Top 5 biggest IPL auction controversies

Kieron Pollard’s secret tie-breaker in the IPL 2010 auction. (Source – Getty Images)

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction is all set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, it’s worth reflecting on how the bidding wars have often seen some controversies associated with them. With 574 players up for grabs and 46 already retained by the ten franchises, the upcoming auction is going to be full of entertainment and drama.

While designed to ensure fair player distribution, the auction system has faced criticism over the years. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals’ decision to utilize their full quota of six retentions this year has already sparked debates about team-building strategies. 

The BCCI’s reported plans to modify retention policies, potentially allowing five retentions and one Right to Match (RTM) card, shows the change in the auctions. Though these big auctions have changed the course of the game over the years, there are some controversies that took place at the auction table which are still spoken about.

Also Check: IPL 2025: 3 Overseas players who could go unsold in upcoming auction

Here are the five biggest IPL auction controversies:

5. RCB and KKR fight for Yuvraj Singh In IPL Auction 2014

RCB and KKR fight for Yuvraj Singh In IPL Auction 2014. (Source – IPL/BCCI)

The 2014 IPL auction saw drama taking place when Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders both indulged in a bidding war to get the service of former India all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh. What seemed like a straightforward acquisition at INR 10 crore by RCB turned controversial when KKR claimed their bid had gone unnoticed by auctioneer Richard Madley.

Despite initial protests, the auction resumed, forcing RCB to give out an additional INR 4 crore to secure the all-rounder’s services. The then Vijay Mallya-owned franchise later filed an official complaint with the IPL Governing Council regarding the proceedings.

The hefty price tag, however, gave decent returns. Yuvraj’s sole season with RCB saw him score 376 runs in 14 matches alongside five wickets. The franchise released him before the 2015 auction, where Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) acquired him for INR 16 crore.

4. Andrew Flintoff sold to CSK in 2009 IPL auction

Andrew Flintoff. (Source – IPL/BCCi)

The 2009 IPL auction made headlines when former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff became the joint highest-paid player that year, securing a USD 1.55 million deal with Chennai Super Kings. However, the bid later was under controversy when former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi made surprising revelations about its legitimacy.

Modi claimed he was pressured to manipulate the auction process to ensure Flintoff’s acquisition by CSK. While Modi admitted to this irregularity, BCCI President N Srinivasan, who was also the managing director of India Cements (CSK’s owner), denied these allegations, mentioning them as baseless. Flintoff’s IPL career was cut short after just three matches due to injury, and subsequent knee surgery forced him to miss the 2010 season entirely. 

Also Check: How much money has been spent at each IPL auction?

3. Kieron Pollard’s secret tie-breaker in the IPL 2010 auction

Kieron Pollard’s secret tie-breaker in the IPL 2010 auction. (Source – Getty Images)

The 2010 IPL auction saw an interesting bidding war that changed Mumbai Indians’ fortunes forever. The explosive West Indies all-rounder, Kieron Pollard triggered a battle among four franchises, MI, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Kolkata Knight Riders, all reaching the maximum bid cap of USD 750,000.

Following this, a secret tie-breaker took place where teams submitted sealed bids, with Mumbai Indians emerging victorious. The final amount remained undisclosed, known only to then-IPL commissioner Lalit Modi and the franchise.

This gamble proved in the favour of Mumbai Indians, as Pollard became a crucial member of their five IPL titles. In 189 games, he scored 3412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 while claiming 69 wickets. 

Also Check: IPL 2025: What is RTM card? What are the new rules associated with it?

2. Charu Sharma’s mistake for Khaleel Ahmed’s bid in IPL 2022 auction

Charu Sharma’s auction mistake for Khaleel Ahmed’s bid in IPL 2022 auction. (Source – IPL/BCCI)

A moment of confusion at the 2022 IPL auction created quite a stir when auctioneer Charu Sharma’s mistake led to drama during pacer Khaleel Ahmed’s bidding process. The incident saw Mumbai Indians open the bidding at INR 5.25 crore for the left-arm pacer. Delhi Capitals’ co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi raised his paddle for INR 5.5 crore, but Sharma misinterpreted it as DC’s opening bid.

The situation became more complex when Grandhi signaled to wait, but Sharma had already declared Khaleel sold to Delhi Capitals at INR 5.25 crore, overlooking SRH’s raised paddle. The confusion ultimately worked in Delhi’s favour, as they secured the services of the fast bowler. Khaleel went on to play 10 matches for DC in the 2022 season, claiming 16 wickets.

Also Check: IPL 2025 to start on March 14, future dates revealed

1. Shashank Singh’s ‘mistaken’ pick in IPL 2024 auction

Shashank Singh’s ‘mistaken’ pick in IPL 2024 auction. (Source – Twitter/X)

One of the biggest IPL auction controversies took place in the 2024 auction when Punjab Kings raised their paddle for uncapped all-rounder Shashank Singh during the accelerated round. They reportedly wanted a 19-year-old talent but instead got a 33-year-old Chhattisgarh player. Despite co-owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia’s attempts to rectify the mistake, IPL rules stood firm, and PBKS had to stick with their pick.

Little did they know this error would become their masterstroke. Shashank smashed 21 off 8 balls in his debut against RCB. The veteran went on to become one of the season’s breakthrough stars, scoring 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65 while also picking up a wicket. Punjab Kings have now retained this mistaken pick for INR 5.5 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.