Sanju Samson has created history by becoming the most expensive buy in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction history as he was snapped up by the Kochi Blue Tigers for INR 26.8 lakh.

A total of 156 players, including several players who have IPL experience, were grabbed in the auction. Among six teams, Kochi held the largest purse of INR 50 lakhs and spent over half of it on Samson. His acquisition shattered the previous highest expensive buy of INR 7.4 lakhs set by Trivandrum Royals for M.S. Akhil.

Samson’s first KCL appearance, having missed the inaugural edition due to international duty.

It also makes his return to domestic cricket under the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) following his omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad.

The KCA stated that Samson had skipped a mandator preparatory camp, while the player maintained he had informed the board in advance and requested leave.

Samson had missed the most of the IPL 2025 season due to a finger injury and a side strain.

However, they are still doubts lingering over India’s tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled for August, and the Asia Cup, set to take place in September.

Sanju Samson did not feature in the Champions Trophy but he remains an integral part of the T20I squad.

If the three-match T20I series in Bangladesh does not go as planned, Samson will feature in the KCL. The second season of the KCL will be held between 21 August and 6 September.

Meanwhile, there were some reports emerged the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be open to signing Sanju Samson if he is available. Meanwhile social media has erupted with the posts of Samson on joining CSK.

A CSK official has confirmed the franchises interest in trading Sanju Samson on a trade.

“We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested,” said the CSK official.