Star cricketer Sanju Samson has become the most expensive player in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction, signed by Kochi Blue Tigers for an impressive Rs 26.60 lakh.
Samson Smashes KCL Auction Record
The bidding for Sanju Samson was intense from the start. Listed with a base price of just Rs 3 lakh, his value quickly escalated, jumping to Rs 5 lakh and then Rs 10 lakh in a matter of moments.
The fierce competition concluded with Kochi Blue Tigers securing the India wicket-keeper for a record Rs 26.60 lakh. This significant signing meant Kochi spent over half of their total Rs 50 lakh purse on Samson, highlighting his perceived value and drawing power in the league.
A Return to KCA Spotlight
This upcoming KCL season marks Sanju Samson’s first major appearance in a tournament overseen by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) since a notable controversy. In December 2024, he was controversially dropped from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad after not attending a preparatory camp.
Despite his absence, the Kerala team went on to achieve a historic feat, reaching the Ranji Trophy final for the first time before finishing as runners-up to Vidarbha.
Why Samson Missed the Inaugural KCL
Samson had been named the brand ambassador for the KCL’s inaugural edition last year. However, he opted to take a break from the tournament, prioritizing his demanding international schedule.
Sources close to the KCA revealed that Samson had been playing non-stop cricket for months, including the IPL and multiple T20I tours. This extensive workload led him to request a break, and his name was consequently not included in the player auction for the first season.
After that break, Samson showcased stellar form, particularly in T20 Internationals. He made history by scoring three centuries in four innings against Bangladesh and South Africa, becoming the first batter to achieve three T20I hundreds in a single calendar year. More recently, Samson was seen playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 season, where he scored 285 runs across nine innings.
Other Big Auction Buys
While Samson stole the headlines, other talented Kerala players also secured substantial bids. Vishnu Vinod emerged as the second-highest earner, snapped up by Aries Kollam for Rs 13.8 lakh.
Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, a professional player for Kerala, also drew significant attention. He was successfully acquired by Alleppey Ripples for Rs 12.4 lakh, completing the trio of top signings in the KCL auction.
- Sanju Samson was the most expensive player in the KCL auction, fetching Rs 26.60 lakh.
- Kochi Blue Tigers secured Samson, spending over half their team purse.
- This marks Samson’s first KCL appearance, following his absence from the inaugural season due to international commitments.
- Vishnu Vinod and Jalaj Saxena were the second and third most expensive signings, respectively.
With star power like Sanju Samson now confirmed, the upcoming Kerala Cricket League promises to be an exciting event for cricket fans across the state.
