Sun Nov 24 11:00:00 UTC 2024: ## IPL 2025 Mega Auction Day 1: Record-Breaking Bids and Star-Studded Signings
**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia** – The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction kicked off today in Jeddah with a flurry of record-breaking bids and some surprising signings. Day one saw several marquee players changing hands for staggering sums, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling two-day event.
The auction started with a competitive bidding war for David Miller, eventually won by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹7.50 crore. Mohammed Shami was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹10 crore, following another tense battle.
However, the real excitement began with the high-profile players. Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, fetching a remarkable ₹27 crore from LSG, despite a late attempt by SRH to snatch him. Shreyas Iyer shattered previous records, going to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore, making him the most expensive player ever sold in the IPL auction.
Other significant signings include Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore) to Gujarat Titans (GT), Kagiso Rabada (₹10.75 crore) to GT, Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crore) to Delhi Capitals (DC), and Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore) to PBKS (via the Right-to-Match card).
The auction saw intense bidding wars between several franchises, highlighting the fierce competition for top talent. The use of the Right-to-Match (RTM) card added further drama, particularly in the Arshdeep Singh acquisition.
With Day 1 concluding, several teams have significantly depleted their purses, setting the stage for a strategic and potentially chaotic second day of bidding. The auction continues tomorrow, promising more high-stakes bidding battles and further shaping the landscape of the IPL 2025 season.