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Key Takeaways

1📋 BCCI has released a RAPP list of 1,307 unsold players from the December 16 Abu Dhabi auction available as franchise replacements.
2🌟 International stars Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow, and Reece Topley feature prominently on the replacement pool.
3🇮🇳 Seven capped Indian players including Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, and Deepak Hooda are available at Rs 75 lakh base price.
4⚖️ Franchises cannot sign RAPP players below their auction reserve price as per BCCI regulations.
5🔄 Net bowler arrangements with RAPP players grant no exclusive rights—players must be released if another franchise wants them as replacements.
6🏏 Daryl Mitchell, recent Player of the Series against India in ODIs, is listed at Rs 2 crore base price.

"As per BCCI instructions, a franchise cannot sign a player from the RAPP for less than his auction reserve price"

IPL 2025 RAPP List Revealed: Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow Among 1,307 Players Available as Replacements

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially shared the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) with all Indian Premier League franchises, opening up a treasure trove of 1,307 players who could potentially serve as replacement options during the upcoming season.

This comprehensive list comprises players who enrolled for the IPL mega auction but went unsold during the December 16 auction held in Abu Dhabi. For franchises looking to strengthen their squads mid-season or replace injured players, this pool offers significant depth and quality.

Star-Studded International Names on the List

The RAPP sheet reads like a who's who of international cricket, featuring several high-profile names that went unpicked at the auction table.

Overseas Talent Available

Steve Smith, the former Australian captain and one of the most technically proficient batters of his generation, headlines the overseas contingent. Joining him are:

Jonny Bairstow - England's explosive wicketkeeper-batter
Jamie Smith - England's emerging wicketkeeping talent
Reece Topley - England's left-arm seamer known for his death bowling prowess
Daryl Mitchell - New Zealand's match-winner extraordinaire

Mitchell's presence on the list at number 98, with a base price of Rs 2 crore, is particularly intriguing. The Kiwi all-rounder has been a consistent thorn in India's side during international encounters and was recently named Player of the Series in the ODI series between India and New Zealand.

Experienced Indian Cricketers Seeking Opportunities

The domestic section of the RAPP list features several proven performers who have represented India at the highest level. All listed with a base price of Rs 75 lakh, these players offer franchises reliable options:

Mayank Agarwal - Former opening batter with Test credentials
KS Bharat - Wicketkeeper-batter with international experience
Deepak Hooda - Versatile middle-order batter and part-time spinner
Navdeep Saini - Express pace bowler with international caps
Chetan Sakariya - Left-arm seamer who impressed in previous IPL seasons
Sandeep Warrier - Experienced domestic fast bowler
Umesh Yadav - Veteran Indian pacer with extensive IPL experience

Understanding the RAPP Rules and Regulations

The BCCI has established clear guidelines governing how franchises can utilize the RAPP:

Key Stipulations

Minimum Fee Requirement: Franchises cannot sign a player from the RAPP for less than their auction reserve price. This ensures players receive fair compensation based on their self-assessed value.
Net Bowler Arrangements: Teams often contract RAPP players as net bowlers during the season. However, the BCCI has clarified that such arrangements grant no exclusive rights over the player.
Release Obligations: If a franchise has a RAPP player serving as a net bowler and another team wishes to sign him as a replacement, the original franchise must immediately release the player upon agreement of terms.

Official BCCI Guidelines

The regulations state that for a player to act as a replacement, their name must be included on the RAPP list for the relevant season. Additionally, their league fee for a full season—assuming 100% availability—must not be less than their documented reserve price.

Strategic Implications for Franchises

The availability of such quality players presents fascinating strategic possibilities for IPL teams. Franchises dealing with injuries, player unavailability due to international commitments, or underperforming squad members now have a deep talent pool to explore.

The presence of proven match-winners like Daryl Mitchell and Steve Smith means that mid-season acquisitions could potentially transform a team's fortunes. Similarly, experienced Indian players like Umesh Yadav bring invaluable domestic knowledge and proven IPL pedigree.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for IPL 2025

As the IPL season approaches, the RAPP list serves as both insurance and opportunity for franchises. While no team enters a season planning to use replacements, the volatile nature of modern cricket—with packed schedules and injury concerns—makes this pool an essential safety net.

For the 1,307 players on this list, it represents a second chance at IPL glory. A strong domestic performance, an unexpected injury to a franchise player, or a tactical mid-season shift could see any of these cricketers catapulted into the world's most lucrative T20 league.

The coming weeks will reveal which franchises choose to dip into this talent pool and which players get their opportunity to shine on cricket's biggest domestic stage.