South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris on Thursday became the most expensive player bought for the Indian Premier League when Royal Challengers Bangalore paid $2.25 million for him.
The fee smashed the record $2.2 million paid for Yuvraj Singh by Delhi Daredevils in 2015.
The Indian Premier League chairman Brijesh Patel on Thursday confirmed that Vivo has returned as title sponsor for the T20 tournament this year after staying away last year.
"Vivo is back as the sponsor this year," Patel said prior to the auction.
Dream11 had stepped in last year as title sponsors.
The IPL will also likely see crowds this year after encouragement the Indian cricket board (BCCI) got from seeing fans attending the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.