The Pro Kabaddi League 2025 player auction broke several records as all 12 teams spent big money on star players during the PKL 12 auction held in Mumbai on 31 May and 1 June.
For the first time in the history of the PKL, 10 players crossed the magical figure of Rs 1 crore in a single edition.
Here’s the full list of the top 5 most expensive players in the PKL 12 auction:
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh – Gujarat Giants – Rs 2.23 Cr
The ‘Showman’ from Iran, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui, is a freak of nature. The 23-year-old was roped in by Gujarat Giants for Rs 2.23 crore in the PKL 12 auction.
With 354 tackle points in just four seasons in the PKL, Shadloui has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league. In the last two seasons, he was instrumental in Puneri Paltan and Haryana Steelers’ maiden PKL triumphs, respectively. The left corner racked up 82 tackle points and scored 139 points in Season 11.
Devank – Bengal Warriors – Rs 2.205 Cr
The biggest star of PKL 11 was undoubtedly Devank Dalal. The 22-year-old raider from Rohtak, Haryana, shattered all records and became the first raider to accumulate 300 raid points in a single season. He was picked up by Bengal Warriors for Rs 2.205 crore.
He was one of the main reasons behind Patna Pirates’ run to the final. The Army man scored 301 raid points with an astonishing average of 12.04 points per match, racking up 18 Super 10s in 25 matches.
Ashu Malik – Dabang Delhi – Rs 1.90 Cr (FBM: 2 Seasons)
Over the last two seasons of PKL, Ashu Malik has emerged as one of the most consistent raiders in the league. The 23-year-old from Haryana has led Dabang Delhi in the last two seasons from the front, and the capital-based team used their FBM (Final Bid Match) option for the raider’s services for two seasons.
With 730 raid points at an average of 8.02 points per match, alongside astute leadership skills, Ashu will attract interest from various teams. The Delhi-based franchise will look to use the FBM card to keep their main man, but it will be difficult.
Ankit Jaglan – Rs 1.573 Cr
After drawing interest from Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Haryana Steelers, and U Mumba, all-rounder Ankit Jaglan was finally roped in by Patna Pirates, which used their FBM option for one season.
Arjun Deshwal – Tamil Thalaivas – Rs 1.405 Cr
For his relentless raiding and superb accuracy, Arjun Deshwal has been dubbed the ‘Raid-machine’. The 25-year-old from Basea, Uttar Pradesh, was the MVP in Season 9, when he took Jaipur Pink Panthers to their second PKL title. He was picked up by Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 1.405 crore.
With 1174 raid points from 114 matches, Deshwal has cemented himself as one of the iconic raiders in the league’s history. Despite scoring 230 points at a healthy average of 9.86, the Panthers decided to release him ahead of the auction, which raised several eyebrows.