The mega auction for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) had 577 players shortlisted from a total of 1,574 registrations which went under the hammer. Out of the 577, only 182 players were bid for. 120 Indians and 62 overseas players were ultimately distributed across the 10 franchises.

The 10 teams build their squads through an auction. On Sunday, Rishabh Pant, India’s swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, became the most expensive player in the IPL’s 16-year history when the Lucknow Super Giants paid $3.2 million for his services. The auction price represents the player’s salary.

Rishabh Pant joined Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Chennai Super Kings were expected to bid heavily for the wicketkeeper-batsman but they didn't make even one bid for him.

The IPL 2025 mega auction were a two-day affair on November 24 and 25. The 10 franchises splurged a staggering INR 639.15 crore on 182 players over two days. INR 383.4 crore were spent on 120 Indian players at the mega auction. The auction saw the records of the previous auctions broken and some new names holding the coveted spot hereafter.

The IPL 2025 mega auction unfolded in Jeddah over two days on November 24 and 25, with teams picking from a shortlist of 577 players. Lucknow Super Giants made history, securing Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking bid of Rs 27 crore.

In the third edition of the Democratic Review System, we try to give our take on who actually won the IPL 2025 Auction in Jeddah. All the 10 teams splashed cash during the 2-day event to fill their spots for the new season.

Rajasthan spent Rs 5.25 crore on Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga. Maheesh Theekshana was roped in as another spin-bowling option. RR forked out Rs 4.20 crore to take Nitish Rana on board. Fazalhaq Farooqi was acquired at his base price of Rs 2 crore.