IPL Auction 2025: Aiden Markram destroys mega auction, says it’s not a motivation for SA players

As the IPL 2025 mega-auction is on the horizon, the spotlight is on the upcoming four-match T20I series between South Africa and India, which kicks off on November 8 at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction set to take place on November 24-25 in Jeddah, this T20I series provides the perfect platform for players from both India and South Africa to boost their stocks ahead of the bidding war.

Aiden Markram focused on team success, not IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Indian and South African players would be certainly eager to showcase their skills in the upcoming T20I series to attract lucrative bids at the mega auction later this month. However, South African captain Aiden Markram is fully aware of the timing of the four-match T20I series, but he insisted that the IPL 2025 mega auction is not the primary focus for the hosts.

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Aiden Markram, who was released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the auction, has acknowledged the potential financial benefits of strong performances in the upcoming T20I series at home, but he emphasized that the team’s objective remains to build momentum and perform well as they gear up for a crucial home summer.

The South African skipper admitted that individual brilliance in the upcoming T20I series against the Indian cricket team could indeed enhance players' auction prospects, but it is not solely the motivation to do well in the home series. They will also host Pakistan in a white-ball series later this year before a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

I don't think IPL 2025 Mega Auction is the focus, motivation to do well: Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram said in the press conference, “I don't think it's the focus. But, as we all know, things like the auction, especially for a big tournament like the IPL, can fall into place for players. We are fortunate to be playing a series against them, pretty much just before the auction. It happens so. That would pretty much be the bonus of doing well, firstly, collectively, and then for the individuals to put their hands up.”

He added, “I don't think it's the motivation to do well, but I think it's a bonus that potentially could follow. But, in the camp, I don't think there have been any discussions along those lines. But if guys put their hands up and do well, it leads to more; I will certainly be really chuffed for them.”

Read Also: IND vs SA Head to Head Records- 1st T20I, India tour of South Africa 2024

Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs retained by SRH and DC

Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. Out of South Africa’s 16-member squad for India T20Is, only Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs have been retained by their respective franchises Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a whopping INR 23 crore and Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 10 crore.

On the other hand, Mihlali Mpongwana and Andile Simelane are the only two players not part of the auction pool, while 12 South African players, including captain Aiden Markram, David Miller, Gerald Coetzee, and Marco Jansen, will go under the hammer in the two-day IPL 2025 mega auction.