The IPL 2025 Mega Auction kicked off in style in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with teams making bold bids for top players. Here’s a quick look at the biggest highlights from Day 1:
Venkatesh Iyer Joins KKR for ₹23.75 Crore
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) went all in to buy star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore. This huge deal makes him one of the most expensive players in IPL history.
Ravichandran Ashwin Returns to CSK
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) welcomed back their former star, Ravichandran Ashwin, for ₹9.75 crore. Fans are excited to see Ashwin play again for the team where he started his IPL journey.
Rishabh Pant Breaks All Records
The big moment of the day came when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
Shreyas Iyer Goes to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 Crore
Shreyas Iyer was briefly the most expensive player in the auction when Punjab Kings (PBKS) picked him for ₹26.75 crore. Iyer, who led KKR to the IPL 2024 title, shared his excitement:
"Elated to join the Punjab Kings family. Can’t wait to start the season!"
Other Big Moves
- Yuzvendra Chahal became the most expensive Indian spinner ever as PBKS bought him for ₹18 crore.
- Arshdeep Singh stayed with PBKS, retained via the RTM card for ₹18 crore.
- KL Rahul went to Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, a surprising drop from previous seasons.
Auction Details
The auction, held over two days, follows this order:
- Marquee Players
- Capped Batters
- All-Rounders
- Wicketkeepers
- Capped Bowlers
- Uncapped Players
What’s Next?
Day 2 will focus on finding lesser-known talents and filling squad gaps. With teams spending big on Day 1, expect smarter deals tomorrow.