Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) Nov 24 (UNI) In a stunning turn of events at the ongoing IPL Auction 2025, Shreyas Iyer has made history by becoming the most expensive player in IPL history.
The 28-year-old Indian captain was secured by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a record-breaking Rs 26.25 crore after an intense bidding war.
The drama began with Delhi Capitals (DC) lifting their paddle at Rs 25 crore, only for PBKS to increase the bid to Rs 25.75 crore. The two teams battled fiercely, with DC ultimately halting their bid at Rs 24 crore.
PBKS, determined to secure Iyer, raised their offer further, clinching the deal with the final bid of Rs 26.25 crore, surpassing the previous IPL record of Rs 24.75 crore set by Mitchell Starc in the previous year.
Earlier in the auction, Iyer had already made history by becoming the most expensive Indian player in IPL auctions, breaking the record previously held by other top cricketers.
In another significant development, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was sold to Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 10.75 crore, following a brief but intense bidding war between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), GT, and Mumbai Indians (MI). Despite having the option to exercise a right-to-match (RTM) clause, Punjab Kings decided against it, allowing Rabada to join the Gujarat franchise.
Punjab Kings also saw intense competition for one of their key bowlers, Arshdeep Singh. After an early bid of Rs 15.75 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), PBKS exercised their RTM option to retain the left-arm pacer for a hefty Rs 18 crore. The move ensured they kept hold of one of their most promising young talents.
As the IPL Auction 2025 progresses, franchises continue to make strategic buys, with the two-day event expected to deliver more high-profile acquisitions. The ongoing auction has already seen fierce competition and significant investments, as teams aim to strengthen their squads for the upcoming IPL season.
The Auction 2025 began with Arun Dhumal, Chairman of the IPL, welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude to the Indian team for their recent T20 World Cup victory.
Auctioneer Mallika Sagar then set the ball rolling, with the first player up being Arshdeep Singh, whose entry sparked an intense bidding battle, setting the tone for a thrilling auction ahead.
UNI BDN GNK