The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday witnessed intense bidding for top pacers, with franchises investing heavily in proven performers. Australian quick Josh Hazlewood and New Zealand’s Trent Boult were picked up for ₹12.50 crore each by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), respectively, marking a return to familiar franchises for both players.
Josh Hazlewood, who played for RCB during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, rejoins the team after a ₹12.50 crore deal. The Australian pacer, known for his consistency, has 67 wickets in 52 T20Is and 136 scalps in 107 T20 matches. Hazlewood played a key role for RCB, taking 23 wickets in 15 matches during his stint, including 20 in the 2022 season. He also won the IPL title with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, taking 12 wickets that season.
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RCB celebrated the acquisition with a statement: “He’s home where he belongs. Cannot wait to see him set the pitch ablaze at nmm Chinnaswamy!”
Trent Boult, who played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaigns in 2020 and 2021, was welcomed back for ₹12.50 crore. Boult, with 121 wickets in 104 IPL matches, has also played for Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders. MI’s official social media handle celebrated the buy, calling him “ThunderBOULT.”
England’s pace sensation Jofra Archer was acquired by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹12.50 crore, marking his return to the franchise he previously represented from 2018 to 2021. Known for his lethal pace and accuracy, Archer has 124 wickets in 69 matches across all formats for England and 46 wickets in 35 IPL matches at an average of 21.33. Archer’s acquisition was hailed as a significant boost for RR as they aim for a strong campaign in 2025.
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje was secured by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹6.50 crore. Nortje, with 53 wickets in 42 T20Is and 60 wickets in 46 IPL matches for Delhi Capitals since 2020, brings raw pace and aggression to KKR’s lineup.
Indian pacers also attracted significant attention. Chennai Super Kings roped in Khaleel Ahmed for ₹4.80 crore, while Delhi Capitals secured T Natrajan for ₹10.75 crore. Khaleel has 74 IPL wickets in 57 matches, including 17 scalps in 14 matches for DC this year. Natrajan, known for his pinpoint yorkers, has taken 67 wickets in 61 IPL matches.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Avesh Khan for ₹9.75 crore, while Gujarat Titans (GT) picked up Prasidh Krishna for ₹9.50 crore. Avesh has been a consistent performer, with 74 wickets in 63 IPL matches, including 19 in 16 matches for LSG this year. Prasidh, with 77 IPL wickets, adds depth to GT’s bowling unit.
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