IPL 2025 Auction: Why is Unmukt Chand part of auction as overseas player?

Unmukt Chand led India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2012. He scored a match winning 111 off 130 in the Under-19 final against Australia A as India lifted the cup by winning the game by six wickets. This was his third consecutive century in a final for the Under-19 side. Unmukt scored 246 runs in six matches at an average of 49.20 but he did not play a single game for the India senior men’s team. 

The 32-year-old then moved to United States of America, citing lack of opportunities in the Indian cricketing circuit. As it stands, he has registered himself in the associate players list under uncapped wicketkeeper-batter slab for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 mega auctions.

Having shifted his base to the US, Chand no longer qualifies as an Indian player. It is worth noting that, he has previously played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians in IPL. He last stay was with MI in IPL 2016. Overall, he has scored 300 runs at an average of 15 and strike rate of 100 in his IPL career.

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Speaking of the auction, the mega auction will be conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. Along with Chand, USA pacer Ali Khan and Scotland’s seam bowling all-rounder Brandon McMullen have also listed themselves in the auction. The trio have set a base price of INR 30 lakh in the auction. 

Chand was still in school when he made his Ranji Trophy debut. In his first class career, he has played 67 matches and has scored 3379 runs at an average of 31.57 with eight centuries and 16 half centuries. His highest score is 151. When it comes to T20s, he has played 90 matches and has scored 1795 runs at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 115.28 with a highest score of 125. 

In the US, Chand has represented Silicon Valley Strikers from 2021 i the Minor League Cricket for. He has also played for the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) since the inaugural season of the Major League Cricket in 2023.