The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed a historic moment as Shreyas Iyer was sold to the Punjab Kings for a staggering INR 26.75 crore. This monumental bid not only made Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history at the time but also set the stage for an intense bidding war that captivated cricket fans worldwide. Iyer’s previous success as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leading them to the IPL 2024 title, undoubtedly boosted his market value and desirability among franchises.
A thrilling bidding war for Shreyas Iyer
The auction began with Iyer’s base price set at INR 2 crore, quickly escalating as multiple teams vied for his services. KKR, eager to reclaim their former captain, initiated the bidding, but soon found themselves in a fierce competition with the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. As bids soared past INR crore, it became clear that Iyer was a hot commodity. Ultimately, PBKS emerged victorious after a nail-biting exchange, securing Iyer just before Rishabh Pant was sold for INR 27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants, briefly eclipsing Iyer’s record-breaking bid.
Also READ: Sanjiv Goenka opens up on the possibility of Rishabh Pant leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025
Iyer’s response on joining Punjab Kings
Upon joining Punjab Kings, Shreyas expressed his excitement in a heartfelt video message: “Hello everyone. Elated to join the Punjab Kings family. I can’t wait to kickstart the season. Looking forward.” His enthusiasm reflects not only his personal ambition but also his commitment to contributing significantly to his new team as they aim for IPL glory in the upcoming season.
𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑 🔄 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐀𝐒! ♥️#ShreyasIyer #IPL2025Auction #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/jpJHcXPepQ
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 24, 2024
Iyer’s transfer marks a pivotal moment for Punjab Kings, who have struggled to find consistent success in recent years. With a hefty investment in Iyer, they are betting on his leadership skills and batting prowess to turn their fortunes around. His recent form has been impressive; he scored two centuries in domestic competitions leading up to the auction, showcasing his readiness for the challenges ahead.
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Iyer and his impact on Punjab Kings. With high expectations riding on him, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he can replicate his previous successes and lead his new franchise to its first IPL title.
