IPL 2025 mega auction: Pant, Iyer become most expensive players after record-shattering bids
Rishabh Pant Becomes Most Expensive Player in IPL History at Mega Auction
Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer set new records during the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction held in Jeddah on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history after being signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering INR 27 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Shreyas Iyer.
Pant, released by Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier this year, sparked an intense bidding war involving LSG, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and his former team. Ultimately, LSG outbid their competitors to secure the dynamic batter’s services.
Iyer, who had briefly held the record after being bought by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore, was pushed to second place following Pant’s acquisition.
Among other notable purchases, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, once the league’s most expensive player, saw a dip in demand and was sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 11.75 crore. Punjab Kings retained Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh using the Right-To-Match (RTM) card for INR 18 crore.
In Round 1 of the marquee players’ auction, Gujarat Titans (GT) added England’s Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crore and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada for INR 10.75 crore.
Round 2 began with Mohammed Shami heading to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 10 crore, while David Miller joined LSG for INR 7.5 crore. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal emerged as the top pick in this round, bought by Punjab Kings for INR 18 crore. DC secured KL Rahul for INR 14 crore, while GT added Mohammed Siraj to their roster for INR 12.25 crore.
England’s Liam Livingstone was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 8.75 crore, rounding off a thrilling day of big-ticket buys in the auction.
