In a record-breaking move at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, India’s T20 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League. Pant was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering INR 27 crore at the auction, held at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.
Despite earlier speculations, Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings showed no interest in Pant, leading to an intense bidding war between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The competition intensified further when Sunrisers Hyderabad joined the race. Lucknow Super Giants ultimately triumphed, securing Pant with a bid of INR 20.75 crore. However, Delhi Capitals exercised their Right-To-Match card, prompting Lucknow to push the price to a jaw-dropping INR 27 crore. With that bid, Delhi dropped out, making Pant the priciest player in IPL history.
Before Pant’s historic bid, Shreyas Iyer had set a new record for the most expensive player in the auction, fetching INR 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings. Iyer broke Mitchell Starc’s previous record of INR 24.75 crore, set during the IPL 2024 auction.
Bidding Wars for Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and Others
Arshdeep Singh, the India fast bowler, was the first player to be presented at the auction. A quiet start soon turned into a fierce bidding war, with Chennai Super Kings sparking interest, followed by bids from Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. After a series of back-and-forth offers, Sunrisers Hyderabad placed a bid of INR 18 crore, but Punjab Kings exercised their Right-To-Match card to retain the player.
Meanwhile, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for INR 10.75 crore, while England’s white-ball captain was sold to Gujarat for INR 15.75 crore. In other notable deals, Mitchell Starc was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 11.75 crore.
The IPL 2025 auction has set the stage for an exciting season, with several high-profile players making their way to new franchises. As the bidding frenzy concluded, the record prices reflect the increasing global stature of the league and the fierce competition among teams to secure top-tier talent.
