Yuzvendra Chahal on Sunday made a high-profile move to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a remarkable Rs 18 crore at the IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This acquisition has sent ripples through the cricketing world, as it came as a surprise when Rajasthan Royals (RR) chose not to retain the seasoned spinner, despite his impressive performances in recent seasons. The bidding for Chahal began with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who took the first step in acquiring the veteran leg-spinner. However, the auction soon saw an intense competition, with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) leading the charge in what turned out to be a fiery bidding war. As the stakes escalated, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with whom Chahal shares a storied history, entered the fray in an attempt to bring him back. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also joined the bidding battle, making the contest even more fierce. Ultimately, Punjab Kings emerged victorious, securing Chahal for a hefty Rs 18 crore. Also Read: Rishabh Pant's auction bid rockets to Rs 27 crore, shattering IPL records The 34-year-old spinner has been a prominent figure in the IPL, achieving remarkable milestones. In IPL 2024, Chahal became the first bowler in IPL history to reach 200 wickets, cementing his legacy as one of the league's premier bowlers. His impressive run did not stop there, as he became the first Indian bowler to claim 350 wickets in T20 cricket, showcasing his dominance in the shortest format of the game. Chahal's IPL journey began with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he played for several seasons, taking 139 wickets in 113 matches. Despite his success, RCB chose not to retain him ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, which saw Chahal make the switch to Rajasthan Royals. Over the next three seasons, Chahal proved his worth, picking up 66 wickets and continuing to be a key asset for the team.
24 November,2024 05:29 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentIn a thrilling bidding war at the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah on Sunday, Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to secure former Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Shami for a hefty Rs 10 crore. The veteran speedster’s journey through the auction table saw an intense battle between multiple franchises, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) initially contesting, before Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also joined in. Swinging his way to Hyderabad in style 😎🔥Mohd. Shami is orange 🧡#TataIPL #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/4eDxBwKpDC — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 24, 2024 Despite KKR appearing close to securing Shami at Rs 9.75 crore, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL 2024 finalists, who clinched the deal at Rs 10 crore. Shami’s presence in the marquee set 2 of the auction immediately drew attention, given his recent form and experience. The right-arm pacer had been in scintillating shape during the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets from just seven games. His remarkable average of 10.70 and an economy rate of 5.26 underscored his lethal performance. Shami also became the first Indian pacer to break Zaheer Khan's record for most wickets in a single World Cup edition, a remarkable feat highlighted by his three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket performance. Also Read: Rishabh Pant's auction bid rockets to Rs 27 crore, shattering IPL records However, Shami's fortunes took a turn after the World Cup as he underwent Achilles tendon surgery in February 2024. Following his recovery, he spent several weeks at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. His comeback was eagerly awaited, and Shami made an impressive return to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy, where he played for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh. Shami took 4/54 in the first innings and 3/102 in the second to guide Bengal to a thrilling 11-run victory. He also featured in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener, picking up a solitary wicket in his four-over spell. Shami's IPL career has seen him represent four different teams. After making his debut with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013, he played for Delhi Capitals from 2014 to 2018. He then joined Punjab Kings ahead of the 2019 season, where he remained until 2021. In 2022 and 2023, he played for Gujarat Titans, contributing significantly to their pace attack. Although unavailable for the previous IPL season, Shami now returns to the tournament with Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding invaluable experience to their ranks. The acquisition of Shami bolsters Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling arsenal as they look to mount another serious title challenge in IPL 2025.
