Double the number of crorepatis from Season 10 sets a new benchmark for the PKL Player Auction
~ Mohammadreza Shadloui bags more than INR 2 crores in three consecutive seasons
~ Devank Dalal joins Bengal Warriorz for whopping INR 2.205 crores
~ Ashu Malik, Deepak Singh re-signed for two seasons via the new FBM rule
The opening day of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12 Player Auction made history in Mumbai as Mohammadreza Shadloui, the Season 11 Most Valuable Player, was sold for INR 2.23 Crores to Gujarat Giants, setting a new benchmark. The two-time PKL champion became the first player to surpass the ₹2 Crore mark in three consecutive seasons, underscoring his growing value in the league. This historic bid kicked off a series of high-profile signings, with 10 players crossing the INR 1 Crore threshold, doubling the number from PKL Season 10 and marking a significant moment for the league. Among the top bids, Devank Dalal, the Best Raider of PKL 11, joined Shadloui in the ₹2 Crore club, being signed by Bengal Warriorz for INR 2.205 Crores, making him the fifth-most expensive player in PKL history. A highlight of the Player Auction was the use of the new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule which allows teams to buy back their released players by matching the final auction bid price, for either one or two seasons. This FBM rule was used by Dabang Delhi K.C. to bring their star raider Ashu Malik back to the team for INR 1.90 Crores for the next two seasons.
Arjun Deshwal, who was signed by Tamil Thalaivas for INR 1.405 Crores, and Yogesh Dahiya, who will join Bengaluru Bulls after being signed for INR 1.125 Crores, were the other top bids from Category A.l
After Category A saw 5 players bought for more than INR 1 Crore, Category B followed in the same vein. Ankit Jaglan was bought back by Patna Pirates for INR 1.573 Crore with the raise of an FBM card for one season, while Season 8 winner Naveen Kumar was the second-most expensive player in this Category, paid by Haryana Steelers for a price of INR 1.20 Crores.
Guman Singh found himself among the Crorepati list yet again, this time being signed by UP Yoddhas for INR 1.073 Crores. Sachin Tanwar and Nitin Kumar rounded out the 10 Crorepatis of the PKL 12 Player Auction, bagging INR 1.058 Crores (Puneri Paltan) and INR 1.002 Crores (Jaipur Pink Panthers) respectively.
“Day 1 of the PKL Season 12 Player Auction was a landmark moment, with a record-breaking 10 players crossing the ₹1 crore mark across Categories A and B — reflecting the continued growth in player value and the league’s evolution over the past decade. The introduction of the two-season Final Bid Match (FBM) rule also had an impact, with two teams choosing to retain players for a longer duration — highlighting our commitment to building continuity within squads. We now look forward to Day 2, as the franchisees build their squads for the upcoming season,” said Mr. Anupam Goswami, Business Head, Mashal Sports & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League.
The overwhelming presence of 10 Crorepatis reflects the growing prestige and value of Kabaddi, both as a sport and a business. As the auction continues, teams are making bold moves to secure top talent and strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. With such a dynamic start, PKL 12 promises to be a thrilling season that will captivate fans around the world, showcasing the evolving landscape of Pro Kabaddi.
