PKL 12 Auction: Top five most expensive buys ft. Devank Dalal
Mohammadreza Shadloui became the most expensive player in the PKL 12 auction.
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) auction, held in Mumbai, turned into a record-shattering affair with teams splashing big money to grab the biggest names in kabaddi. For the first time in league history, ten players crossed the ₹1 crore mark, making Day 1 one of the most memorable in Pro Kabaddi League history.
The bidding wars were intense, strategies were tested, and team owners didn’t hesitate to break the bank for players they believed could shift the tide in their favour this season.
Mohammadreza Shadloui once again proved his unmatched value, becoming the most expensive buy at the PKL 12 auction for ₹2.23 crore, with Gujarat Giants securing his services. Indian raiders weren’t far behind either—Bengal Warriorz spent ₹2.205 crore on Devank Dalal, while Tamil Thalaivas picked up Arjun Deshwal for ₹1.405 crore.
Ashu Malik, retained by Dabang Delhi via FBM for ₹1.90 crore, and Ankit Jaglan, who became the costliest Indian defender at ₹1.573 crore, also drew huge attention.
With aggressive bidding and record-breaking deals, PKL 12 has already made headlines before a single point has been scored. Here’s a look at the top 5 most expensive buys in the PKL 12 auction, ranked from lowest to highest.
5. Arjun Deshwal – ₹1.405 Cr (Tamil Thalaivas)
One of the league’s most consistent raiders, Arjun Deshwal, found a new home with Tamil Thalaivas ahead of the PKL 12. The bidding began swiftly, with Telugu Titans jumping in at ₹1.02 Cr.
Puneri Paltan and Bengal Warriorz tried to outbid each other, but it was the Thalaivas who surprised everyone with a ₹1.405 Cr winning bid. Arjun will now reunite with coach Sanjeev Baliyan for a fresh start in Chennai.
4. Ankit Jaglan – ₹1.5725 Cr (Patna Pirates)
Ankit Jaglan became the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history when Patna Pirates used their FBM card to bring him back at ₹1.573 Cr at the PKL 12 auction. After a back-and-forth bidding war involving Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, and Jaipur Pink Panthers, it seemed like Jaipur would bag him. But the Pirates weren’t ready to let go and exercised the FBM in the nick of time.
3. Ashu Malik – ₹1.90 Cr (Dabang Delhi)
Ashu Malik returned to Joginder Narwal’s side after Dabang Delhi used their FBM card to retain him at ₹1.90 Cr. Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, and Bengal Warriorz pushed the bid to new heights, but Delhi sealed the deal to keep the star raider in their ranks.
2. Devank Dalal – ₹2.205 Cr (Bengal Warriorz)
Devank Dalal, last season’s breakout raider, turned into the highest-paid Indian player of the PKL 12 auction. Bengal Warriorz splurged ₹2.205 Cr to secure him after an intense battle with Puneri Paltan and Telugu Titans.
1. Mohammadreza Shadloui – ₹2.23 Cr (Gujarat Giants)
The Iranian all-rounder once again broke the bank as Gujarat Giants secured his services for a jaw-dropping ₹2.23 Cr. Known for being a game-changer on the mat, Shadloui attracted bids from multiple teams, including Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates. Gujarat, however, had the final say and made him the most expensive player in PKL 12.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.
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