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The cricket world is full of discussions about player salaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as both leagues prepare for their 2025 seasons. The IPL continues to set standards with its staggering financial rewards, while the PSL is taking significant steps to improve its players’ compensation. Both leagues are preparing for an exciting season this year, but the comparison in terms of financial rewards for their best players is intriguing. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two leagues compare when it comes to making up for their crème de la crème.
The financial power of IPL
IPL continues to dominate the cricket world with its staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction showcased the tournament’s financial prowess, with RISHABH PANTS made headlines as the most expensive player in the history of the cash-rich league. Pant landed a record INR 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)surpassing all previous records.
On his heels was Shreyas Iyerwhich was acquired by Kings of Punjab (PBKS) for a remarkable sum of INR 26.75 crore, further highlighting the league’s willingness to generously reward exceptional talent. The IPL’s huge global audience, sponsorship deals and broadcast rights allow it to offer players unparalleled financial rewards, making it the most lucrative cricket league in the world.
ALSO READ: Team breakdown of the most expensive players in IPL history
The evolution of the PSL player compensation structure
In contrast, the PSL operates a draft system, which emphasizes the equitable distribution of talent among teams. The PSL’s highest salary category, the Platinum category, sets its maximum salary at $300,000 for the 2025 season. Australian opener David Warner He leads the pack as the most expensive player in the league this year.
Recognizing the need to remain competitive, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased player salaries in all categories starting with the 2025 season. Platinum players, who previously earned between $130,000 and $170,000, can now get contracts ranging from $220,000 to $300,000. This salary increase is a significant step aimed at attracting global stars and retaining top domestic talent, showcasing PSL’s growing ambition and focus on building a strong brand.
List of most expensive IPL and PSL players for the 2025 season
| IPL 2025 | PSL 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Player | Equipment | Player |
| Lucknow Supergiants | Rishabh Pant – 27 Crores | Kings of Karachi | David Warner – $300,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Shreyas Iyer – 26.75 crores | Lahore Qalandars | Daryl Mitchell – at least $220,000 |
| Riders of the Knights of Calcutta | Venkatesh Iyer – 23.75 crores | Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam – $220,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Arshdeep Singh – 18 crores | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman – $220,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Yuzvendra Chahal – 18 crores | Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Afridi – $220,000 |
| Gujarat Titans | Jos Buttler – 15.75 crores | Peshawar Zalmi | Saim Ayub – $220,000 |
| Capitals of Delhi | KL Rahul – 14 crores | Islamabad United | Naseem Shah – $220,000 |
| Bombay Indians | Trent Boult – 12.50 crores | Sultans of Multan | Mohammad Rizwan – $220,000 |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jofra Archer – 12.50 million rupees | Islamabad United | Short mat – $220,000 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Josh Hazlewood – 12.50 crores | Islamabad United | Shadab Khan – $220,000 |
ALSO READ: Full rosters of all six teams after PSL 2025 player draft
