Thomas Draca has already joined the Mumbai Indians family as he will be playing for MI Emirates in the ILT20 in the UAE this year.
Cricket in Italy is far from the focus of global recognition, but a 24-year-old fast bowler, Thomas Draca, has the potential to rewrite this narrative.
Draca, a right-arm pacer with a knack for troubling batsmen, has caught the attention of IPL scouts and is now on the long list for the 2025 IPL mega auction.
If selected, he will become the first Italian player to enter the Indian Premier League, one of the most competitive and glamorous cricket tournaments in the world.
Who is Thomas Draca?
A tall, agile running back, Thomas Draca has made a name for himself with his pace, rebounding, consistency and skill. Known for hitting steep bounces from the surface, Draca’s performances at the Global T20 Canada 2024 proved his credentials.
Representing the Brampton Wolves, he emerged as their highest wicket-taker, claiming 11 wickets in six matches with an impressive economy rate of 6.88.
Among his standout performances in Canada, Draca went 3 for 18 against the Surrey Jaguars, shutting out international stars like Sunil Narine.
His ability to generate pace and bounce also came to the fore against Bangla Tigers Mississauga as he dismantled their middle order with figures of 3 for 10, including the prized wicket of David Wiese. These exploits played a crucial role in the Wolves’ run to the playoffs.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction Complete Player List and Base Price: Wallet, Slots and RTM Available for All 10 Teams
In early June 2024, Draca made his T20I debut for Italy during the European Sub-Regional Qualifier for the Men’s T20 World Cup. Bowling with the new ball, he returned figures of 4-0-15-2 against Luxembourg.
Although Italy remains a fledgling cricketing nation, Draca’s performances on the international stage have reinforced its growing presence.
Where is Draca in the IPL auction?
Draca entered the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh and is listed at 325th position in the player pool. The long list currently comprises 1,574 players, which will be narrowed further before the auction.
While the final cut is uncertain, Draca’s performances in Canada and other leagues make him a compelling option for franchises looking for an under-the-radar bowler.
Draca is now part of the Mumbai Indians
Draca’s rise to prominence extends beyond GT20 Canada. He is scheduled to appear at the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates for MI Emirates, a franchise owned by Mumbai Indians.
By joining a roster alongside experienced activists such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Fazalhaq Farooqi, Draca will have the opportunity to hone his skills and gain valuable exposure in a highly competitive environment.
In early 2024, Draca also participated in the inaugural MAX60 Caribbean tournament in the Cayman Islands. Playing for the Caribbean Tigers under the captaincy of Chris Lynn, Draca showed his potential in the condensed, high-octane format.
A milestone for Italian cricket
If Draca gets an IPL contract, he will become the first Italian player to achieve this feat. While cricket in Italy remains a developing sport, players like Draca are beginning to carve out a niche for the nation on the world stage.
Italy has previously been represented on the T20 circuit by Wayne Madsen, a Durban-born cricketer who has played for franchises in leagues such as the PSL, SA20 and Hundred. However, Madsen has not featured in the IPL.
What makes Draca a valuable prospect?
Draca’s combination of pace, bounce and accuracy makes him a versatile option for T20 franchises. It has demonstrated its ability to adapt to different conditions, whether in Canada, the Caribbean and soon in the United Arab Emirates.
His ability to claim key wickets, such as those of Narine and Wiese, further highlights his potential to succeed against world-class players.
For franchises looking to uncover hidden talent, Draca represents an exciting bet. Its relatively low base price of INR 30 lakh could offer significant value, especially for teams looking for affordable foreign pacers.
Will Draca break the barrier?
While Italian cricket is yet to produce an IPL player, Thomas Draca could change that. His rise from a promising T20I debutant to a standout player in global leagues sums up his readiness to compete on the biggest stage.
As the IPL auction approaches, all eyes will be on whether this young Italian can take the next step and create history.