24 November,2024 05:10 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentIn a record-breaking moment at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rishabh Pant has created history by becoming the most expensive player ever in an IPL auction. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) broke the bank to acquire the wicketkeeper-batter for a staggering Rs 27 crore, sparking a fierce bidding war that saw them outbid Sunrisers Hyderabad and his former team, Delhi Capitals. 26.75 mera 🤝 27 tera! 😅Happy? 😂#ShreyasIyer #RishabhPant #PunjabKings #IPL2025Auction https://t.co/8BWPTF0KdZ pic.twitter.com/TUbprjUTT4 — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 24, 2024 Pant, who was released by Delhi Capitals after the 2024 season, became the most sought-after player of the auction. His departure from Delhi marks the first time in his IPL career that he will represent a franchise other than DC, having played for them since his debut in 2016. His move to LSG is not just a personal milestone but also a historic one, as he surpasses Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore in the 2024 auction, making Pant the highest-priced player in IPL history. Also Read: Iyer breaks the bank! PBKS secure IPL’s most expensive player for Rs 26.75 crore The 27-year-old Pant’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After a year-long absence from competitive cricket due to a serious car accident in December 2022, Pant returned to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. However, a disappointing sixth-place finish for DC led to the franchise parting ways with their captain, and Pant entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. His aggressive and fearless batting style, along with his leadership skills, made him a highly coveted player, eventually leading to the record-breaking bid by Lucknow. Pant's IPL career is defined by his explosive batting and match-winning performances. His standout season came in IPL 2018 when he amassed 684 runs at a blistering strike rate of 173.60. In IPL 2019, he scored 488 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 162.66, and played a pivotal role in helping DC reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Pant’s leadership qualities were put to the test in 2021 when he captained Delhi Capitals after Shreyas Iyer’s injury. Under Pant’s leadership, DC finished at the top of the points table before the COVID-19 disruption, and he was retained as skipper for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In total, Pant has scored 3,284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an impressive average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93, including one century and 18 fifties. Across all T20s, he has accumulated 5,022 runs in 202 matches.
24 November,2024 04:47 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli returned to form with a morale-boosting hundred after Yashasvi Jaiswal's masterful century as India declared their second innings for 487 for six, setting Australia a victory target of 534 on day 3 of the opening Test, on Sunday. Kohli smashed eight fours and two sixes during his unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, forging a 89-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Washington Sundar (29) and unfinished 77 off 54 balls with Nitesh Reddy (38 not out) to bat Australia out of the match. This was after Jaiswal's solid 161 at the top. The year 2024 has been a challenging one for Kohli, who had managed just one half-century in his previous 13 innings. However, he made a strong comeback with a century at the Optus Stadium, with his wife, Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma, present in the stands. This will go down as one of my most favourite Virat Kohli hundreds. The way he had complete control throughout the innings, the way he replicated those classic shots, the sweeps, the drives, and finally that evergreen flying kiss to Anushka… uff whata day 😭❤️😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/rm1DXcrE3K — H. 🇮🇹 (@cmoncheeeks) November 24, 2024 Anushka, visibly emotional, stood up and applauded her husband’s remarkable achievement. Kohli reached his century during the 135th over, when he received a full delivery from Marnus Labuschagne, which he expertly swept fine past a diving fielder for a four. The camera once again focused on Anushka, whose emotional reaction was evident. Kohli then blew flying kisses to his wife in a heartfelt moment. Virat Kohli recreated his flying kiss celebration from the 2014 BGT 😭🤍 pic.twitter.com/IMm4Eg6dsg — ' (@chixxsays) November 24, 2024 Immediately after, India declared at 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs. Speaking to broadcasters post-declaration, Kohli praised Anushka’s unwavering support, saying, “Yes, look I mean Anushka has been right by my side through thick and thin. So she knows everything that goes on behind the scenes, when I am in the room, what goes on in the head, when you don't play well, you make a few mistakes, when you are getting yourself in. I just wanted to contribute to the team's cause, you know I am not a guy who wants to hang around just for a sake of it. I take pride in performing for my country and just feels amazing, the fact that she is here makes it even more special.” Also Read: Virat Kohli smacks 30th century, shutting critics and downing Australia in Perth Earlier this year, the couple welcomed their second child in February and both have accompanied Kohli for the ongoing series in Australia. In the first innings, Kohli had faced only 12 balls, scoring just five runs. He was dismissed by a length delivery from Josh Hazlewood, edging it to Usman Khawaja at first slip for a straightforward catch. With this century, Kohli now has seven Test tons in Australia, the joint-highest for any Indian batter in an away country. He is tied with Sunil Gavaskar, who also has seven centuries in the West Indies, and ahead of Rahul Dravid (six in England) and Sachin Tendulkar (six in Australia). In terms of most Test centuries against a single opponent, Kohli has nine centuries against Australia, equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s tally. Sunil Gavaskar holds the record with 13 centuries against the West Indies, followed by Tendulkar with 11 against Australia. Gavaskar also boasts eight centuries against Australia. Kohli’s nine centuries in Australia now place him joint-second among visiting batters, alongside Wally Hammond, with Jack Hobbs leading the pack with 9 centuries.
24 November,2024 04:35 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentThe IPL 2025 mega auction, currently underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has already witnessed some record-breaking moments, and one player in particular has captured the spotlight: Shreyas Iyer. The auction, which is taking place from November 24 to November 25, has seen intense bidding wars, but none as significant as the one surrounding Iyer, who has become the highest-priced player in IPL auction history. Having led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024, Iyer's leadership skills were widely praised, and he now enters the auction as the first-ever IPL-winning captain to do so. His remarkable achievements over the past few seasons have attracted significant interest from several franchises, but it’s the bidding between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings that has made the headlines. Also Read: Punjab Kings bet big on Arshdeep Singh, retain star pacer for Rs 18 crore Iyer has not only captured the attention of the IPL franchises but has now etched his name in the history books by becoming the first player to surpass the Rs 25 crore threshold in an IPL auction. As the auction progresses, Iyer’s price continues to rise, reflecting his growing stature in the cricketing world. He has surpassed the previous record held by Mitchell Starc, who was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. Also Read: Gavaskar lauds BCCI, defends timing of IPL mega auction Iyer’s growing popularity can be attributed to his consistent performances across all formats of the game. As a middle-order batsman, he has been a mainstay for India, while his leadership qualities were showcased with KKR’s successful IPL 2024 campaign. His calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure have made him a sought-after player. Moreover, Iyer’s adaptability in both T20Is and IPL matches makes him an invaluable asset to any franchise. The ongoing bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings highlights just how highly valued Iyer is in the IPL ecosystem. With several teams eyeing him, it’s clear that Iyer’s future in the IPL is set to be more lucrative than ever before. More updates to follow...
24 November,2024 04:28 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentPunjab Kings’ new head coach Ricky Ponting says that he is ready to make some exciting bids in the TATA IPL 2025 Player Auction. With an aim to build a team that is successful for years to come and an environment that’s both fun and dynamic, the two-time ODI World Cup-winning Australia captain shared some insights into his thought process ahead of the auctions. Ponting shared that the aim behind retaining only two players is to build a strong core team from scratch that goes on to be one of the most competitive sides in the tournament. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IPL (@iplt20) While speaking with Star Sports, he said, “I've been lucky to be around a few pretty successful teams. So MI for a few years and then DC, where we had a good run of making the playoffs there. And I liked the look of a few of the younger players in the Punjab Kings lineup. So that was the main attraction really but mainly, it was, to be able to start from scratch pretty much. The aim is to make the franchise one of the powerhouses of the IPL and to make it a really dynamic, fun loving environment that everyone wants to be a part of.” Also Read: Punjab Kings bet big on Arshdeep Singh, retain star pacer for Rs 18 crore While revealing his mindset, Ponting also highlighted the crucial aspects to take care to have a successful auction. “I think there are three most crucial things with a successful auction. One's definitely making sure you stick to your strategy and not getting off that early on. I think being really calm and clear at the auction table is also a really important thing. And then communication on the day because, you know, you're working with the analysts, you're working with your owners. Communication is vital,” Ponting told the broadcaster. Punjab Kings have retained opener Prabhsimran Singh and middle order batsman Shashank Singh and with a purse of Rs 110.5 crore, the biggest of all IPL teams, the team will be looking forward to assembling a strong squad at the auction table. