IPL 2025 Auction: Pant Sets Record with Rs 27 Crore Bid

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah has sparked significant interest with Rishabh Pant making history as the most expensive player, purchased by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore. The auction features seasoned players like James Anderson and emerging talents, reflecting the vast talent pool in Indian cricket, with 574 players shortlisted from 1,574 names. It is a financial juggernaut, with franchises spending heavily on marquee names like Jos Buttler and Shreyas Iyer. Punjab Kings, under new head coach Ricky Ponting, aim for a strategic rebuild with a significant purse, targeting players like Pant and Buttler. The event highlights the IPL's transformation into a major sporting spectacle, drawing global attention and showcasing cricket's growth in India.