Jeddah, November 24: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has shattered records to become the most expensive player in IPL history. At the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured Pant for an astonishing ₹27 crore. This bid surpassed the ₹26.75 crore spent earlier on Shreyas Iyer, making Pant the new record-holder. The two-day auction will continue through Sunday and Monday.
Pant, who entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, sparked a fierce bidding war between LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The competition quickly drove the price beyond ₹10 crore, with Sunrisers Hyderabad joining the fray. The bidding escalated past ₹20 crore before Hyderabad withdrew. LSG made the final bid of ₹27 crore, and while Delhi Capitals used their Right to Match (RTM) card, they eventually backed out, making Pant an LSG player.
Having represented Delhi Capitals since 2016, Pant has scored 3,284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an average of 35.31, including one century and 18 half-centuries. He captained Delhi in 2021 but was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.
Shreyas Iyer Signs with Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 Crore
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer became the second-most expensive player in IPL history, being acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. Iyer, who led KKR to the championship last season, attracted significant interest, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after players.
Arshdeep Singh Retained by Punjab Kings for ₹18 Crore
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was the first player to go under the hammer. Punjab Kings used their RTM card to retain him for ₹18 crore after an intense bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Punjab finalized the deal after Hyderabad placed a bid of ₹15.75 crore.
Mitchell Starc Joins Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 Crore
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, with a base price of ₹2 crore, saw competition from KKR, Mumbai Indians, and RCB before Delhi Capitals secured him for ₹11.75 crore. Starc's inclusion strengthens Delhi’s bowling attack significantly.
Jos Buttler Moves to Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 Crore
England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, released by Rajasthan Royals, was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore after a bidding battle with Punjab Kings and LSG. Buttler’s addition bolsters Gujarat's top-order lineup.
Auction Overview
The IPL 2025 mega auction includes 577 players, both domestic and international, with 10 franchises allowed to purchase a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 players. With these record-breaking deals, the auction has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
