IPL 2025: Klaasen Becomes Most Expensive Retained Player in Tournament History

New Delhi :  Heinrich Klaasen has set a new benchmark as the most expensive retained player in IPL history before the auction.

On Thursday, Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed Klaasen’s retention for a record-breaking ₹23 crore, surpassing Royal Challengers Bangalore’s ₹17 crore retention of Virat Kohli in 2017.

Klaasen played a crucial role in Hyderabad’s journey to the finals in the 2024 season, scoring 479 runs across 16 matches at an impressive strike rate of 171.07.

The 33-year-old South African star has been in outstanding form in T20 leagues globally, solidifying his position in franchise cricket.

RCB also retained Kohli for ₹21 crore ahead of the upcoming IPL season, which is ₹3 crore above the set slab. Additionally, Lucknow Super Giants retained Nicholas Pooran for ₹21 crore.