IPL 2025: How the IPL Auction Influenced the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth

The IPL 2025 mega auction, happening simultaneously with the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Optus Stadium in Perth, captured the attention of both players and broadcasters, underscoring the growing influence of the T20 league. While the India-Australia rivalry is renowned as world cricket’s fiercest, the presence of IPL has gradually softened its intensity. With players from both countries frequently sharing the same dressing rooms during the two-month IPL season, rivalries have often transformed into friendships.

For example, Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant, former Delhi Capitals teammates, shared a friendly fist bump when Australia had India on the ropes. Mitchell Starc, who played with Harshit Rana for Kolkata Knight Riders, was spotted engaging in light-hearted banter with him. The IPL’s presence was evident even in the Test match’s context, with Nathan Lyon jokingly asking Rishabh Pant about the auction, to which Pant responded nonchalantly.

Virat Kohli also chimed in, predicting that Pant would score big in the auction, which came true as Pant became the most expensive player ever in IPL history with a ₹27 crore deal to Lucknow Super Giants. The IPL’s influence even spread to the broadcasters and coaching staff, as former players like Ricky Ponting and Daniel Vettori had to leave their duties to attend the auction in Jeddah.