Kane Williamson’s absence from the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft, following his unsold status in the IPL
2025 auction, raised many eyebrows among cricket fans. While he remains one of the most respected figures in international cricket, there were several factors that led to his exclusion from both the auctions.
Here’s why Kane Williamson was unsold in both the IPL and PSL:
1. Injury Concerns
One of the main reasons for Williamson’s exclusion from the auctions was his injury record. He has struggled with injuries in recent years, notably missing the 2022 T20 World Cup due to a knee injury. His recent injury history has led to doubts about his availability and fitness for the entirety of a tournament. In T20 leagues like the IPL and PSL, where franchises seek consistent availability, an injury-prone player often faces significant challenges in securing a spot.
2. Limited T20I Appearances
Williamson has been less active in the T20I format in recent years. He didn’t play as many T20 games for New Zealand in 2023 and was absent from several key matches. This limited exposure has made franchises question his current form in the shortest format, where explosive batting and quick adaptability are essential. The lack of recent international T20 performances made it difficult for franchises to assess his form and value in the T20 leagues.
3. Tactical Shift Towards Aggressive Batting
The T20 format has shifted dramatically toward aggressive and explosive batting. Players with high strike rates and the ability to turn games quickly are in high demand. Williamson, while a technically sound batter, has a more conservative approach. His strike rate, especially in T20s, is lower compared to other modern-day hitters. This shift towards more aggressive players might have worked against him, as teams often prioritize power hitters or all-rounders in these leagues.
4. Team Requirements and Budget Constraints
Both IPL and PSL franchises build their squads based on a variety of factors, including team balance, available budgets, and squad requirements. In 2025, many franchises prioritized younger, more dynamic players who could offer consistency and explosiveness, particularly in the fast-paced T20 format. With limited slots and financial constraints, Williamson might have been overlooked in favor of players who could fit into these strategies more seamlessly.
5. Competition and Depth in the Market
Both the IPL and PSL 2025 auctions were filled with exciting and in-form players. The competition for spots was fierce, with franchises eager to acquire players who could contribute immediately. Given the depth of talent available, Williamson, despite his international credentials, found himself pushed out due to the abundance of choice in the T20 player pool.
Despite being unsold in the IPL and PSL auctions, Kane Williamson remains a valuable player for New Zealand, and his leadership and experience are still highly regarded in international cricket. As New Zealand prepares for upcoming tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Williamson’s skill and presence in the squad will continue to be important, even if he is absent from T20 leagues for now.
