James Anderson hopeful on IPL opportunity

Legendary English right-arm pacer James Anderson has registered his name for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Anderson opened up about his excitement for the most successful T20 league in the world.

The 42-year-old right-arm pacer James Anderson retired from international cricket after the last July Lord’s Test against West Indies. Anderson finished his Test career as the most Test wicket-taker by a pacer with 704 Test wickets. 

Apart from picking up 704 Test wickets, Anderson also took 269 ODI wickets and 18 T20I wickets, which made him the leading wicket-taker as a pacer in international cricket history with 991 international wickets. 

Legendary pacer Anderson picked up 1126 first-class wickets, 358 List A wickets, and 48 T20 wickets. The last time Anderson played a T20 match was in August 2014. 

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I'd love to have an opportunity to play somewhere: James Anderson

Anderson feels that he is fit to continue his cricket career. The right-arm fast-medium pacer wants to take challenges on the field. 

According to Sky Sports, Anderson said, “That is the whole point of going to the auction, I think. I want to play cricket again. Whether I get picked or not is a different matter. There is definitely a feeling inside of me that I have got more to offer, in some shape or form. So, however long down the line that might be, in whatever capacity that might be I am not sure yet. 

"But I'm really keen to play. I feel really fit, I've been bowling still, ticking over, so I feel like I'm in a good place and I'd love to have an opportunity to play somewhere.”

Keep my fingers crossed: Anderson on IPL auction

Anderson has registered his name for the upcoming IPL mega-auction at a base price of INR 1.25 crore. When he was asked whether any IPL team contacted him, he had a negative answer. However, he is keeping hope to experience the most popular T20 league.

Anderson said, "Nothing yet. We'll just have to wait and see; keep my fingers crossed and see what happens.” 

A total of 1574 players, including 409 foreign players, have registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The number will be shrunk before the beginning of the mega auction, as 204 slots are available.

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will host the IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 and 25. 

So, it will be a huge battle for the registered players, as Anderson will have to face challenges to earn a chance in the IPL.