The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to begin on the 14th of March 2025 and will feature 7 Sri Lankan players.
Right-arm slinger sensation Matheesha Pathirana was retained by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 13 crore, while the rest of the players were picked up by franchises during the Mega Auction held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The highlight of the Mega Auction for Sri Lanka was 23-year-old uncapped right-arm pacer Eshan Malinga being picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 1.20 crore. Eshan will be joined at SRH by fellow Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis, who was earlier bought for INR 75 lakhs.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will feature the spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who were acquired for INR 5.25 crore and INR 4.40 crore, respectively. Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara is the director of cricket at RR.
Royal Challengers Bangalore secured Sri Lanka’s other slinger, Nuwan Thushara, for INR 1.60 crore.
Dushmantha Chameera also attracted a buyer in the auction, being picked up for INR 75 lakhs to feature for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.
List of Sri Lankan players who will feature in IPL 2025:
- Matheesha Pathirana ( Retained) – CSK – INR 13 Crore ( LKR 44.89 Crore )
- Wanindu Hasaranga – RR – INR 5.25 Crore ( LKR 18.13 Crore)
- Maheesh Theekshana – RR – INR 4.40 Crore ( LKR 15.19 Crore)
- Nuwan Thushara – RCB – INR 1.60 Crore ( LKR 5.52 Crore)
- Eshan Malinga – SRH – INR 1.20 Crore ( LKR 4.14 Crore)
- Kamindu Mendis – SRH – INR 75 Lakhs ( LKR 2.58 Crore)
- Dushmantha Chameera – DC – INR 75 Lakhs ( LKR 2.58 Crore)