In a groundbreaking moment for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shreyas Iyer has been sold to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a record-breaking ₹26.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This monumental bid not only made Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history but also surpassed the previous record set by Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who was bought for ₹24.75 crore in the last auction.
A historic acquisition by Punjab Kings
The auction took place on Sunday (November 24) and Iyer’s acquisition by Punjab Kings marked a significant investment for the franchise, which retained only two players ahead of the auction and entered with a substantial budget of ₹110.5 crore. The bidding for Iyer was intense, involving a three-way contest among Punjab Kings, his former team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC), all of whom were eager to secure the talented middle-order batsman. Iyer’s release from KKR after leading them to their third IPL title in 2024 came as a surprise, especially considering his impressive performance during the season where he scored 351 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 146.86. His ability to perform under pressure and his leadership experience made him a prime target for franchises looking to strengthen their squads.
Iyer’s impressive track record
Shreyas Iyer has been a consistent performer in the IPL since making his debut for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2015. Over 116 matches, he has accumulated 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23 and a strike rate of 127.47, including 21 half-centuries. His prowess against spin and ability to anchor innings have made him an invaluable asset.In addition to his IPL success, Iyer has also made significant contributions in domestic cricket, recently scoring a blistering 130 not out off just 57 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has shown remarkable form this season, including two centuries in the Ranji Trophy and a career-best score of 233 against Odisha.
Also READ: Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2025 – LIVE Updates
Here’s how fans reacted:
Shreyas Iyer creates waves in the IPL Auction 💥
Punjab Kings secure him for a record-breaking 26.75 crores! 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/5RSwUSTHm7
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) November 24, 2024
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN – YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY
Shreyas Iyer Sold out To PUNJAB KINGS for 26.75 Cr 💸💸💰 pic.twitter.com/TeOH67GOB3
— Deepak singh (@Deepaks16615035) November 24, 2024
Ye Shreyas Iyer ko kuch jyada he nahi mil gya paisa?????#IPLAuction
— Simple man (@Simple__Banda_) November 24, 2024
Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 for Punjab kings.
This sums up punjab season and reason why they are unable to make a good core since year’s pic.twitter.com/MW8pl1h9vC— Mayavi Maarich (@MayaviMaarich) November 24, 2024
Shreyas Iyer right now.. pic.twitter.com/hJwUS3ikod
— Sunny Kesh (@Sunnykesh) November 24, 2024
#IPLAuction2025
Shreyas Iyer right now pic.twitter.com/qdQPoKo9Jc
— Jagrizzz🎀💗🧸 (@kandapohaa) November 24, 2024
Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer’s reunion: from Delhi to Punjab! pic.twitter.com/29l2mtvkID
— Nut Boult (@NutBoult) November 24, 2024
Shreyas Iyer for now. pic.twitter.com/vNxLm3bIhq
— Ankita (@Saymyname037) November 24, 2024
Shreyas Iyer to punjab at 26.75cr 😱😱
Bombay to punjab finally declare 🥶.#ShreyasIyer #IPLAuction2025 pic.twitter.com/6rIrNiBLyT
— Anjali Arora Team (@AnjaliArora76) November 24, 2024
🚨RECORD ALERT🚨
SHREYAS IYER BECOMES THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY!!!
26.75 Cr For PBKS for SHREYAS IYER
THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY!!!#IPLAuction #IPLAuction2025 #ShreyasIyer #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/qWDDjsflZN
— Jitendra choudhary (@JitendraCh92717) November 24, 2024
shreyas iyer for 26 cr 😭😭😭🙏🏻 PBKS is going crazy bhai
— Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) November 24, 2024