The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions around player salaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as both leagues gear up for their 2025 seasons. The IPL continues to set the bar with its staggering financial rewards, while the PSL is making significant strides to enhance its player compensation. This year, both leagues are preparing for an exciting season, but the comparison in terms of financial rewards for their top players is intriguing. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two leagues compare when it comes to compensating their crème de la crème.
IPL’s financial might
IPL continues to dominate the cricketing world with its staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction showcased the tournament’s financial prowess, with Rishabh Pant making headlines as the most expensive player in the cash-rich league’s history. Pant secured an unprecedented deal of INR 27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), surpassing all previous records.
Close on his heels was Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a remarkable INR 26.75 crore, further highlighting the league’s readiness to reward exceptional talent generously. The IPL’s massive global viewership, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights enable it to offer players unparalleled financial rewards, making it the most lucrative cricket league worldwide.
Also READ: Team-wise breakdown of the most expensive players in IPL history
PSL’s evolving player compensation structure
In contrast, the PSL operates on a draft system, emphasizing equitable distribution of talent across teams. The PSL’s highest pay grade, the Platinum category, sets its top salary at USD 300,000 for the 2025 season. Australian opener David Warner leads the pack as the most expensive player in the league this year.
Acknowledging the need to remain competitive, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased player salaries across categories starting with the 2025 season. Players in the Platinum category, who previously earned between USD 130,000 and USD 170,000, can now secure contracts be ranging from USD 220,000 to USD 300,000. This pay hike is a significant move aimed at attracting global stars and retaining top domestic talent, showcasing PSL’s growing ambition and its focus on building a strong brand.
List of most expensive players in IPL and PSL for 2025 season
| IPL 2025 | PSL 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Player | Team | Player |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant – 27 crore | Karachi Kings | David Warner – $300,000 |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer – 26.75 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Daryl Mitchell – at least $220,000 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer – 23.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam – $220,000 |
| Punjab Kings | Arshdeep Singh – 18 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman – $220,000 |
| Punjab Kings | Yuzvendra Chahal – 18 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Afridi – $220,000 |
| Gujarat Titans | Jos Buttler – 15.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Saim Ayub – $220,000 |
| Delhi Capitals | KL Rahul – 14 crore | Islamabad United | Naseem Shah – $220,000 |
| Mumbai Indians | Trent Boult – 12.50 crore | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan – $220,000 |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jofra Archer – 12.50 crore | Islamabad United | Matthew Short – $220,000 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Josh Hazlewood – 12.50 crore | Islamabad United | Shadab Khan – $220,000 |