England’s Pace Sensation Jofra Archer Skips IPL Again
Star England pacer Jofra Archer has been omitted from the list of 574 players shortlisted for the IPL 2025 mega auction, which is scheduled to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Archer, who has represented Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in previous seasons, surprised fans with his absence. According to a Cricbuzz report, the 29-year-old pacer was excluded as he is unavailable for the 2025 season, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prioritizing his fitness for the upcoming summer Tests.
Why Jofra Archer Is Missing from IPL 2025
Archer’s exclusion aligns with ECB’s long-term plans to manage his workload carefully and ensure his availability for a critical home Test series against India next summer. England will play five Tests, starting on June 20 in Leeds, followed by matches in Birmingham, Lord’s, Manchester, and The Oval.
Having already missed the 2022 and 2024 IPL seasons due to injuries, Archer’s availability has been a challenge. Although he played briefly for Mumbai Indians in 2023, his campaign was cut short by fitness issues.
Jofra Archer’s IPL Career at a Glance
- IPL Debut: 2018 for Rajasthan Royals
- Teams Represented: Rajasthan Royals (2018-2020), Mumbai Indians (2022-2023)
- Matches Played: 40
- Wickets Taken: 48
- Best Season: 2020 (20 wickets, MVP of the season)
- Runs Scored: 199
Archer’s performances in the IPL have been impactful, particularly during the 2020 season in the UAE, where he emerged as the Most Valuable Player, taking 20 wickets in 14 matches.
International Career Highlights
Archer made his international debut in 2019 and has since become a key player for England across all formats:
- Tests: 13 matches, known for his fiery pace and match-winning spells.
- ODIs: 27 matches, including a starring role in England’s 2019 World Cup victory.
- T20Is: 28 matches, contributing as a reliable strike bowler.
His most memorable moment came during the 2019 World Cup final, where he bowled the super over, defending 16 runs to secure England’s maiden ODI World Cup title.
What It Means for IPL 2025
Archer’s absence from the auction is a setback for franchises seeking a world-class pacer. However, with 574 players up for grabs to fill 204 slots, teams will still have plenty of options to bolster their squads.
For Archer, the focus now shifts to regaining full fitness and preparing for England’s home Test assignments. With his undeniable talent, fans will eagerly await his return to competitive cricket.
