As the New Season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) approaches, the excitement reached new heights during the player auction held on August 15 and 16, 2024, in Mumbai. The highlight of the auction was Sachin Tanwar, who became the most expensive player of PKL 2024, while Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh followed closely behind.
This year, for the first time in PKL history, eight players crossed the ₹1 crore mark, breaking previous records and solidifying the league's place as one of the most competitive in Indian sports. As the squads are finalized and the stage is set for PKL Season 11, here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 costliest players of 2024 and All-time PKL’s history.
Top 10 most expensive players of PKL Season 11
Sachin Tanwar stole the show at the PKL 2024 auction, becoming the season’s highest-paid player, with Tamil Thalaivas buying him for ₹2.15 crore.
The second-highest bid went to Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, who was picked by the Haryana Steelers for ₹2.07 crore, making him one of the costliest overseas players in PKL history.
| S.No. | Player | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tanwar | Tamil Thalaivas | ₹2.15 crore |
| 2 | Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh | Haryana Steelers | ₹2.07 crore |
| 3 | Guman Singh | Gujarat Giants | ₹1.97 crore |
| 4 | Pawan Sehrawat (FBM) | Telugu Titans | ₹1.725 crore |
| 5 | Bharat | UP Yoddhas | ₹1.30 crore |
| 6 | Maninder Singh (FBM) | Bengal Warriors | ₹1.15 crore |
| 7 | Ajinkya Ashok Pawar | Bengaluru Bulls | ₹1.107 crore |
| 8 | Sunil Kumar | U Mumba | ₹1.015 crore |
| 9 | Manjeet | U Mumba | ₹80 lakh |
| 10 | Pardeep Narwal | Bengaluru Bulls | ₹70 lakh |
| 10 | Krishan Dhull | Telugu Titans | ₹70 lakh |
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: Full List of Sold Players in PKL 11
Who got the highest bid in Pro Kabaddi 2024?
The PKL Season 11 auction broke records with eight players exceeding ₹1 crore for the first time. Sachin Tanwar became the highest-paid player after Tamil Thalaivas acquired him for ₹2.15 crore. A reliable performer since his debut with the Gujarat Giants in Season 5, his ability to perform under pressure made him highly sought after.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi 2024 Teams and Players List: All Squads
All-time highest-paid players in PKL’s history
Indian Kabaddi team captain ‘Pawan Kumar Sehrawat‘ is the most expensive player in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League; he was bought by the Telugu Titans for ₹2.605 crores in season 10 last year.
The PKL auctions have seen some jaw-dropping bids over the years, and here’s a list of the highest-paid players in PKL history:
| Player | Price (₹) | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawan Sehrawat | ₹2.605 crore | Telugu Titans | Season 10 |
| Mohammadreza Chiyaneh | ₹2.35 crore | Puneri Paltan | Season 10 |
| Pawan Sehrawat | ₹2.26 crore | Tamil Thalaivas | Season 9 |
| Sachin Tanwar | ₹2.15 crore | Tamil Thalaivas | Season 11 |
| Maninder Singh | ₹2.12 crore | Bengal Warriorz | Season 10 |
| Mohammadreza Chiyaneh | ₹2.07 crore | Haryana Steelers | Season 11 |
| Guman Singh | ₹1.97 crore | Gujarat Giants | Season 11 |
| Pawan Sehrawat | ₹1.725 crore | Telugu Titans | Season 11 |
| Vikash Kandola | ₹1.70 crore | Bengaluru Bulls | Season 9 |
| Pardeep Narwal | ₹1.65 crore | UP Yoddhas | Season 8 |
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi 2024 Start Date: Schedule & Where to Watch Live?
Season-wise costliest players of PKL
The first season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was held in 2014, and during this inaugural auction, Patna Pirates made headlines by securing Rakesh Kumar for ₹12.80 lakh, making him the most expensive player of the season.
At the time, Rakesh Kumar was a prominent figure in Indian kabaddi, having already established himself as a vice captain of the national team and an Arjuna Award winner. His high bid in the first season underscored his immense value and experience, marking the beginning of PKL’s trend of big investments in star players.
| Season | Player | Price (₹) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Rakesh Kumar | 12.80 lakh | Patna Pirates |
| Season 2 | Hadi Oshtorak | 21.1 lakh | Telugu Titans |
| Season 4 | Mohit Chhillar | 53 lakh | Bengaluru Bulls |
| Season 5 | Nitin Tomar | 93 lakh | UP Yoddha |
| Season 6 | Monu Goyat | 1.51 crore | Haryana Steelers |
| Season 7 | Siddharth Desai | 1.45 crore | Telugu Titans |
| Season 8 | Pardeep Narwal | 1.65 crore | UP Yoddha |
| Season 9 | Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | 2.26 crore | Tamil Thalaivas |
| Season 10 | Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | 2.605 crore | Telugu Titans |
| Season 11 | Sachin Tanwar | 2.15 crore | Tamil Thalaivas |
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi 2024 Live on Mobile and TV (Channel & App)
Conclusion
With all 12 PKL franchises revamping their squads, the bidding war at Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre was intense. Teams went all out to secure the best talent available, resulting in record-breaking bids and fierce competition before the season has even begun.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 is all set to bring another exhilarating season of Kabaddi action, with fans eagerly awaiting the tournament's kickoff on October 18 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.