Jofra Archer Makes Surprise U-Turn, Makes Last-Minute Entry Into IPL 2025 Mega Auction Pool

Jofra Archer has confirmed his participation in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction after initially being absent from the 574-player list.

Jofra Archer, the star English pacer, has made a surprising U-turn by throwing his hat in the ring for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction. After initially opting against putting his name in the list of players set to go under the hammer, 29-year-old Archer reportedly confirmed his availability for the two-day event at Jeddah on November 24 and November 25.

According to a report run by The Cricketer, Archer, initially excluded from the list of 37 England players for the two-day auction, will now be available for purchase by the 10 franchises. Archer is set to be added into the 574-cricketer list released by the BCCI for the auction.

ALSO ON ABP Live | BGT 2024-25: Optus Stadium Stats & Records Ahead Of IND vs AUS 1st Test In Perth

Archer only recently returned to fitness after a series of injuries. He initially chose not to register for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, focusing instead on preparing for next year’s Ashes, set to be held in Australia. Notably, under the new IPL rules, skipping this auction would have barred him from participating in next year’s IPL mini auction as well.

Jofra Archer Secures NOC For IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initially withheld No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, preventing their participation in the IPL 2025 season. However, Archer later secured an NOC, allowing him to re-enter the pool for the IPL mega auction.

Archer reportedly expressed frustration over being initially denied the chance to play in the tournament. Cricket broadcaster Matt Kabir Floyd revealed that discussions between the ECB, the BCCI, and player agents are ongoing to resolve the matter. In an appearance on the  It’s Not Just Cricket podcast, Floyd said, “Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were on the initial longlist for the auction but then weren’t on the shortlist and 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.”