The world of cricket is full of debates around player salaries Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) as both leagues prepare for the 2025 seasons. The IPL continues to set the bar with its staggering financial rewards, while the PSL is taking significant steps to increase player compensation. Both leagues are set for an exciting season this year, but it’s interesting to compare their top players in terms of financial rewards. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two leagues compare when it comes to compensating their cream of the crop.
The financial strength of the IPL
IPL continues to dominate the world of cricket with its staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction demonstrated the tournament’s financial capacity Rishabh pants making headlines as the most expensive player in the history of the cash-rich league. Pant bagged an unprecedented deal of INR 27 crores Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)surpassing all previous records.
He was close to his heels Shreyas Iyerby whom it was bought Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a remarkable INR 26.75 crore, further highlighting the league’s willingness to reward exceptional talent generously. The IPL’s massive global following, sponsorship deals and broadcast rights enable it to offer unparalleled financial rewards to players, making it the most lucrative cricket league in the world.
Also READ: Team-wise breakdown of most expensive players in IPL history
PSL’s evolving player compensation structure
In contrast, the PSL operates on a draft system that emphasizes equitable distribution of talent among teams. The Platinum category, the PSL’s highest salary grade, has a top salary of $300,000 for the 2025 season. Australian key David Warner this year, he leads the team as the most expensive player in the league.
Recognizing the need to remain competitive, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Starting with the 2025 season, it increased player salaries across categories. Previously earning between $130,000 and $170,000, players in the Platinum category can now secure contracts ranging from $220,000 to $300,000. This pay rise is a significant step towards attracting global stars and retaining top local talent, demonstrating 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 million | Karachi Kings | David Warner – $300,000 |
| Kings of the Punjab | Shreyas Iyer – 26.75 million | Potters of Lahore | Daryl Mitchell – at least $220,000 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer – 23.75 million | Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam – $220,000 |
| Kings of the Punjab | Arshdeep Singh – 18 million | Potters of Lahore | Fakhar Zaman – $220,000 |
| Kings of the Punjab | Yuzvendra Chahal – 18 million | Potters of Lahore | Shaheen Afridi – $220,000 |
| Gujarat Titans | Josh Butler – $15.75 million | Peshawar Zalmi | Saim Ayub – $220,000 |
| Capitals of Delhi | KL Rahul – 14 million | Islamabad United | Nasim Shah – $220,000 |
| Mumbai Indians | Trent Boult – $12.50 million | Sultans of Multan | Mohammad Rizwan – $220,000 |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jofra Archer – 12.50 million | Islamabad United | Matthew Short – $220,000 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Josh Hazlewood – 12.50 million | Islamabad United | Shadab Khan – $220,000 |
