The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has long been a spectacle where cricket meets commerce, and the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was no exception. Held at the prestigious Abady Al-Johar Arena, this year’s auction saw unprecedented bids, with five players breaking into the top 10 most expensive signings in IPL history.
Rishabh Pant Becomes IPL’s Costliest Player
Rishabh Pant, previously released by Delhi Capitals, was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking ₹27 crore. The acquisition made Pant the most expensive player in IPL history, surpassing all previous records. The bidding frenzy for the wicketkeeper-batsman underscored his value as a match-winner and team leader.
Shreyas Iyer Joins Punjab Kings in a Landmark Deal
Shortly after Pant’s historic signing, Shreyas Iyer, the title-winning captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, was secured by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. This deal not only made Iyer the second-most expensive player ever but also highlighted Punjab Kings’ intent to build a championship-winning squad for IPL 2025.
Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL History
| Player | Team | Edition | Sold |
| 1. Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | IPL 2025 | ₹27.00 crore |
| 2. Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 | ₹26.75 crore |
| 3. Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2024 | ₹24.75 crore |
| 4. Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2025 | ₹23.75 crore |
| 5. Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2024 | ₹20.50 crore |
| 6. Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | IPL 2023 | ₹18.50 crore |
| 7. Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 | ₹18.00 crore |
| 8. Yuzvendra Chahal | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 | ₹18.00 crore |
| 9. Cameron Green | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2023 | ₹17.50 crore |
| 10. Ben Stokes | Chennai Super Kings | IPL 2023 | ₹16.25 crore |
