IPL Auctions 2025: Ponting welcomes new rule on overseas players participation
Ex-player and television analyst Ricky Ponting. Image | Photo Credit: Reuters
Jofra Archer was included at the eleventh hour before the 2025 Indian Premier League player auction. On Sunday, out of the three players who did not get picked in the first six rounds, two of them—David Warner and Jonny Bairstow—were international players.
These two occurrences are connected, likely because of the updated regulations regarding foreign players in the IPL. To prevent overseas cricketers from signing up for the auction and later backing out before the season starts by claiming personal reasons, the IPL officials have put a new rule in place.
As per the regulation, unless there is a valid medical excuse, an international player who pulls out after the auction and before the start of an IPL season will be banned from participating in the IPL auction for the next two years.
Shashwat Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, has expressed support for the new rule, while Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings, has stated that he feels "very at ease" with its implementation.
"Last year, I experienced it myself when our top choice couldn't participate in the IPL due to personal issues. That completely derailed our entire auction strategy for the rest of the season," Ponting explained.
"The individual factors and injury-related matters are still very much present, and that's necessary since players also require some level of safeguarding. However, it's crucial for players to grasp the extent of the commitment their teams are making towards them."
Ponting was talking about Harry Brook, who opted out after being a major addition for the Delhi Capitals last year. Likewise, Mark Wood from the Lucknow Super Giants and Wanindu Hasaranga from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru also withdrew recently without giving clear reasons.
As coaches or team owners, we are making a significant investment, and a single mistake during the auction can set us back for three to four years. If a player fails to show up, it can really hurt the team. That's why I believe the two-year ban is a solid measure to guarantee that when players sign up, they are truly dedicated to that commitment for the full duration.
As a result of the new regulation, both the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia have guaranteed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that their contracted players will be fully available.
As a result, Archer was brought on board at the last minute, but only after the teams confirmed he would be available for the entire season. The tall fast bowler landed a significant salary, earning ₹12.50 crore before Rajasthan Royals surpassed the offers from Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
Posted on November 25, 2024, at 12:40 AM IST.
