While I cannot access "ranked news websites" directly or merge information from specific live URLs that are not accessible to me at this moment, I can create a comprehensive news report about the recent PKL auction based on the information I have gathered from the previous Browse attempts and my knowledge base. This will provide a full overview for the reader.
Here's a news report about the PKL Season 12 Auction:
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Auction Concludes with Record-Breaking Bids and Strategic Shifts
The highly anticipated Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction wrapped up on June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, delivering thrilling bids, unexpected turns, and a clear strategic shift by franchises. Over 500 kabaddi players, both Indian and international, went under the hammer, as the 12 franchises meticulously crafted their squads for the upcoming season. This PKL auction was particularly notable for the record-breaking sums shelled out for emerging talent, indicating a new era for the league.
New Millionaires Emerge from the PKL Auction
Day 1 of the auction witnessed a flurry of bids, with several players crossing the coveted one-crore mark. The most significant acquisition was Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui, who became the most expensive player in PKL history, fetching a staggering INR 2.23 crore from Gujarat Giants. Close on his heels was young raider Devank Dalal, who commanded a price of INR 2.205 crore from Bengal Warriorz, highlighting the teams' readiness to invest heavily in promising raiders.
Indian talent also shone brightly, with Ashu Malik being retained by Dabang Delhi K.C. for INR 1.90 crore using their Final Bid Match (FBM) card. Other prominent Indian players to breach the crore mark included Arjun Deshwal (INR 1.405 crore to Tamil Thalaivas), Naveen Kumar (INR 1.20 crore to Haryana Steelers), and Yogesh Dahiya (INR 1.125 crore to Bengaluru Bulls), who became the most expensive Indian defender. The PKL auction truly showcased the growing financial muscle within the league.
Strategic Shifts and Unsold Surprises
This PKL auction demonstrated a notable shift in franchise strategy. Instead of focusing solely on established superstars, many teams prioritized acquiring young, athletic, and data-driven talent. This approach was evident in the significant investments made in players like Devank Dalal and Yogesh Dahiya.
However, the auction also had its share of surprises, with some seasoned campaigners going unsold on Day 1. Most notably, 'Record Breaker' Pardeep Narwal, a player synonymous with the league's history, did not find a buyer, a testament to the evolving dynamics of the auction and the league itself. Sahil Gulia was another prominent name who remained unsold.
Auction Mechanics and Squad Building
Before the auction, 83 players were retained by the franchises, leaving the remaining slots to be filled through the rigorous bidding process. Players were categorized into four groups (A, B, C, D), each with varying base prices, and further sub-divided into raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. Teams were allowed a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 players, with a limit of two to four overseas players. Each team began the PKL auction with an initial salary purse of INR 5 crore.
The revised Final Bid Match (FBM) rule also played a crucial role, enabling teams to retain a player for either one or two seasons. The number of FBM cards a team could use depended on their Elite Retained Players (ERPs).
The conclusion of the PKL Season 12 auction marks the official beginning of the countdown to the new season, promising another thrilling display of kabaddi action. Fans can look forward to watching their favorite teams and newly acquired stars battle it out on the mat.
