IPL Auction 2025: Shreyas Iyer sold to PBKS for record Rs 26.75 crore

Jeddah: Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain who led the team to victory in the IPL 2024, made history at the IPL 2025 auction. The star batter was snapped up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a record-breaking Rs 26.75 crore, the highest-ever bid in the tournament’s history. The dramatic auction unfolded at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.

Iyer entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, prompting KKR, his former team, to make the first move. PBKS quickly joined, pushing the price to Rs 2.20 crore. As the bidding intensified, KKR and PBKS competed fiercely, driving the price to Rs 7.25 crore.

In a surprising turn, Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the fray with a bid of Rs 7.50 crore, escalating the battle further. The bids rose sharply, crossing Rs 10 crore as PBKS and DC went head-to-head. The amount reached Rs 20 crore, with PBKS showing unwavering determination.

DC countered with Rs 22.50 crore, but PBKS upped the ante to Rs 24.75 crore. DC briefly reclaimed the lead at Rs 25 crore, making Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history. However, PBKS sealed the deal with an unprecedented Rs 26.75 crore, securing Iyer as their marquee player.

Punjab Kings entered the auction with the highest purse of Rs 110.5 crore after retaining only two players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. A team official noted that their strategy was to “rebuild the squad with marquee players who can make a significant impact.”

Earlier in the day, PBKS used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain India pacer Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT) made a splash by acquiring Kagiso Rabada for Rs 10.75 crore. The Titans, who retained key players such as Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill, entered the auction with Rs 69 crore.

The IPL 2025 auction has already set the stage for an exciting season, with Iyer’s historic bid highlighting the growing stakes in the tournament.

With IANS inputs