The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 auction is officially a wrap, and what a thrilling ride it was! Fans, franchises, and players alike witnessed an auction full of big surprises, record-breaking deals, and smart strategic moves. With every franchise looking to fine-tune their squads for the new season, this year’s auction saw plenty of action, especially with a growing focus on young talent, high-performing veterans, and international stars.
If you missed the drama, don’t worry. Here’s a full rundown of the biggest takeaways and a complete look at the players who found new homes.
.
Shattering Records: The Big Money Buys
Every PKL auction has its standout moments, and 2025 was no exception. Iranian defender Mohammadreza Shadloui made history by becoming the most expensive player ever sold in the league. He was picked up by the Gujarat Giants for a jaw-dropping ₹2.23 crore. Known for his defensive dominance and game-changing tackles, Shadloui’s price tag reflects just how crucial defense has become in the modern kabaddi game.
Close behind him was Devank Dalal, who went to the Bengal Warriors for ₹2.205 crore. Dalal’s consistency as a raider made him one of the most sought-after players this year, and the Warriors clearly see him as the linchpin of their attacking strategy.
The Crorepati Club: 10 Players Cross ₹1 Crore Mark
One of the standout features of this year’s auction was the sheer number of players crossing the ₹1 crore mark. Here’s a list of the top 10:
Mohammadreza Shadloui – ₹2.23 crore (Gujarat Giants)
Devank Dalal – ₹2.205 crore (Bengal Warriors)
Aashu Malik – ₹1.9 crore (Dabang Delhi)
Ankit Jaglan – ₹1.573 crore (Patna Pirates)
Arjun Deshwal – ₹1.405 crore (Tamil Thalaivas)
Naveen Kumar – ₹1.2 crore (Haryana Steelers)
Yogesh Dahiya – ₹1.125 crore (Bengaluru Bulls)
Guman Singh – ₹1.073 crore (UP Yoddhas)
Sachin Tanwar – ₹1.058 crore (Puneri Paltan)
Nitin Kumar – ₹1.002 crore (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
The big takeaway from these numbers? PKL teams are not shying away from investing heavily in youth and proven performers. The money being spent shows the growing financial health and popularity of the league.
Team Strategies: What the Squads Are Building
Each team came into the auction with a clear plan, whether it was to strengthen their raiding arsenal, fortify their defense, or simply bring in fresh faces.
Tamil Thalaivas brought in Arjun Deshwal, signaling an aggressive raiding strategy.
Haryana Steelers went all in for Naveen Kumar, betting on his pace and match-winning potential.
Patna Pirates secured Ankit Jaglan, an all-rounder with plenty of promise.
Bengal Warriors, with Devank Dalal in their camp, have one of the strongest raiding units on paper now.
International Talent on the Rise
It wasn’t just Indian players making headlines. Several international stars also drew interest from multiple franchises. Along with Shadloui, other overseas signings include:
Alireza Khalili (Tamil Thalaivas) – ₹30.2 lakh
Milad Jabbari (Gujarat Giants) – ₹13.6 lakh
Dong Geon Lee (UP Yoddhas) – ₹13.5 lakh
Amir Hossein Ejlali (Telugu Titans) – ₹26 lakh
The success of international players in recent seasons has clearly encouraged teams to scout more actively abroad, especially from Iran and South Korea.
Veterans and Smart Buys
Alongside the big buys, teams also focused on value-for-money players who could make a strong impact. Some notable mentions include:
Pawan Sehrawat – ₹59.5 lakh (Tamil Thalaivas)
Fazel Atrachali – ₹30 lakh (Dabang Delhi)
Deepak Singh – ₹86 lakh (Patna Pirates)
Bharat Hooda – ₹81 lakh (Telugu Titans)
Veteran defenders and seasoned raiders were strategically picked up to bring balance and leadership to relatively young squads.
Young Blood: The Next Gen is Here
Franchises also made it clear they are thinking about the long-term, with several young talents getting snapped up:
Gurdeep – ₹47.1 lakh (Puneri Paltan)
Sanket Sawant – ₹40.5 lakh (Patna Pirates)
Manjeet Dahiya – ₹40 lakh (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Nitin Rawal – ₹50 lakh (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
These up-and-comers may not be household names yet, but they’re expected to play a big role as the season unfolds.
Final Thoughts: A Season Full of Promise
With squads locked in and fans buzzing with excitement, the stage is set for an unforgettable PKL 2025 season. The auction has once again proven that kabaddi is more than just a sport—it’s a growing business, a platform for new talent, and a source of national pride.
Expect intense rivalries, fresh strategies, and plenty of fireworks when the action kicks off. If the auction was this exciting, imagine what the actual matches will look like!