The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a grand affair, with a total of 1574 players from 17 countries registering for the event, which is scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Among these players, 409 are overseas stars, while 48 are capped Indian cricketers. Big names like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul are expected to spark intense bidding wars. However, adding a unique twist to this year’s auction is the inclusion of an Italian player, Thomas Jack Draca, marking a historic first for the cricket league.
Who is Thomas Draca?
Thomas Jack Draca, a 24-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Italy, has officially registered for the IPL 2025 auction, becoming the first player from his country to enter the IPL bidding process. With experience in four T20 Internationals (T20Is) for Italy, Draca has already taken eight wickets, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Draca made his T20I debut on June 29, 2024, in a match against Luxembourg during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier Group A, held in Spinaceto. Since then, he has continued to make a name for himself in the cricketing world, particularly through his recent performances.
Career Highlights and Recent Performances
Draca’s performance in the Global T20 Canada tournament in 2024 has been one of the highlights of his young career. Playing for Brampton Wolves, Draca picked up an impressive 11 wickets across six matches, catching the attention of franchises worldwide. His strong showing in Canada soon led to an opportunity with MI Emirates, the sister franchise of Mumbai Indians, for the 2025 season of the ILT20 (International League T20). This association with MI Emirates could make him an appealing prospect for the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, especially if he makes it to the final shortlist for the mega auction.
The Global Lineup at IPL 2025 Auction
In addition to Draca, the IPL 2025 mega auction has seen registrations from numerous notable overseas players. South Africa has a strong representation with 91 players, while Australia follows closely with 76 players. Among them is Mitchell Starc, who was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record-breaking ₹24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. This year, Starc has set his base price at ₹2 crore and is expected to attract significant interest once again, along with other Australian players such as T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and former opener David Warner.
England has also put forward 52 players for the auction, though Test captain Ben Stokes has decided not to participate. Stokes has stated that he wants to focus on England’s Test commitments, particularly the upcoming Ashes series and the Test series against India. His decision to skip the IPL will allow him to prepare thoroughly during the IPL window (from mid-March to the end of May). However, in a surprising turn, England’s veteran pacer James Anderson, last seen in a T20 match in 2014, has registered himself for the auction with a base price of ₹1.25 crore, potentially opening the door for an unexpected T20 comeback.
Auction Preview
As the mega auction approaches, franchises are gearing up for a competitive battle to secure the best talent. With players from 17 countries, including seasoned internationals and rising stars, the IPL 2025 auction promises to offer a wealth of options for teams to build their squads. For Draca, the auction represents a significant opportunity to become the first Italian to compete in the world’s most prestigious T20 league. With a growing resume, connections to established franchises, and unique international experience, Draca’s inclusion could bring fresh intrigue to the IPL lineup.
Fans and franchises alike are waiting eagerly to see if Draca will attract interest, particularly from the Mumbai Indians, who already have a connection with him through MI Emirates. As the auction unfolds, all eyes will be on Jeddah to witness which of these players finds a place in the upcoming IPL season.
