The stage is set for the IPL 2025 auction, where top-tier players with proven track records and newcomers alike will compete for lucrative contracts. Among the most intriguing stories is that of three players, including Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, setting their base price at ₹2 crore, the maximum bracket in the auction.

While Mustafizur is a experienced IPL player with stints across five franchises, three players with no prior IPL experience—James Vince, Ben Duckett, and Josh Inglis—have also entered the auction with the same hefty base price. This unexpected inclusion has already sparked interest among franchises, eager to secure fresh talent.

Mustafizur, known for his lethal cutters and yorkers, continues to demand attention. With a base price of ₹2 crore, the left-arm pacer could see a bidding war among teams vying for his services. In the last IPL, he represented Delhi Capitals at this price point, and his consistent performance makes him a valuable asset for any franchise.

James Vince, Ben Duckett, and Josh Inglis, despite being IPL novices, have surprised many by setting their base price at the maximum level. Vince, known for his explosive batting, played for Delhi Capitals last season at a significantly lower starting price of ₹20 lakh, eventually fetching ₹50 lakh. Now, with his reputation growing in global T20 leagues, Vince has opted to up his stakes in the IPL.

Similarly, Ben Duckett and Josh Inglis, who have demonstrated their potential in international cricket and other T20 leagues, enter the fray with high expectations. Whether any franchise will take the plunge and meet their asking price remains to be seen.

The ₹2 crore category includes some of the biggest names in cricket. Global icons such as Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, and Trent Boult are part of this elite group. Even players like Moeen Ali, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell, who bring experience and versatility, are expected to be hotly contested.

Additionally, rising stars and T20 specialists like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Sam Curran make this category even more competitive.

The auction also features several seasoned campaigners, including Faf du Plessis, Ravichandran Ashwin, Marcus Stoinis, and Jason Holder, alongside under-the-radar names like Adam Milne, Sherfane Rutherford, and Gus Atkinson. All these players have set their starting bids at ₹2 crore, aiming to attract significant interest.

For IPL fans and analysts, the big question is which franchises will invest in the inexperienced yet ambitious trio of Vince, Duckett, and Inglis. Their inclusion at the highest base price indicates confidence in their abilities and the potential to become game-changers in the IPL.