PKL 2024 Auction: Mohammadreza Shadloui Emerges as Most Expensive Overseas Player on Day 1

Pro Kabaddi League runners-up Haryana Steelers strengthened their defense after roping in star defender from Iran, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh in the PKL 2024 Auction for a whopping price of INR 2.07 Crore.

With this bid, the Iranian all-rounder became the most expensive overseas player at the end of bidding process on day one in the PKL 2024 Auction. Till Sachin Tanwar, who was purchased by Tamil Thalaivas with a bid of INR 2.15 crore, Shadloui was the costliest player at the auction.

After accumulating 99 tackle points and 97 successful tackles for Puneri Paltan in the 10th season, Shadloui entered the auction as the strongest contender for the biggest bid. Read More: PKL 2024 Auction: Full List Of Players Sold

He started off his PKL career with Patna Pirates in the 2021 season, accumulating 94 points. He was retained for the 2022 season as he amassed 89 points. However, ahead of the PKL 10 Auction, the superlative defender was released by the Pirates.

Notably, PKL 10 Champions Puneri Paltan secured his services for a whopping price of INR 2.35 Crore in the previous edition to strengthen their defense. He played a pivotal role in propelling the franchise to their maiden title win, emerging as the most successful defender of the season.

How many teams raised the paddle for Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh?

Shadloui was part of category A with the base price being INR 30 Lakh. Telugu Titans were quick to raise their paddle, making the opening bid for the Iranian defender. Patna Pirates was the second franchise to bid, raising the price to INR 50 Lakh.

UP Yoddhas entered a three-way bidding war. Just when the bid crossed the INR 1 Crore mark, U Mumba and Gujarat Giants entered the war as Patna and Titans backed out.

The runners-up Haryana Steelers made the late entry, entering the action with a bid of INR 1.77 Crore. They successfully breached the two crore mark with Giants trying their best to counter-bid.

Nevertheless, Haryana Steelers came out all guns blazing, going all-out for the star defender, winning the bidding war with a final price of INR 2.07 Crore to strengthen their overall defense.

Prior to the action, the Steelers, coached by Manpreet Singh, had retained their core defense of Jaideep Dahiya, Mohit Nandal, and Rahul Sethpal. Vinay and Shivam Patare are part of their attack.

They would be hoping to strengthen their raiding department by roping in some strong all-rounders in the auction. However, they are left with a purse of INR 49.591 lakh.