BENGALURU, Nov 25 – The first day of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction saw a record-breaking frenzy as franchises splurged massive amounts on top players, with several bidding wars pushing player prices to new heights.
The auction marked a significant shift in IPL spending, with multiple players entering the 20-crore club for the first time since last year’s record-breaking mini-auction. Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab Kings for a staggering Rs 26.75 crore set the tone, followed by Rishabh Pant’s move to Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore, edging out Iyer by a mere Rs 25 lakh. The bidding drama intensified as some of the league’s biggest stars went under the hammer.
Iyer’s high-profile transfer from Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, a franchise that had been searching for a captain, was one of the auction’s headline moments. The Punjab Kings’ successful bid, nearly Rs 2 crore more than KKR’s purchase of Mitchell Starc, secured a key player for the team as they head into the 2025 season.
In another exciting sequence, Delhi Capitals acquired a series of key players, including KL Rahul for Rs 14 crore, and Mitchell Starc for Rs 11.75 crore. The Capitals spent a total of Rs 59.2 crore on Day 1, leaving them with Rs 13.8 crore of their auction purse and 12 slots remaining, including four for overseas players.
Gujarat Titans, the 2022 IPL champions, made savvy moves by acquiring Jos Buttler for Rs 15.75 crore, Mohammed Siraj for Rs 12.25 crore, and Kagiso Rabada for Rs 10.75 crore, with their total expenditure reaching Rs 51.5 crore. The Titans have Rs 17.5 crore left to spend and are in a strong position with 11 slots remaining, including five overseas.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians focused on reinforcing their pace attack, securing Trent Boult for Rs 12.5 crore and bringing back Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya to their lineup. However, they spent a comparatively modest Rs 18.9 crore, leaving them with a large purse of Rs 26.1 crore and 16 slots, including seven overseas.
In a surprise move, Punjab Kings also made a big splash with their buys, securing Yuzvendra Chahal for Rs 18 crore and Marcus Stoinis for Rs 11 crore. Their total expenditure of Rs 88 crore leaves them with Rs 22.5 crore and 13 slots, six of which are available for overseas players.
Chennai Super Kings, with an eye on reinforcing their spin department, purchased Ravichandran Ashwin for Rs 9.75 crore, alongside several other key signings, including Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi. Their total expenditure for the day stood at Rs 39.4 crore, leaving them with Rs 15.6 crore and 13 slots, including four for overseas players.
Other franchises, including Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, also made significant moves. Rajasthan Royals acquired Jofra Archer for Rs 12.5 crore, while RCB focused on bolstering their middle order with Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma. Sunrisers Hyderabad made targeted purchases with Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan among their key acquisitions.
Summary of Day 1 Purchases:
- Chennai Super Kings: Rs 39.4 crore spent; Rs 15.6 crore remaining; 13 slots remaining (4 overseas)
- Delhi Capitals: Rs 59.2 crore spent; Rs 13.8 crore remaining; 12 slots remaining (4 overseas)
- Gujarat Titans: Rs 51.5 crore spent; Rs 17.5 crore remaining; 11 slots remaining (5 overseas)
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Rs 40.95 crore spent; Rs 10.05 crore remaining; 12 slots remaining (3 overseas)
- Lucknow Super Giants: Rs 54.15 crore spent; Rs 14.85 crore remaining; 13 slots remaining (4 overseas)
- Mumbai Indians: Rs 18.9 crore spent; Rs 26.1 crore remaining; 16 slots remaining (7 overseas)
- Punjab Kings: Rs 88 crore spent; Rs 22.5 crore remaining; 13 slots remaining (6 overseas)
- Rajasthan Royals: Rs 23.65 crore spent; Rs 17.35 crore remaining; 13 slots remaining (4 overseas)
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: Rs 52.35 crore spent; Rs 30.65 crore remaining; 16 slots remaining (5 overseas)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rs 39.85 crore spent; Rs 5.15 crore remaining; 12 slots remaining (4 overseas)
The auction is expected to intensify as Day 2 approaches, with teams looking to finalize their squads for the 2025 season. Despite some large spending on Day 1, several franchises remain well-placed with substantial amounts left in their purses and significant slots still available.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
