IPL auction: Shreyas Iyer becomes most expensive player, sold to Punjab for Rs 26.75 crore

Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic batter and IPL-winning captain, shattered records by becoming the most expensive player ever, fetching an astronomical Rs 26.75 crore from the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The bidding war was nothing short of a spectacle, showcasing intense competition among franchises eager to secure the services of the prolific cricketer.

Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic batter and IPL-winning captain, shattered records by becoming the most expensive player ever, fetching an astronomical Rs 26.75 crore from the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The bidding war was nothing short of a spectacle, showcasing intense competition among franchises eager to secure the services of the prolific cricketer.

Starting at a base price of Rs 2 crore, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) initiated proceedings, hoping to reclaim their former leader. Punjab Kings (PBKS) soon joined the fray, rapidly escalating the bid to Rs 6 crore. A relentless tug-of-war ensued between KKR and PBKS before Delhi Capitals entered the battlefield, bringing their full financial might.

Delhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting, who has previously worked with Iyer, seemed determined to reunite with the star. The Capitals and PBKS exchanged blows, with neither side backing down. As the bid soared past Rs 10 crore, KKR and PBKS eventually bowed out, leaving Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to duke it out.

The price breached Rs 20 crore, drawing gasps from the audience, and went on to surpass Mitchell Starc’s previous record. With both sides showing no signs of retreat, PBKS finally clinched the deal at an eye-watering Rs 26.75 crore, sealing Shreyas Iyer as their marquee player and likely captain.