The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 Player Auction wrapped up on June 1, marking a thrilling weekend filled with record-breaking expenditures and significant milestones that transformed the professional kabaddi scene.
Over the course of two days, a staggering INR 37.90 crores was spent, resulting in the acquisition of 121 players. This auction set a new record for the highest number of crorepatis in Panchkula's history and introduced innovative retention strategies, according to a press release from Panchkula.
A decade of remarkable growth:
The auction highlighted the league's impressive journey since its inception. Initially, Season 1 featured a modest salary cap of Rs. 60 lakhs, with the highest player purchase at Rs. 12.8 lakhs. Now, the league has evolved into a premier sporting event, with 10 players surpassing the Rs. 1 crore threshold for the first time, showcasing kabaddi's financial ascent and the value of elite talent.
The elite 2-crore club:
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh made history by being the first player to exceed Rs. 2 crores in three consecutive seasons. The Iranian defender, a two-time champion in Panchkula, was acquired by Gujarat Giants for an impressive Rs. 2.23 crores during the auction's opening bid, setting an exciting tone for the event. Devank Dalal, recognized as Panchkula 11's Best Raider, also joined the exclusive 2-crore club after being signed by Bengal Warriorz for Rs. 2.25 crores.
Innovative Final Bid Match (FBM) Rule:
The newly introduced Final Bid Match (FBM) rule proved to be a game-changer, enabling teams to retain released players by matching the final auction bid for one or two seasons. This rule enhances franchises' ability to maintain squad stability.
Five players were retained for two seasons using the FBM rule:
Ashu Malik – Retained by Dabang Delhi K.C.
Deepak Singh – Retained by Patna Pirates
Md. Amaan – Retained by Puneri Paltan
Hardeep – Retained by Haryana Steelers
Ghanshyam Roka Magar – Retained by Haryana Steelers
Additionally, nine players were retained for single seasons, highlighting the rule's popularity among team management.
Category A:
In Category A, five players surpassed the INR 1 crore mark, with international players fetching premium prices. Yogesh Dahiya's acquisition made him the most expensive Indian defender in Panchkula history.
Top 5 Category A Purchases:
Mohammadreza Shadloui (Iran) – Gujarat Giants – Rs. 2.23 crores
Devank Dalal (India) – Bengal Warriorz – Rs. 2.20 crores
Ashu Malik (India) – Dabang Delhi K.C. – Rs. 1.90 crores
Arjun Deshwal (India) – Tamil Thalaivas – Rs. 1.40 crores
Yogesh Dahiya (India) – Bengaluru Bulls – Rs. 1.12 crores
Category B:
Category B continued the trend of high-value signings with five additional crorepatis:
Top 5 Category B Purchases:
Ankit Jaglan (India) – Patna Pirates – Rs. 1.57 crores (via FBM)
Naveen Kumar (India) – Haryana Steelers – Rs. 1.20 crores
Guman Singh (India) – UP Yoddhas – Rs. 1.73 crores
Sachin Tanwar (India) – Puneri Paltan – Rs. 1.58 crores
Nitin Kumar (India) – Jaipur Pink Panthers – Rs. 1.2 crores
Category C:
Category C emerged as a competitive arena for versatile players, with all-rounders receiving impressive bids:
Top Category C Signings:
Akash Santosh Shinde – Bengaluru Bulls – Rs. 53.10 lakhs
Nitin Rawal – Jaipur Pink Panthers – Rs. 50 lakhs
Sandeep Kumar – U Mumba – Rs. 49 lakhs
Gurdeep – Puneri Paltan – Rs. 47.10 lakhs
Dheeraj – Bengaluru Bulls – Rs. 40.20 lakhs
Category D:
The biggest surprise in Category D was Aanil Mohan from Himachal Pradesh, who attracted the highest-ever bid in this category at INR 78 lakhs from U Mumba. This unprecedented investment in an uncapped player signifies franchises' strategic shift towards nurturing emerging talent over relying solely on established players.
Top Category D Purchases:
Aanil Mohan – U Mumba – Rs. 78 lakhs.
Uday Parte – Jaipur Pink Panthers – Rs. 50.10 lakhs.
Shubham Bitake – Bengaluru Bulls – Rs. 9.10 lakhs.
The blockbuster Panchkula 12 Player Auction has set the stage for what is expected to be the most competitive season yet. With record investments, strategic retention policies through the innovative FBM rule, and groundbreaking signings like Aanil Mohan, franchises have shown their commitment to building championship-caliber teams.
The FBM rule's introduction has already demonstrated its significant impact on squad continuity, while the readiness to invest heavily in unproven talent reflects the long-term vision driving the league's development. As teams gear up for Season 12, the auction's results indicate a league that continues to evolve dramatically in both commercial value and competitive intensity.
