Italy’s Thomas Jack Draca has made history by becoming the first player from his nation to register for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction.

Thomas Jack Draca: First Italian player to list for IPL 2025 auction

Scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the auction will feature 1,574 players, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas participants. Draca stands out as the sole Italian player among the 409 international entries, representing a milestone for Italian cricket in the world’s most popular T20 league.

A promising right-arm seamer, Draca recently showcased his talent in the Global T20 Canada 2024, playing for the Brampton Wolves. He finished as the tournament’s joint second-highest wicket-taker. Draca is part of a group of 30 players from Associate Nations in the pool, joining 320 capped and 1,224 uncapped players in the auction lineup. His inclusion highlights the growing global reach of the IPL, attracting talent from both established and emerging cricketing nations.

Meet the Italian cricketer Thomas Draca

1. Introduction and Background

Thomas Draca, a 24-year-old Italian cricketer, has emerged as a promising talent in the T20 circuit. Born on October 23, 2000, Draca brings versatility to the field as a right-handed batter and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. Hailing from a country better known for its football passion and culinary fame, Draca represents a new wave of cricketing talent from Europe’s associate nations, underscoring the sport’s expanding global reach.

2. International Debut and T20I Achievements

Draca made his international debut in T20Is for Italy against Luxembourg on June 9, 2024, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier held in Spinaceto, Italy. In his debut series, Draca showcased his potential by picking up eight wickets across four T20I matches. His standout performance came against the Isle of Man, where he took 3/9, earning the Player of the Match award. His T20I appearances so far include matches against Luxembourg, France, Isle of Man and Romania, reflecting Italy’s gradual but firm entry into competitive international cricket.

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3. Franchise Cricket Experience

Despite his brief international career, Draca has gathered valuable experience in franchise cricket. He was part of the MI Emirates squad, affiliated with the Mumbai Indians, in the ILT20 league in the UAE. Although he didn’t make his debut in the league, his inclusion highlighted his potential. Furthermore, Draca recently played for the Brampton Wolves in the Global T20 Canada 2024 held in July and August, where he became the joint second-highest wicket-taker. In six appearances for the Wolves, Draca claimed 11 wickets, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 6.88 runs per over. This stint established him as a reliable and economical bowler capable of handling the challenges of high-stakes T20 leagues.

4. IPL 2025 Mega Auction and Prospects

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, Draca has registered for the event for the first time. With the auction set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, he holds the 325th position in the rankings, positioned just ahead of Canadian cricketer Harsh Thaker. Draca’s performances in T20 leagues have sparked interest, and his association with the Mumbai Indians-owned MI Emirates could make him a natural target for the Mumbai-based franchise. Given his consistent performances and his experience in different T20 leagues, Draca might prove to be a valuable addition for IPL teams seeking fresh talent to strengthen their bowling line-up.

5. Potential Impact on Italian and European Cricket

If Draca secures an IPL contract, it would mark a significant milestone for Italian cricket and for associate nations in Europe. Representing a country where cricket is still developing, Draca could inspire young cricketers in Italy and other European countries to pursue the sport professionally. His journey could also increase the visibility of associate nations in major cricket leagues, contributing to the growth and expansion of cricket across Europe.

Key Stats and Facts about Thomas Draca

• Full Name: Thomas Jack Draca
• Nationality: Italy
• Age: 24 (Born October 23, 2000)
• Batting Style: Right-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
• Playing Role: All-rounder
• T20I Debut: June 9, 2024, against Luxembourg
• T20I Wickets: 8 wickets in 4 matches (Best figures: 3/9 against Isle of Man)
• Franchise Cricket: MI Emirates (ILT20 UAE), Brampton Wolves (Global T20 Canada)
• Notable Stats in GT20 Canada 2024: 11 wickets in 6 matches, Economy rate: 6.88

Also READ: Cities that have hosted IPL auctions since the league’s inception

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