JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League after the wicketkeeper-batsman was sold to Lucknow Super Giants for $3.2 million on Sunday.

The former Delhi Capitals captain roped in Shreyas Iyer, who went to Punjab Kings for $3.18 million on the first day of the cricket mega auction, which was held for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Both players are likely to lead their franchises in the world’s richest domestic Twenty20 competition, which kicks off on March 14 next year with the final scheduled for May 25.

Delhi could hand over the captaincy to former Lucknow skipper Lokesh Rahul, whom they bought for $1.67 million. The biggest surprise of the day was all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was eventually sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.83 million after a fierce bid between his former franchise Kolkata and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Gujarat Titans got Jos Buttler for $1.88 million after Rajasthan Royals failed to buy back the England captain, who is expected to open with Shubman Gill. Gujarat also managed to buy South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for $1.28 million.

There was a huge drop when Delhi bought Mitchell Starc for $1.40 million, following last year’s record $2.98 million by Kolkata for the Australian left-arm fast bowler.

Starc’s compatriots David Warner and Jonny Bairstow of England remained unsold on the opening day after none of the ten franchises showed interest.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin returns to Chennai Super Kings for the first time since 2015. It was sold for $1.16 million – the highest amount it has ever fetched at an IPL auction.

The auction ends on Monday.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket