Since its 2014 launch, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has revolutionized kabaddi, transforming top-tier players into millionaires. Auctions have become intense battlegrounds where franchises spend big for elite raiders and defenders. Here’s a look at the top five costliest buys in PKL auction history, led by familiar faces like Pawan Sehrawat and Mohammadreza Shadloui.
1. Pawan Sehrawat | INR 2.605 Cr | Telugu Titans (Season 10)
Pawan broke his own record to become the highest-paid player ever. Despite scoring 202 raid points and 15 tackle points, his team, Telugu Titans, finished last with just 21 points.
2. Mohammadreza Shadloui | INR 2.35 Cr | Puneri Paltan (Season 10)
The Iranian sensation justified his price tag, earning Best Defender of the Season with 99 tackle points and powering Puneri Paltan to their first title. A true game-changer.
3. Pawan Sehrawat | INR 2.26 Cr | Tamil Thalaivas (Season 9)
Before his record-setting Season 10 deal, Pawan was the biggest buy of Season 9. Sadly, a knee injury in the opening match ruled him out for the season.
4. Sachin Tanwar | INR 2.15 Cr | Tamil Thalaivas (Season 11)
Thalaivas invested big again, this time in Sachin. He delivered moderate returns with 82 raid points, but the team finished ninth on the table.
5. Maninder Singh | INR 2.12 Cr | Bengal Warriors (Season 10)
Retained via the Final Bid Match option, Maninder impressed with 197 raid points. However, Bengal Warriors just missed playoffs, ending seventh.
These star players have not only rewritten auction records but also elevated the profile of kabaddi, showing the sport’s growing commercial and fan appeal.
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