IPL 2025 Mega Auction Live Updates: Shreyas Iyer Breaks Auction Records, Mitchell Starc Joins Delhi Capitals
IPL 2025 Mega Auction Live Updates: Shreyas Iyer Breaks Auction Records, Mitchell Starc Joins Delhi Capitals
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is underway, and it has already delivered historic moments. Held at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, the two-day event sees 577 players go under the hammer, including some of the world’s top T20 stars.
Shreyas Iyer Becomes the Most Expensive Player in IPL History
The marquee set kicked off with a bang as Shreyas Iyer shattered auction records. After intense bidding wars, the IPL 2024-winning captain was signed by Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹26.75 crore, surpassing the previous record set by Mitchell Starc earlier in the same auction.
Starc, a key player in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign, was secured by Delhi Capitals for ₹24.75 crore, becoming the most expensive bowler in IPL auction history.
Star Players Snapped Up in Marquee Set 1
Other major signings include:
- Jos Buttler: The English wicketkeeper-batsman, a star for Rajasthan Royals since 2018, joins Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore.
- Kagiso Rabada: The South African pacer moves to Gujarat Titans for ₹10.75 crore.
- Arshdeep Singh: After a fierce bidding war involving multiple teams, Punjab Kings used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Arshdeep for ₹18 crore, despite Sunrisers Hyderabad offering ₹20.35 crore.
Auction Highlights
- Players Under the Hammer: A total of 574 players are in the fray, including 208 capped internationals, 12 uncapped overseas prospects, and 318 uncapped Indian players.
- Auctioneer: The 48-year-old Mallika Sagar wields the gavel for the two-day extravaganza.
- Schedule: Auctions are being held from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM across November 24 and 25, with a break for lunch at 5:00 PM.
Key Talking Points
- Rishabh Pant’s Release: A surprising move saw Delhi Capitals release their long-time captain Rishabh Pant, who had been with the team since 2014. Pant is expected to draw significant attention during the auction.
- Top Players in Demand: Big names like KL Rahul, Liam Livingstone, and Ishan Kishan are yet to go under the hammer, ensuring more fireworks in the coming sessions.
IPL 2025 Auction: What’s at Stake?
The IPL 2025 promises to be the most competitive edition yet. Franchises are leaving no stone unturned to secure top players as they strategize for the next season. With record-breaking bids and intense rivalries on display, the auction sets the tone for the cricketing extravaganza scheduled to begin in a few months.
