Thomas Draca has already joined the Mumbai Indians family as he is et to play for MI Emirates in the UAE's ILT20 this year.
Cricket in Italy is far from the spotlight of global recognition, yet a 24-year-old fast bowler, Thomas Draca, has the potential to rewrite this narrative.
Draca, a right-arm pacer with a knack for unsettling batters, has caught the attention of IPL scouts and is now in the longlist for the 2025 IPL mega auction.
If picked, he will become the first player from Italy to enter the Indian Premier League, one of the most competitive and glamorous cricket tournaments in the world.
Thomas Draca, a tall and skiddy pacer, has made a name for himself with his pace, bounce, consistency and skill. Known for extracting steep bounce from the surface, Draca’s performances in the 2024 Global T20 Canada proved his credentials.
Representing the Brampton Wolves, he emerged as their highest wicket-taker, claiming 11 wickets in six matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.88.
Among his standout performances in Canada, Draca took 3 for 18 against Surrey Jaguars, dismissing international stars like Sunil Narine.
His ability to generate pace and bounce also came to the fore against Bangla Tigers Mississauga when he dismantled their middle order with figures of 3 for 10, including the prized wicket of David Wiese. These exploits played a crucial role in the Wolves’ journey to the playoffs.
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Earlier in June 2024, Draca made his T20I debut for Italy during the Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier. Bowling with the new ball, he returned figures of 4-0-15-2 against Luxembourg.
Though Italy remains a nascent cricketing nation, Draca’s performances on the international stage have bolstered their growing presence.
Draca has entered the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh and is listed at No. 325 in the player pool. The long list currently comprises 1574 players, which will be trimmed further ahead of the auction.
While the final cut is uncertain, Draca’s performances in Canada and other leagues make him a compelling option for franchises looking for an under-the-radar pace bowler.
Draca’s rise to prominence extends beyond the GT20 Canada. He is set to feature in the UAE’s ILT20 for MI Emirates, a franchise owned by the Mumbai Indians.
Joining a roster alongside seasoned campaigners like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Fazalhaq Farooqi, Draca will have the opportunity to refine his skills and gain valuable exposure in a highly competitive environment.
Earlier in 2024, Draca also participated in the inaugural MAX60 Caribbean tournament in the Cayman Islands. Playing for the Caribbean Tigers under Chris Lynn’s captaincy, Draca showed his potential in the condensed, high-octane format.
If Draca earns an IPL contract, he will become the first player from Italy to achieve this feat. While cricket in Italy remains a developing sport, players like Draca are beginning to carve out a niche for the nation on the global stage.
Italy has previously been represented on the T20 circuit by Wayne Madsen, a Durban-born cricketer who has played for franchises in leagues like the PSL, SA20, and the Hundred. However, Madsen has not featured in the IPL.
Draca’s combination of pace, bounce, and accuracy makes him a versatile option for T20 franchises. He has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different conditions, whether in Canada, the Caribbean, and soon in the UAE.
His knack for claiming key wickets, such as those of Narine and Wiese, further highlights his potential to succeed against world-class players.
For franchises looking to unearth hidden talent, Draca represents an exciting gamble. His relatively low base price of INR 30 lakh could offer significant value, especially for teams seeking affordable overseas pacers.
While Italian cricket has yet to produce an IPL player, Thomas Draca could change that. His rise from a promising T20I debutant to a standout performer in global leagues sums up his readiness to compete on the biggest stage.
As the IPL auction approaches, all eyes will be on whether this young pacer from Italy can take the next step and make history.
