Shreyas Iyer Shatters Records with Rs 267.5 Million Deal, Joins Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer created history in the IPL auction, securing the title of the most expensive player ever with a remarkable bid of Rs 26.75 crore by Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the 2025 mega auction held at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This landmark deal surpasses the previous record set by Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who was acquired for Rs 24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the 2024 auction in Dubai.

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Shreyas Iyer’s signing represents a landmark moment in IPL history, with the 29-year-old now crowned as the league’s most expensive player ever. This comes after an impressive 2024 IPL season, where Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third title triumph. Despite his instrumental role in KKR’s success, both as a leader and a batter, the franchise made the surprising decision to release him ahead of the auction. Punjab Kings capitalized on this bold move, securing Iyer’s services in a historic deal that underscores his immense value in the league.

Shreyas Iyer’s stellar form in the domestic circuit this year has further cemented his reputation as an all-format powerhouse. With two centuries in the Ranji Trophy and another in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Iyer has demonstrated remarkable consistency across formats. In IPL 2024, he was pivotal to KKR’s title-winning campaign, scoring 351 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 146.86. His reliability with the bat has made him one of the tournament’s standout performers. Adding to his legacy, Iyer made history in 2020 as the first Indian captain to lead two different teams—Delhi Capitals and KKR—to IPL finals, underscoring his leadership credentials.

Shreyas Iyer’s leadership continues to earn widespread acclaim, with his guidance playing a key role in KKR’s triumph in the 2024 IPL, their third trophy. This success added to his earlier milestone of leading Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final in 2020. Beyond his captaincy, Iyer’s batting brilliance has been equally noteworthy. In a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match, he delivered a jaw-dropping 130 off just 57 balls for Mumbai against Goa. His explosive innings, featuring 10 fours and 10 sixes, showcased his aggressive style and cemented his status as one of T20 cricket’s most formidable hitters.

With more than 5,700 runs in 215 T20 matches at a strike rate of 132.57, Shreyas Iyer has proven himself as a consistent and versatile performer in both domestic and international cricket. His impressive tally includes three centuries and 36 half-centuries, underscoring his ability to either anchor an innings or shift gears and accelerate when required. This adaptability has made him a vital asset in any format of the game.