Shakib al Hasan Goes Unsold at IPL 2025 Mega Auction

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: December 10, 2024
Last updated: February 11, 2025

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The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, was marked by the absence of many veteran cricketers from the bidders’ interest list. Amongst these was Shakib al Hasan, a renowned all-rounder from Bangladesh, whose absence from the rosters came as a surprise to many in the cricketing world. Shakib has not only made significant contributions on the field but also amassed considerable wealth over an 18-year-long illustrious career, with a net worth reported to exceed Rs 600 crore.

Shakib al Hasan made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2011 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Over the years, he played 71 matches, scoring 793 runs and securing 63 wickets. His stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 season was particularly notable. Shakib was also part of KKR’s victorious campaigns in 2012 and 2014, under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Despite his previous achievements, Shakib, who is set to turn 38 by the next IPL season, did not find a buyer during this year’s auction as he entered with a base price of Rs 1 crore.

Alongside Shakib, other established names like David Warner, Daryl Mitchell, and Prithvi Shaw also went unsold at the auction. This trend could be attributed to various factors such as recent performance metrics and strategic team compositions prioritizing younger talents. Shakib’s recent form did not inspire confidence as he endured a challenging T20I season in 2024, averaging only 16 across 12 matches. Furthermore, he has not represented Bangladesh in international cricket following their series defeat to India in October 2024.

Reports indicate Shakib al Hasan is not retiring from professional cricket entirely. However, he has retired from Tests and T20I formats. His decision to skip the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies, citing personal reasons, further constrained his cricketing activities this year.

Despite his unsold status in the IPL, there is still a possibility for Shakib to be selected as an injury replacement during the tournament. Additionally, other leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have expressed interest in acquiring talents like Shakib, alongside other unsold players from the IPL auction, like Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.

In conclusion, Shakib al Hasan’s unanticipated absence from the IPL 2025 season rosters marks a significant chapter in his career. Although his immediate participation in future IPL seasons is uncertain, the experienced all-rounder might explore opportunities in other cricketing leagues. As fans and analysts await his next move, Shakib’s legacy in the cricketing world remains formidable.