Rishabh Pant Sets IPL Auction Record

Rishabh Pant has become the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for a record ₹27 crore ($3.2 million) during the auction in Jeddah. This deal surpassed the previous highest bid of ₹26.75 crore ($3.17 million) for Shreyas Iyer from Punjab Kings. The intense bidding involved teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, but Lucknow ultimately secured Pant after a fierce competition. The auction featured 577 players, with notable signings including Mitchell Starc for ₹11.75 crore and Jos Buttler for ₹1.49 million. The event, marking the first IPL auction held outside India, has set new financial benchmarks for future seasons of the tournament. As the IPL continues to grow, these record-breaking deals highlight the increasing financial stakes in professional cricket.