Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) players Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed delivered standout performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), serving as a timely reminder of their ability for franchises ahead of the bidding event .
Abdul Samad, representing Jammu & Kashmir, played a pivotal role in his team’s victory over Jharkhand. Coming at a critical juncture, Samad unleashed an unbeaten 74 off just 29 balls, propelling his team to a massive total of 224/4. Their innings featured aggressive stroke play, including 5 fours and 7 sixes, which changed the momentum in favor of Jammu & Kashmir.
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Later in the day, Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed showed his all-round prowess against Punjab. Ahmed played an incredible knock of an unbeaten 100 off 49 deliveries after coming into bat at 10/4 in a 180-run chase. His efforts helped his team achieve a memorable victory and he had also claimed a wicket with his bowling early in the match.
Both players were released by SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 retention deadline on October 31. His recent performances at the SMAT have reignited interest among franchises. Samad entered the auction with a base price of INR 30 lakhs, while Ahmed set his base price at INR 1 crore.
The IPL 2025 auction is scheduled to begin tomorrow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is the second time the auction has been held outside India, after the previous year’s event in Dubai. A total of 577 players will participate in the mega auction.
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Franchises will closely watch the dynamics of the auctions, especially considering the performances of players like Samad and Ahmed. His recent exploits in domestic cricket have not only showcased his current form but have also highlighted his potential to contribute significantly in the T20 format.
As the auction unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how teams strategize their bids, particularly for players who have demonstrated match-winning abilities in recent tournaments.