5 big superstars that are likely to be released by the franchises ahead of the 2025 IPL auction

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided franchisee retention and release policies prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. However, that does not stop teams from giving what is already in advance called teams’ preferences. BCCI might not allow the franchises to retain more than 6 players including Right To Match from their present teams. Nevertheless, few teams are optimistic of being permitted to retain 8 players. Also, the availability of MS Dhoni is still up in the air, a development which led the Chennai Super Kings to propose an old regulation to the BCCI.

Reports have emerged already, highlighting the players different franchises would prefer to keep ahead of the auction. But with only 5-6 players expected to be allowed, many top names could be released.

We take a look at 5 cricketing superstars who could be released by their respective franchises ahead of the mega auction

Rohit Sharma: Unarguably the biggest name in the list, Rohit Sharma is one of the biggest candidates among superstar players to be released, considering what happened last season at Mumbai Indians. In one of the recorded conversations with Abhishek Nayar, Rohit could be heard lamenting that the 2024 season would be his final season. With the leadership of the team handed over to Hardik Pandya, the franchise, it is highly probable that Rohit would be looking for a new team next season in IPL 2025.

KL Rahul: It is no longer a rumour that the Lucknow Super Kings are looking for another captain to lead the team. KL Rahul’s style of play and failure to take control of the game has already landed him in a lot of trouble. The top-order batter is no longer part of the Indian T20I squad as well. There are some people who believe that he will be returning to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru of his hometown franchise.

Faf du Plessis: Last season was a disappointing one for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis. Although he is 40 years, looking at the future in T20 cricket, it is easy to say that the best of du Plessis is well behind him. As the IPL 2025 auction allows squads to be broken down and reconstructed, it is expected that RCB will be looking for a new captain, and the aging South African will be released.

Venkatesh Iyer: After winning the title, it is now the turn of the Kolkata Knight Riders to undertake a gargantuan task of drawing up a 5 or 6-Member Policy Retention List before the auction. The franchise may go with Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Mitchell Starc, Shreyas Iyer, and Phil Salt. Therefore, Venkatesh Iyer is in a precarious position.

Glenn Maxwell: Having had a terrible season with RCB in the IPL 2024 edition, Glenn Maxwell is very likely to be let go by the franchise. The franchise will look to invest the 14.25 million Indian rupees that they spent on the Australian on a player that they can expect more out of. It seems like it is time for Maxwell to start looking for another team.