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Sanju Samson in IPL 2025 (Source:@CricCrazyJohns/X.com)
In a significant development, star batter and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson became the most expensive player to be sold in Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction 2025. He was signed by Kochi Blue Tigers for a record-breaking INR 26.8 lakh during the league’s second-season auction held on Saturday.
The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shattered the previous KCL auction record of INR 7.4 lakh set by Trivandrum Royals for M.S. Akhil in 2024. Samson, who entered the auction with a base price of INR 3 lakh, saw a fierce bidding war erupt between multiple franchises.
The price soared past INR 10 lakh in just minutes before Kochi Blue Tigers outbid their rivals, spending more than half of their INR 50 lakh purse to acquire the India international.
It is important to note that this will be Sanju Samson’s first-ever appearance as a player in the KCL, having previously served as the brand ambassador of the league during its inaugural edition last year. His inclusion is expected to boost both the league's visibility and the Kochi Blue Tigers’ title hopes ahead of the highly anticipated second edition.
Sanju Samson Return To Kerala Fold
Samson’s signing is also significant because it marks his return to competitive cricket under the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) banner. He had been controversially dropped from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad in December 2024 after failing to attend a preparatory camp in Wayanad.
Now, with Samson back in the fold, the KCL gets a marquee player whose participation will elevate the standard and popularity of the league across the state and beyond.
Big Money For Kerala Stars
Samson was not the only player to attract top deal. His Kerala teammate Vishnu Vinod was picked up by Aries Kollam for INR 13.8 lakh, making him the second-highest signing of the day. Meanwhile, seasoned all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, was signed by Alleppey Ripples for INR 12.4 lakh.
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