their budgets by the time Livingstone’s name comes up.
Despite his base price of INR 2 Crore, Livingstone’s lackluster performance in the IPL 2024—scoring just 111 runs in seven matches for Punjab Kings—might deter teams from making a strong bid.
While his skills as an all-rounder are undeniable, his limited impact in previous seasons could lead franchises to focus on other priorities, especially Indian talent. There’s a chance he might get picked during the accelerated round, but it remains uncertain whether teams will have room for him by then.
Reputation Isn’t Enough
The IPL’s unpredictable nature ensures that even renowned players are not immune to being overlooked. Franchises have become increasingly strategic, focusing on current form and future potential rather than past glories. With a limited number of overseas spots, even well-established players must prove their value in a highly competitive market.
For players like Livingstone, timing, form, and team dynamics will play crucial roles in determining their fate in the auction. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen which cricketers will overcome the odds and secure a spot, and which will find themselves surprisingly left out.
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