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 November,2024 04:18 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | AgenciesIn a move that underscores his growing stature in the world of T20 cricket, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has been retained by Punjab Kings (PBKS) through the Right-To-Match card for a staggering ₹18 crore at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Arsh be like ➡️ 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐛! 🫶♥️#ArshdeepSingh #IPL2025Auction #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/UT1hBhFoWv — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 24, 2024 This significant investment reflects Arshdeep's exceptional performances, both for India and in the IPL, as he continues to emerge as one of the most promising fast bowlers in the shorter formats of the game. Also Read: 1,574 players, one epic battle! IPL auction gets a Saudi spin Arshdeep, who first rose to prominence as a reliable death bowler in T20s, has cemented his position as one of India's go-to pacers in the shortest format. His career has seen a meteoric rise, and his IPL journey, which began in 2019, has been nothing short of impressive. Having played 65 matches in the IPL, Arshdeep has already taken 76 wickets, with an impressive economy rate that speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to bowl in high-pressure situations. The 2024 IPL season, in particular, saw Arshdeep elevate his game to new heights. Partnering with fellow pacer Harshal Patel, the duo formed a formidable bowling attack for Punjab Kings. Arshdeep was instrumental in their success, taking 19 wickets in 14 matches and proving himself to be one of the most lethal pacers in the competition. His ability to bowl crucial overs, especially in the death, made him a key player for PBKS, and his performances in IPL 2024 were a key factor in the franchise's decision to retain him at such a high price. Also Read: Gavaskar lauds BCCI, defends timing of IPL mega auction Arshdeep’s success is not confined to the IPL. On the international stage, he has carved out a reputation as a specialist white-ball bowler, capable of delivering under pressure. Having played 59 T20Is for India, Arshdeep has claimed 95 wickets, making him one of the most consistent wicket-takers for India in recent years. His performance in the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup was a defining moment in his career, where he showcased his skills to the world by claiming 17 wickets in 8 matches at an outstanding average of 12.47. His death-over bowling, often under intense pressure, was particularly impressive and earned him accolades from across the cricketing fraternity. This IPL season, with the hefty price tag attached to his name, Arshdeep will be expected to continue his dominance, both with the ball and in the field, as he plays a pivotal role in Punjab Kings' bowling attack.
24 November,2024 04:08 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has slammed criticism about the November 24-25 Indian Premier League mega auction being held in the middle of a Test match (India v Australia at Perth). “There was some loose talk here in Australia as to why the auction is being held in the middle of the first Test match. What these people forget is that it is the owners of the franchises who are busy people and who would prefer to have the auction on a Sunday so that they can get back to their business on Monday. “BCCI would naturally care about looking at what is convenient for them rather than what some Australian and English employees of the franchises want,” Gavaskar wrote in his column that appeared in Sunday Mid-day. Also Read: 1,574 players, one epic battle! IPL auction gets a Saudi spin Critics felt that the auction would be distracting for the players who were in thick of battle during the opening Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia captain Pat Cummins stressed in his pre-Test media interaction that the Jeddah event won’t distract the players. Meanwhile, Gavaskar added: “Another message sent by BCCI is that they will go with what is convenient to Indian cricket and their stakeholders than for those who have no business to poke their noses in Indian cricket. Well done, BCCI.”
