PKL Auction 2025: Top five most expensive players in Pro Kabaddi League history

The 2025 Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction will take place on May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai, with over 500 players expected to go under the hammer. Over 11 seasons, franchises have invested heavily to secure the world’s top talent, and this year’s auction is poised to break records for the highest-priced players in PKL history.

Here are the five most expensive players in PKL history:

Pawan Sehrawat (Rs 2.605 crore)

The powerful raider holds the record as the most expensive player, 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 the season 9 auction. It remains to be seen if Telugu Titans retains him or another team secures the Indian skipper in 2025.

Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh (Rs 2.35 crore)

Iran’s all-rounder Shadloui is the second most expensive player. Puneri Paltan paid Rs 2.35 crore for him in season 9, a move that helped it clinch its maiden title. Haryana Steelers spent Rs 2.07 crore on him in the previous auction and won the championship. He is again expected to be a hot pick this year.

Sachin Tanwar (Rs 2.15 crore)

Tamil Thalaivas bought Sachin Tanwar for Rs 2.15 crore in the Season 11 auction, placing him among the top five most expensive Indian players. However, after an underwhelming season, he was released ahead of the PKL 12 auction.

Maninder Singh (Rs 2.12 crore)

Maninder Singh became the most expensive Final Bid Match (FBM) buy when Bengal Warriorz acquired him for Rs 2.12 crore after releasing him before the last auction.

Guman Singh (Rs 1.97 crore)

Guman Singh is the fourth most expensive Indian player, bought by Gujarat Giants for Rs 1.97 crore in Season 11. The raiding all-rounder has since been released by the Giants.