Jofra Archer Returns to IPL Auction After Initial Omission

Jofra Archer will feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction after initially missing out on the final shortlist. The England fast bowler, first included on the longlist, did not appear among the 574 players listed for the auction in Saudi Arabia on 24-25 November which sparked speculation about his status. Confusion over IPL rules seemed to cause Archer’s earlier omission. The rules state that players who previously played in the league become ineligible for two years if they skip the auction.

By entering the auction, Archer now has a chance to return to the competition, leveraging his reputation as one of the world’s top fast bowlers. Since 2020, Archer has battled recurring injuries including a persistent elbow issue. England has managed his recovery cautiously and he returned to white-ball cricket in May. However, he has not played Test cricket for nearly four years. Archer has expressed a strong desire to return to the longest format but playing in the IPL could complicate his path.

The tournament clashes with the early rounds of the County Championship where Archer must prove his fitness for Sussex. Missing this period could harm his prospects for a Test comeback in 2025 or a spot in the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia. Archer joins 37 other English players in the auction including white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Notable absentees from the auction include Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Joe Root.

At 42, James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, has also entered the auction despite never participating in an overseas franchise league. Jofra Archer’s inclusion underscores the tension between franchise cricket and international commitments especially for players aiming to revive their Test cricket careers.