‘It's a bonus that potentially could follow’ - Aiden Markram on playing India ahead of IPL auction

The upcoming IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) mega-auction is slated to take place on November 24 and 25, respectively, in Jeddah. Ahead of that, South Africa will square off against India in a four-match T20I series, starting November 8. It gives players of both teams to show their value in the shortest format and soar their stocks when the names go under the hammer. 

South Africa captain Aiden Markram understands the importance of the series but denied that the auction will serve as a motivation to all the Proteas players. He noted that if the players end up doing well, he will be happy and a bonus might follow in the auction but clarified that it’s not something that the players are focusing on at the moment.

“I don't think it's the focus. But, as we all know, things like the auction, especially for a big tournament like the IPL, a lot of things can fall into place for players. We are fortunate to be playing a series against them, pretty much just before the auction. It happens so. That would pretty much be the bonus of doing well, firstly, collectively, and then for the individuals to put their hands up,” Markram said in the press conference.

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“I don't think it's the motivation to do well, but I think it's a bonus that potentially could follow. But, in the camp, I don't think there have been any discussions along those lines. But if guys put their hands up, and do well, it leads to more, I will certainly be really chuffed for them,” the all-rounder added.

South Africa's Klaasen scripted history ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Aiden Markram’s teammate, Heinrich Klaasen, for a whopping INR 23 crore. He is currently the second-highest-paid cricketer in IPL history. On the other hand, Markram was released by the franchise ahead of the auction. He captained the team in 2023 before Pat Cummins took over in 2024. His national teammate Marco Jansen was also released by SRH.