India speedster Mohammed Shami entered the IPL mega auction with a base price of INR 2 crore and was eventually sold to SunRisers Hyderabad for INR 10 crore. Despite having the option to use the right-to-match card for Shami, Gujarat Titans, his previous team, decided not to do so, as head coach Ashish Nehra vehemently shook his head in disagreement.
A bidding war ensued between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Shami, with CSK eventually pulling out once KKR raised their bid to INR 8.25 crore. Lucknow Super Giants briefly joined the race before also withdrawing. KKR continued to bid until INR 9.75 crore, but SunRisers Hyderabad ultimately secured Shami for INR 10 crore.
Fans expressed their frustration on social media over Gujarat Titans’ decision not to exercise the RTM option for Shami, who had previously played 33 matches for the team and taken 48 wickets.
The IPL 2025 mega auction, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Punjab Kings exercise their RTM option for Arshdeep Singh, who was sold for INR 18 crore. Shreyas Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore, and Rishabh Pant became the costliest pick in IPL auction history after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore.
Gujarat Titans also made significant acquisitions, including Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crore and Mohammed Siraj for INR 12.25 crore. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opted not to use the RTM card for Siraj. Mitchell Starc joined Delhi Capitals, while Lucknow Super Giants added David Miller to their squad.
