The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction didn’t just bring in the drama; it rewrote the record books with jaw-dropping deals and headline-grabbing buys. The franchises were in no mood to hold back, and the top five most expensive players of the auction are proof of that. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest names and the price tags they commanded:
1️⃣ Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh – Gujarat Giants – ₹2.23 Crore
The Showman from Iran, Mohammadreza Shadloui, is a freak of nature on the mat. The 23-year-old defender has been a dominant force since his debut, and Gujarat Giants made no mistake in snapping him up for a staggering ₹2.23 Crore.
Shadloui’s resume? Simply phenomenal—354 tackle points in just four seasons! After powering Puneri Paltan and Haryana Steelers to their maiden PKL titles, the left corner will now anchor Gujarat’s defence. With 82 tackle points and 139 total points in Season 11, expect fireworks from the Iranian superstar!
2️⃣ Devank – Bengal Warriorz – ₹2.205 Crore
The breakout star of PKL 11, Devank Dalal, shattered records left, right, and centre. The 22-year-old raider from Rohtak, Haryana, became the first player in PKL history to score 300 raid points in a single season!
Picked up by Bengal Warriorz for ₹2.205 Crore, Devank brings serious firepower to the team. His Season 11 numbers? Off the charts—301 raid points, an average of 12.04 points per match, and 18 Super 10s in 25 games. A true game-changer!
3️⃣ Ashu Malik – Dabang Delhi – ₹1.90 Crore (FBM: 2 Seasons)
Ashu Malik has quietly become one of the most consistent raiders in the PKL over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old Haryana native has not only delivered on the mat but also led Dabang Delhi with poise and maturity.
With 730 raid points at an average of 8.02 points per match, Ashu is a leader in every sense. No wonder Dabang Delhi wasted no time in using their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain him for two seasons at ₹1.90 Crore. Smart move by the Capitals!
4️⃣ Ankit Jaglan – Patna Pirates – ₹1.573 Crore (FBM: 1 Season)
The all-rounder who had multiple teams vying for his services—Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Haryana Steelers, and U Mumba—all wanted a piece of Ankit Jaglan. But it was the Patna Pirates who pulled off the coup, using their FBM option to bag him for ₹1.573 Crore.
A versatile player, Jaglan will be crucial for the Pirates in both attack and defence this season.
5️⃣ Arjun Deshwal – Tamil Thalaivas – ₹1.405 Crore
Nicknamed the Raid-machine, Arjun Deshwal is a bonafide superstar in the PKL. The 25-year-old from Basea, Uttar Pradesh, won the MVP award in Season 9, steering Jaipur Pink Panthers to their second PKL crown.
Despite racking up 230 points at an average of 9.86 in Season 11, Jaipur Pink Panthers released him ahead of the auction—a decision that raised eyebrows across the league. Tamil Thalaivas didn’t waste any time and swooped in with ₹1.405 Crore to make Deshwal their marquee raider.
With 1174 raid points in 114 matches, Deshwal’s legacy as one of PKL’s greatest raiders is already set in stone.
💬 Final Whistle
These five players have set the tone for what promises to be an electric Season 12. From Shadloui’s defensive wizardry to Devank’s unstoppable raids, the stakes are higher than ever.
As the mat action inches closer, fans can’t wait to see how these stars justify their hefty price tags. Buckle up—PKL 12 is coming in hot!
Source: PKL Blogs