The IPL 2025 auction season is heating up, and there’s already a surprise on the cards. According to reports circulating in Indian media, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) might be set to release their former star bowler Umran Malik.
A Meteoric Rise and Puzzling Decline
Umran Malik’s journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster. The young pacer, known for his raw pace, made his debut for SRH in 2021. The team recognized his potential and retained him for a modest 4 crores in the 2022 auction. Malik thrived in his sophomore season, bagging 22 wickets in 14 matches and emerging as a promising bowling prospect.
However, the 2023 season saw a significant drop in Malik’s performance. He struggled with consistency and line-and-length control, leading to a high economy rate. Consequently, Malik found himself warming the bench for most of the season, only featuring in a single match.
SRH Mulls New Strategies
News24 Sports reports suggest that Malik’s inconsistent performance is the driving force behind SRH’s potential decision to release him. Releasing Malik would free up a significant chunk of their purse (4 crores) for the upcoming auction, allowing them to target more established players who can make a stronger impact.
Despite his struggles, Malik’s raw talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. The report indicates that several IPL franchises have expressed interest in acquiring the young speedster at the 2025 auction. A change of scenery and a fresh start under a different team management might be just what Malik needs to reignite his career.
Potential Salary Cap Increase
Another factor influencing SRH’s decision could be the anticipated increase in the IPL salary cap. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering raising the salary cap from its current limit of 90 crores to a potential 120 crores for the 2025 season. This increase would provide SRH with greater financial flexibility to pursue their desired player targets at the auction.
With the IPL 2025 auction approaching, all eyes are on whether SRH will officially release Umran Malik. While his future with the Hyderabad franchise seems uncertain, his talent remains undeniable. Several teams are likely to be vying for his signature, offering him a chance to revive his IPL career in a new environment.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
