IPL: 4 youngest players in auction history

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction all set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the spotlight will be on both experienced and young talents. The retentions of some franchises have shocked many fans as they did not expect some experienced players who have performed well for the IPL teams to be released.   

The IPL has historically been a platform where youth meets opportunity. The tournament has consistently attracted and nurtured cricket's youngest prospects who have achieved big heights for their franchise and then for their nation.

The upcoming auction is another opportunity for young cricketers to announce themselves in one of the toughest leagues in the world. With 574 players in the pool, including 318 uncapped Indian players, the auction will see teams raise their paddle for some unexpected young players. Among the shortlisted players, 366 are Indian, and 208 are overseas players. This auction could be important for many, with 204 slots available, including 70 for overseas players.

Also Check: IPL 2025: 3 Overseas players who could go unsold in upcoming auction

Here are the youngest players in IPL auction:

4. Mujeeb ur Rahman (2018) - 16 years and 296 days

Afghanistan's mysterious spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman created history back in 2018 by becoming the youngest player in the IPL auction at the age of 16 years and 296 days. After being shortlisted he was later picked by Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) for INR four crore.

His breakout season came in the same year as he claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate under seven runs per over. The same year, he achieved another milestone by representing Afghanistan in their historic first Test match against India. Though he was retained by the Punjab franchise for the next two seasons but had an underwhelming campaign, with just three wickets from seven games.

He then moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he hoped to recreate his early magic but featured in one match and took two wickets. After missing out on three seasons he joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 but was sidelined from the competition due to an injury.