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In a surprising twist to his illustrious career, James Anderson, the legendary England pacer, has registered for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the event will see 1,574 players go under the hammer, with 1,165 Indian players and 409 international stars looking for IPL contracts. At 42 years of age, Anderson, who has officially retired from all forms of international cricket, will be attempting to break into the world’s most lucrative cricket league despite his long hiatus from T20 cricket. With no T20 appearances since 2014, this move has raised eyebrows, considering his vast experience in the longer formats of the game.
James Anderson opens up about his decision to register for the IPL 2025 Auction
Anderson’s entry into the IPL auction marks a significant moment in his post-retirement journey. The 42-year-old pacer, who played his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024, has made it clear that he still believes he has more to give to the cricketing world. Despite officially retiring from international cricket, Anderson remained confident that there is still a spark left in him. While his last appearance in T20 international cricket was over a decade ago, Anderson residue determined to defy age and prove that he can make a significant impact in the IPL.
“There is still definitely something in me that thinks like I can still play. 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 told BBC Radio 4 Today.
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While Anderson’s playing days in international cricket have ended, he is transitioning into a new role as a mentor and coach. After his retirement from international duties, Anderson has been spending time in coaching setups, particularly with the England team.
This mentorship has broadened his perspective on the game, and Anderson believed that the experience of playing in the IPL would not only add value to his playing career but also expand his knowledge as a future coach. He sees the IPL as a chance to observe new aspects of the game, collaborate with players and coaches from different backgrounds, and further develop his understanding of cricket.
“I have done a little bit of coaching since I have finished in the summer. I have been around the England team doing a bit of mentoring or whatever you like to call it. I just think opening my eyes to something like that and experiencing it, sort of might help me grow my knowledge of the game and help further down the line,” Anderson concluded.
Anderson’s previous IPL attempt and future aspirations
This isn’t the first time Anderson has attempted to break into the IPL. Back in 2012, he registered for the IPL auction but went unsold. At that time, Anderson had already shifted his focus primarily to Test cricket, having stopped playing T20 internationals in 2009. His absence from T20 cricket and his focus on longer formats likely influenced IPL franchises’ decision not to bid for him.
However, Anderson is undeterred by this past setback. Now, with his international career behind him and the “Test door shut,” Anderson is eager to embrace new challenges in a different format. As the IPL 2025 mega auction draws nearer, Anderson’s inclusion in the bidding process shows his unyielding desire to stay connected to the game, even in a post-playing role.
