5 big stars who were unsold in IPL 2025 Auction but were signed in PSL 2025 Draft ft. David Warner

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction saw a total of 182 players receiving a contract from the franchises, with 62 of them being overseas stars. Jos Buttler was the most expensive overseas acquisition in the event, with the Gujarat Titans splurging ₹15.75 crore to secure his services. However, there were also notable foreign players who couldn't find a place in any of the sides.

Interestingly, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is set to clash with IPL 2025 this year. With two major leagues happening during the April-May window, there is no international cricket happening in these months. Hence, the players getting unsold in the IPL auction found favor from the PSL franchises.

The PSL Draft that took place on Monday (January 13) saw 116 players from 10 countries making up the rosters of six teams. On that note, let's take a look at the five finest players who missed the bus for IPL 2025 but went on to the PSL 2025 route.

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#1 Kane Williamson - Karachi Kings

The former New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson was picked as a supplement player by Karachi Kings. In the supplementary rounds, the franchises are allowed to pick players as replacements for those who are partially or fully unavailable for the tournament.

Williamson was a part of the Gujarat Titans setup in the last season of IPL. However, he could feature in only two games, and scored 27 runs.

Williamson is currently playing for the Durban's Super Giants in SA20 2025. He slammed 60* off 40 in his first appearance against Pretoria Capitals, which eventually helped the side to win by two runs.

Overall, the right-hander has garnered 6,502 runs in 255 T20 games at an average of 31.87 with a solitary century and 45 fifties. If given a chance, he might find success in the PSL due to his impressive track record on subcontinent pitches.

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#2 David Warner - Karachi Kings

Although David Warner retired from international cricket last year, he has been actively playing in franchise leagues. The former Australian opener played eight games for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, slamming 168 runs in eight games. However, he could not find any suitors in the IPL 2025 auction.

Warner will be seen representing Karachi Kings in the 10th season of the PSL. The franchise used their second pick in the first Platinum round to induct the southpaw into the squad.

David Warner is currently the top run-scorer in the Big Bash League 2024-25 with 324 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 141.48. Certainly, the in-form Warner could prove to be a boon to Karachi, who will be on the hunt for their second PSL title.

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#3 Jason Holder - Islamabad United

The veteran West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder remained unsold in the IPL auction for the second time in a row. It was due to his minimal impact in his last appearance in the cash-rich league. He picked up four wickets and scored only 12 runs in eight games for Rajasthan Royals in 2023.

Nevertheless, Holder managed to bag a contact from Islamabad United, who will look to defend their title in the PSL 2025. The 33-year-old is currently playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20 (ILT20). He represented the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League and scored 112 runs while picking up 10 wickets.

Overall, Holder has 2,314 runs and 254 wickets in 262 T20s, and could be a valuable addition for the United.

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#4 Sikandar Raza - Lahore Qalandars

Sikandar Raza is the most popular Zimbabwean cricketer due to his consistent all-round performances for the side. Raza played for Punjab Kings in the last two seasons, scoring 182 runs and picking up three wickets in nine appearances.

However, Raza could not find any takers in the IPL 2025 auction, primarily due to him not being a long-term prospect, as he is already 38. Nevertheless, Raza will continue to play for the two-time champions Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2025. In the last season, he scored 91 runs and took three wickets for the Qalandars.

Currently leading the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Sikandar Raza holds an incredible record in the shortest format. He has amassed 5,442 runs and scalped 160 wickets in 266 games.

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#5 Daryl Mitchell - Lahore Qalandars

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell was the first player to be signed in the PSL Draft. Mitchell will serve as a key batter in the middle-order for the Lahore Qalandars.

In the last IPL season, Mitchell represented Chennai Super Kings and scored 318 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 142.60. Despite his decent performance, the right-hander went unsold in the auction.

Nevertheless, Mitchell has a sound technique and experience to do well in the PSL. In 215 T20s, he has accumulated 4,720 runs and bagged 78 wickets.