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The world of cricketing is full of discussions about the salary of the player 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 the bar with its staggering financial rewards, while the PSL has taken significant steps to improve 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 interesting. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two leagues compare when it comes to paying their crème de la crème.
The financial power of the IPL
The IPL continues to dominate the cricketing world with staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction shows the financial prowess of the tournament, with Rishabh Pant made headlines as the most expensive player in the history of the cash-rich league. Pant bagged an unprecedented deal of INR 27 crore Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)surpassed all previous records.
Close to his heel is Shreyas Iyerwhich was obtained by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping INR 26.75 crore, further highlighting the league’s willingness to reward exceptional talent generously. The IPL’s extensive global viewership, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights enable it to offer players unparalleled financial rewards, making it the most lucrative cricket league in the world.
also READ: Team-wise breakdown of the most expensive players in IPL history
The changing structure of player compensation in PSL
In contrast, the PSL operates a draft system, promoting an even distribution of talent among teams. The PSL’s highest salary grade, the Platinum category, sets a maximum salary of USD 300,000 for the 2025 season. Australian Open David Warner leading the pack as the league’s most expensive player this year.
Recognizing the need to remain competitive, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) increased player salaries in categories beginning in the 2025 season. Players in the Platinum category, who previously earned between USD 130,000 and USD 170,000, can now get contracts from USD 220,000 to USD 300,000. This salary increase is an important step aimed at attracting global stars and retaining top domestic talent, reflecting the PSL’s growing ambitions 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 Giant | Rishabh Pant – 27 crores | Karachi Kings | David Warner – $300,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Shreyas Iyer – 26.75 crore | Places called Lahore Qalandars | Daryl Mitchell – at least $220,000 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer – 23.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam – $220,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Arshdeep Singh – 18 crores | Places called Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman – $220,000 |
| Kings of Punjab | Yuzvendra Chahal – 18 crores | Places called Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Afridi – $220,000 |
| Gujarat Titans | Jos Buttler – 15.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Saim Ayub – $220,000 |
| Delhi capitals | KL Rahul – 14 crores | Islamabad is united | Naseem Shah – $220,000 |
| Indians in Mumbai | Trent Boult – 12.50 crore | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan – $220,000 |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jofra Archer – 12.50 crore | Islamabad is united | Matthew Short – $220,000 |
| Royal Challengers in Bangalore | Josh Hazlewood – 12.50 crore | Islamabad is united | Shadab Khan – $220,000 |
