Top 5 overseas players who went unsold in IPL 2025 auction

Top 5 overseas players who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction( Photo source: IPL )

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was a rollercoaster of emotions for two full days, with several notable overseas players finding themselves on the sidelines as the franchises made their planned selections.

While the auction saw record-breaking purchases and intense bidding wars, it also witnessed a harsh reality for many international talents who went unsold. The absence of bids for these players shows the teams have moved on from them and are looking for new and fresh talents.

Meanwhile, for these unsold players, a good part is the replacement policy. With the possibility of injury replacements, there’s still a chance to be back in the league. Players who registered for the auction can potentially be called up if a team needs to replace an injured squad member, provided they meet the specific pricing criteria.

Here are the five overseas players who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction:

5. Johny Bairstow:

Veteran English wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow grabbed the attention after none of the teams showed interest in getting his service in their squad. Once a hard-hitting opener, the right-hander formed a destructive partnership with David Warner at SunRisers Hyderabad.

Playing 50 matches across five years for SRH and Punjab Kings, the English cricketer scored 1589 runs at a strike rate of 144.45. After his move to Punjab Kings, he didn’t have consistent performances, despite a century in 2024. While many of his England teammates secured lucrative contracts, Bairstow remained on the sidelines.

Also Check: IPL 2025: 5 lesser-known faces who bagged big bucks in auction

4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman experienced a setback in the IPL 2025 mega auction, remaining unsold despite his previous heroics in the tournament. The right-arm spinner, who once took the IPL by storm in 2018 with 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate under 7, has struggled to maintain his performance in recent seasons.

His IPL career saw him at Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad interrupted by injuries. Most recently, he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 but couldn’t play due to a sprain in his right phalanx. Despite registering for the auction at a base price of INR 2 crore, no franchise showed interest.

3. Daryl Mitchell:

New Zealand’s batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was another big name to have missed out on an IPL contract in this edition. Mitchell’s IPL stint began in 2022 with Rajasthan Royals, where he played just two games. After a remarkable World Cup performance in 2023, where he scored 552 runs at an average of 69.00, Mitchell caught the attention of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who signed him for an INR 14 crore in the 2024 auction. The 2024 season saw him make a more significant impact for CSK, scoring 318 runs in 13 matches.

Though Mitchell has been performing consistently in the international circuit, his being sidelined from the league grabbed significant eyeballs. The all-rounder is not only a brilliant middle-order batter but also a handy pacer. Meanwhile, the tall Kiwi still has a chance to get back in the league if any teams ask for a replacement player.

2. Kane Williamson:

Veteran New Zealander Kane Williamson who is considered as one of the most accomplished batters of his generation, went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. A former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain and 2018 Orange Cap winner, Williamson’s performances made him a big name in the league. However, the T20 game’s changing demands have outpaced his conventional style.

Troubled by injuries, Williamson’s availability has been limited in recent years. He featured in just one IPL game in 2023 and two in 2024, with similar constraints impacting his international T20 appearances. Williamson’s last stint was with the 2022 Champions Gujarat Titans.

1.  David Warner:

Australia’s legendary opener David Warner went unsold on Day 1 of the 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah. Despite being the tournament’s highest overseas run-scorer with 6,565 runs at a strike rate of 140, the 38-year-old failed to attract bids, even at his base price of INR 2 crore.

Warner’s IPL career saw him earn three Orange Caps (2015, 2017, 2019), a championship win with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, and many match-winning performances. Released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the season, his exclusion saw an end to a 15-year career.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.