Sun Nov 24 13:36:08 UTC 2024: ## IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Record-Breaking Bids and Star-Studded Line-up

**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia** – The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a flurry of record-breaking bids and surprising team selections. The two-day event saw a star-studded lineup of both established and emerging players vying for spots on ten franchises rebuilding their squads from scratch. A total of 574 players, including 208 overseas players, were up for grabs.

Several players commanded exceptionally high prices. Shreyas Iyer shattered the previous record, fetching a staggering ₹26.75 crore from the Punjab Kings, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Rishabh Pant, another highly sought-after player, is expected to break the ₹25 crore mark, with several teams vying for his services. Other notable sales include Mohammed Shami to SRH (₹10 crore), Devon Conway to CSK (₹6.25 crore), and Anrich Nortje to Gujarat Titans (₹10.75 crore).

The auction also showcased the continuing appeal of veteran players. David Warner, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammad Nabi, all nearing 40, attracted significant interest due to their experience and proven track records. Even James Anderson, at 42, entered the bidding, showcasing the enduring appeal of seasoned talent in the T20 format.

Several teams entered the auction with substantial purses. Punjab Kings, with ₹110.5 crore, were particularly well-positioned to make aggressive bids. Other teams, like Delhi Capitals (₹73 crore remaining), and Kolkata Knight Riders (₹51 crore remaining), also had significant funds available.

The auction is not without its controversies. The choice of Jeddah as the venue has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who accuse Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” to deflect attention from its human rights record. Nevertheless, the event marks a significant expansion of the IPL’s global reach.

The auction continues on Monday, with anticipation high for further record-breaking bids and surprises as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season, scheduled to run from March 14 to May 25, 2025. The BCCI has already announced dates for the 2026 and 2027 seasons as well. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, currently underway, adds further context to the auction, with several players showcasing their form ahead of the IPL.

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