The IPL 2025 mega-auction is set for November 24-25 in Jeddah. Leading up to it, South Africa will face India in a four-match T20I series starting November 8, giving players from both sides a chance to boost their value in the shortest format.
South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the significance of the series but dismissed the notion that the auction serves as primary motivation for the Proteas players.
He noted that while strong performances might result in auction “bonuses,” the team’s main focus is performing well collectively.
“Things like the auction, especially for a big tournament like the IPL, can fall into place for players. It’s a bonus that could follow, but it’s not the motivation,” Markram shared in a press conference.
Interestingly, Sunrisers Hyderabad recently retained Markram’s teammate Heinrich Klaasen for INR 23 crore, making him the second-highest-paid IPL player.
However, both Markram and fellow South African Marco Jansen were released by SRH before the auction. Markram led the team in 2023 before Pat Cummins took over as captain in 2024.