The auctions ahead of the 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) concluded after two days of intense bidding in Mumbai on Sunday.
While some familiar faces, like Pawan Sehrawat and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, found buyers quickly, others whose performances in the previous season sparked bidding wars were also highly sought after.
With the auctions for PKL 2025 now complete, Sportstar looks at the most expensive signings in the history of the league:
1. Pawan Sehrawat (Rs 2.605 crore)
The powerful raider holds the record as the most expensive player, whether Indian or foreign, after Telugu Titans bought him for Rs 2.605 crore ahead of the 2023 season.
Previously, Tamil Thalaivas acquired him for Rs 2.26 crore in Season 9’s auction. Three seasons later, he returned to the same franchise at a much lower price.
2. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh (Rs 2.35 crore)
Iran’s all-rounder Shadloui, who played a crucial role in helping Haryana Steelers win the title last year, continued to be a highly sought-after player in this year’s auction.
The Steelers had initially signed him for Rs 2.07 crore, while Puneri Paltan brought him in for Rs 2.35 crore in Season 9 – a move that helped the team secure their maiden title in 2023.
In the 2025 auction, he again fetched a bid over Rs 2 crore, with Gujarat Giants securing his services for Rs 2.23 crore.
3. Devank Dalal (Rs 2.205 crore)
Devank was the standout star of PKL 11, playing a pivotal role in helping his team reach the final. The 22-year-old raider from Haryana shattered all records by becoming the first raider to accumulate 300 raid points in a single season.
It came as no surprise when he emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the auction. Bengal Warriors roped him in for Rs 2.205 crore, making him the most expensive Indian player in this year’s auction.
4. Sachin Tanwar (Rs 2.15 crore)
Tamil Thalaivas secured Sachin Tanwar for Rs 2.15 crore in the Season 11 auction, placing him among the top five most expensive Indian players.
However, after a less-than-impressive season, he was released ahead of the PKL 12 auction.
5. Maninder Singh (Rs 2.12 crore)
Maninder Singh became the most expensive Final Bid Match (FBM) buy when Bengal Warriors acquired him for Rs 2.12 crore in 2023.
The 35-year-old, who won the Asian Kabaddi Championship with India in 2017, has also won two PKL titles with Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengal Warriors. He has led the Warriors on multiple occasions.