The mega auction for IPL 2025 began on Sunday. Batsman Shreyas Iyer joined Punjab Kings for a record amount on the first day of the two-day auction.
He was brought into the team by Punjab Kings for 26.75 crores (more than 420 million Nepali rupees). The previous most expensive player in IPL was Australia’s Mitchell Starc. He was brought into the team by Kolkata Knight Riders for 24.75 crores in the 2024 auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders initially bid for the IPL title-winning captain Iyer. Then Punjab also entered the race. After reaching the price of 7 crores, Delhi Capitals also came in the mood to bring him. Iyer also played for Delhi Capitals and captained it.
When Kolkata dropped out of the race after exceeding Rs 12 crore, Delhi and Punjab were in the running to sign him. In the end, Punjab brought him in when the price was about to reach 27 crores.