Skipping this auction would have also ruled him out of next year’s IPL, according to the league’s new regulations.
England pacer Jofra Archer has reversed his decision to skip the IPL 2025 Mega Auction and will now be available for the two-day event in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.
The 29-year-old initially withdrew to focus on his preparations for next year’s Ashes, especially after struggling with injuries in recent years. Skipping this auction would have also ruled him out of next year’s IPL, according to the league’s new regulations.
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As reported by George Dobell of The Cricketer, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood initially did not receive No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to participate in IPL 2025. The ECB’s priority was to ensure both pacers focused on preparations for the upcoming Ashes series.
However, Archer, unhappy with the decision, was later granted NOC, allowing him to register for the auction. On the other hand, Mark Wood has reportedly chosen not to be part of the short-listed players for the tournament.
“Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were on the initial longlist for the auction but then weren’t on the shortlist and it turns out by the sounds of it that the ECB have denied them NOCs,” cricket broadcaster Matt Kabir Floyd said on the It’s Not Just Cricket. “I am hearing there are some negotiations going on right now between the BCCI, the ECB and the agents.”
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Mumbai Indians secured Jofra Archer for Rs 8 crore during the 2022 mega auction. While he missed the entire 2022 season due to injury, Archer managed to feature in only four matches in 2023 before returning home after his elbow injury resurfaced.
Archer is now set to join the 574 cricketers who registered with the BCCI last Friday, bringing the total to 575. Originally, 37 England players had registered, but with Archer’s addition, the number of England players is now 38.
With Jofra Archer entering the auction, many teams may revise their strategies. Despite his injury comeback, Archer is still considered one of the most dangerous bowlers, and teams will certainly look to bid for him.
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