The IPL 2025 auction proved to be a historic one, marked by record-breaking deals, extraordinary stories, and a significant shift in player valuation dynamics. From Rishabh Pant becoming the highest-paid cricketer in IPL history to the youngest-ever player being selected, this year’s auction highlighted the league’s evolution as both a cricketing spectacle and a financial powerhouse.
The IPL 2025 Auction came to an end on Monday, November 24 with the teams batting the cash on players for the next cycle of three years. A total of 182 players were sold for a massive Rs. 639.15 Crore across 2 days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with all the teams going for big names.
Rishabh Pant Becomes IPL’s Most Expensive Player
Rishabh Pant created history by becoming the most expensive player ever to be auctioned in IPL history, fetching a staggering ₹27 crore. This groundbreaking deal not only cemented Pant’s status as one of the finest talents in the sport but also set a new benchmark for player valuations. Pant’s skills as a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman and his leadership qualities have made him one of the most needed cricketers in the league.
Rising Averages, But Median Prices Tell a Different Story
A Moneycontrol analysis of the IPL 2025 auction revealed intriguing trends in player valuations:
- Top Five Players: The average price of the top five players in 2025 was ₹22.7 crore, significantly higher than the ₹16.5 crore average in 2024. This reflects the fierce bidding wars for elite players.
- Average Price Per Player: Across all players, the average price was ₹3.51 crore, 10% higher than last year and more than double the average from a decade ago.
However, these averages can be misleading. The median price, which provides a more accurate picture of typical earnings, was ₹1.5 crore - lower than the ₹1.7 crore median from the 2018 auction.
Top Players Dominate Spending
The 2025 auction saw teams spending a total of ₹639.15 crore to acquire 183 players. But, a closer look reveals a stark disparity in earnings:
- Top 25 Players: These players alone earned ₹340 crore, averaging ₹13.6 crore per player.
- Other 157 Players: The remaining players collectively earned ₹299.15 crore, averaging just ₹1.9 crore per player.
Median Earnings Lag Behind Inflation
When compared with the first major auction in 2014, where Yuvraj Singh fetched ₹14 crore and the median price was ₹1 crore, the median price in 2025 has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 3.75%. This growth has not kept pace with India’s average consumer inflation rate of 5% over the same period. While marquee players continue to break records, the typical IPL player’s earnings struggle to outpace inflation.
A Historic Moment: 13-Year-Old Player Makes IPL Debut
The IPL 2025 auction also witnessed an extraordinary milestone as the youngest-ever player, a 13-year-old prodigy, was selected by a franchise. This remarkable moment not only shattered age records but also showcased the IPL’s commitment to nurturing young talent. The player, whose name has quickly become a buzzword among cricket enthusiasts, has been hailed as the future of Indian cricket.
Uncapped Players See a Silver Lining
For uncapped players, the 2025 auction marked a turning point. The modal price - the most frequently bid amount for players - rose to ₹30 lakh for the first time in eight years. Between 2018 and 2024, the modal price had stagnated at ₹20 lakh, reflecting limited opportunities for uncapped players to earn higher sums.
Record-Breaking Moments and Trends
Beyond Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore deal, the 2025 auction delivered several other highlights:
- Highest Auction Spending: The total spending of ₹639.15 crore was among the highest in IPL history.
- Star Players Commanding High Prices: Apart from Pant, other top players fetched significant sums, further emphasizing the league’s competitive nature.
- Emphasis on Young Talent: Franchises continued to invest heavily in young players, with several under-19 stars earning lucrative contracts.
What These Trends Mean for the IPL
The IPL 2025 auction reaffirmed the league’s position as the most lucrative cricketing competition in the world. However, the disparity between top-tier players and the rest remains a challenge.
While marquee players command eye-opening sums, the earnings of the majority of players reflect a slower growth trajectory.
Check out our Instagram to see the crazy records that IPL’25 Auction saw!
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