24 November,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA total of 1,574 players will go under the hammer in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday which includes 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas players, all competing for a place in the world's premier T20 league. The comprehensive list of registered players features 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations. Specifically, the breakdown includes 48 capped Indian players, 272 capped international players, 152 uncapped Indian players who previously played in IPL seasons, 3 uncapped international players with prior IPL experience, 965 uncapped Indian players, and 104 uncapped international players. Among the 409 overseas players, Australia leads with 76 registrations, followed by South Africa with 91, and England with 52. Other notable countries include New Zealand with 39, West Indies with 33, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka with 29 each, and the USA with 10 players. Players from Bangladesh (13), Ireland (9), Canada (4), Netherlands (12), Zimbabwe (8), Scotland (2), UAE (1), and Italy (1) have also registered. With each of the ten IPL franchises able to fill a maximum squad of 25 players, 204 slots will be available at the IPL 2025 player auction. The event promises to be highly competitive as teams build their rosters for the next three years. Also Read: 'Rishabh Pant may go for more than Rs 25 crore': Raina A total of 574 players were released by the respective franchise ahead of the mega auction. Of the 574 players, 366 are Indian, while 208 are overseas, including three from associate nations. The auction will see 318 Indian uncapped players and 12 uncapped overseas players in contention. There are 204 slots available, with 70 reserved for overseas players. The highest reserve price is set at INR 2 crore, with 81 players opting for this bracket. The largest segment comprises players with a base price of INR 30 lakh, totalling 320. Among the standout names are Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, part of the 12 marquee players. These three captains were released by their respective franchises ahead of the retention deadline. For the first time since 2018, the marquee players are divided into two sets, comprising seven Indian players and five overseas stars. The first set includes Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Arshdeep Singh, while the second features KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. The overseas marquee players are Mitchell Starc, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada. Several teams will deploy Right-to-Match (RTM) cards during the auction. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), having retained six players each--the maximum allowed--will not have any RTM cards. Punjab Kings (PBKS) hold four RTMs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) three, and Delhi Capitals (DC) two. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Titans (GT), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Mumbai Indians (MI) each have one RTM. RTM cards enable teams to buy back released players by matching the highest bid. In this auction, the team with the highest bid can increase their offer once more, after which the team holding the RTM card can match the final bid to secure the player. The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to deliver high-stakes action, with marquee players and strategic manoeuvres set to enthral cricket fans. (With agency inputs)
24 November,2024 03:48 PM IST | Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli on Sunday marked a significant milestone by bringing up his 30th Test century in the ongoing first Test between India and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Indian star batter, who had been under intense scrutiny for his recent slump in Test cricket, silenced his critics with a commanding knock, ending his century drought in style. He's back! Virat Kohli hits his 30th Test ton!#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/X6P7RnajnX — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024 Kohli walked to the crease when India were 275/2 and displayed remarkable resilience, learning from the errors he made in the first innings. His century, which comes after a lengthy gap since his last Test ton in July 2023 against the West Indies, featured a total of eight boundaries and two sixes. Also Read: Jaiswal falls after a stellar 161, India’s lead rockets to 405 at tea Kohli brought up his century in emphatic fashion, smacking Marnus Labuschagne for a boundary. Prior to this match, Kohli had been struggling with the bat, and his recent performances had raised concerns over his form. This century not only marks his highest individual score in red-ball cricket in 2024, but also sees him equalling the feats of legends Steve Waugh and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, both of whom have scored 30 Test centuries. More updates to follow...
24 November,2024 03:11 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli returned to form with a morale-boosting hundred after Yashasvi Jaiswal's masterful century as India declared their second innings for 487 for six, setting Australia a victory target of 534 on day 3 of the opening Test, on Sunday. Kohli smashed eight fours and two sixes during his unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, forging a 89-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Washington Sundar (29) and unfinished 77 off 54 balls with Nitesh Reddy (38 not out) to bat Australia out of the match. This was after Jaiswal's solid 161 at the top. India lost only Washington in the third session after Australia picked four wickets after lunch but Kohli put India in command. Jaiswal, who completed his fourth Test hundred in the morning session, hit 15 boundaries and three maximums in his 297-ball innings before being caught by Steven Smith off Mitchell Marsh. Also Read: Virat Kohli smacks 30th century, shutting critics and downing Australia in Perth Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant (1) and Dhruv Jurel (1) were the other Indian batters to be dismissed in the post lunch session. India had scored only 150 runs in their first innings but returned to bundle out Australia for 104 in their first essay. In their second innings, Jaiswal and KL Rahul (77) stitched a record-breaking 201-run stand for the opening wicket, the highest by an Indian opening pair on Australian soil, to put India in a strong position. Brief Score: India: 150 & 487-6 declared in 134.3 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 161, Virat Kohli 100 not out, KL Rahul 77; Nathan Lyon 2/96) Australia 1st innings: 104 all out (With agency inputs)
24 November,2024 03:09 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
