"Deserves more than 2cr" - Netizens react as Haryana Steelers sign Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh in Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction
In a stunning move at the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Auction 2024, Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh made headlines after being roped in by Haryana Steelers for an impressive Rs. 2.07 crore.
Chiyaneh entered the auction with a base price of Rs. 30 lakh, and what followed was an intense bidding war.
Initially, Telugu Titans and UP Yoddhas vied for the player’s services, but the competition intensified when U Mumba and Gujarat Giants joined the fray. As U Mumba eventually bowed out, Haryana Steelers swooped in to secure the all-rounder, marking one of the most notable moments of this year’s auction.
The purchase drew mixed reactions from the fans. While some thought it was a great buy for the Haryana Steelers, some thought that the Iranian all-rounder deserved more.
"Shadloui deserves more than 2cr," wrote a fan.
"A whopping 207 lakh for Shadloui. Was Haryana just waiting for this one player or what?" posted a fan.
"Us watching other teams fighting for Shadluoi," PKL outfit Puneri Paltan wrote on X.
"Super Tackle by Haryana Steelers. The Iranian all-rounder, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh goes to the Steelers for 2.07 crores," added another.
"Haryana steelers bagged Shadloui by 2.07crs Value for money," wrote a fan.
"Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh What a buy Haryana," added a fan.
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh fetches big bucks at PKL auction yet again
This isn’t the first time Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh has commanded a hefty price tag. Last year, he became the most expensive international player in PKL history when Puneri Paltan acquired him for a staggering Rs. 2.35 crore.
His performance justified the investment as he finished the 2023-24 season as the player with the most tackle points, amassing an impressive 99 points, and playing a crucial role in helping Puneri Paltan clinch their maiden PKL title.
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh's rise in the PKL has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his debut in Season 8, where he quickly established himself as a defensive powerhouse, scoring the most tackle points (94) in his inaugural campaign.
Over the next two seasons, he became an indispensable part of the starting lineup, particularly excelling as a left-corner defender. By the end of his second season, he had accumulated a total of 183 points, reinforcing his status as one of the league's top defenders.
But Chiyaneh's abilities extend beyond defense. He has evolved into a versatile player, adding raiding to his skill set. Last season, he contributed crucial raid points for Patna Pirates and continued this trend on the international stage.
At the Asian Championships and the 2023 Asian Games, Chiyaneh emerged as Iran’s key raider. In the final stages of the Asian Games, he delivered critical points for his team, single-handedly leading Iran’s raiding efforts.