IPL 2025: Most expensive player retentions revealed
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises announced their list of player retention on Thursday, October 31, ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 mega-auction. With franchises eager to secure their core talents, an impressive amount was spent to retain top players, including some rising stars. Notably, Punjab Kings took a conservative approach, retaining only two players, while other teams kept their essential players intact. The auction is scheduled for November and December, where franchises will look to fill the remaining slots.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) committed to retaining six key players, leaving them with a remaining purse of Rs 41 crore for the auction. In contrast, Punjab Kings (PBKS) enter the bidding with a hefty Rs 110.5 crore, positioning them well to compete for high-value players.
South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the most expensive retention, with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) valuing him at Rs 23 crore. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli secured his position as the priciest Indian player, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) allocating Rs 21 crore to retain him.
High-Stakes Retentions and Player Valuations
Though the retention cap was reportedly set at specific amounts (Rs 18, 14, 11 crore), franchises strategically adjusted their spending based on each player’s value and demand. Here’s a breakdown of the most expensive players retained for the 2025 season:
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