In the world of cricket there is a lot of confusion and discussion about the salaries of the players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) while all the players are preparing for their 2025 seasons. The IPL continues to generate huge returns, while the PSL is taking steps to help pay players. This year, both players are preparing for an exciting season, but the comparison of financial rewards for their top players is surprising. Let's take a closer look at how these two players compare when it comes to paying their crème de la crème.
IPL economic power
The IPL continues to dominate the world of cricket with its lucrative player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 sale showed the financial ability of the competition, and Rishabh Pant making headlines as the most expensive player in the history of the richest league. Pant earned an unprecedented amount of INR 27 crore and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)than all previous records.
Closing his heels was Shreyas Iyerwhich was obtained by Punjab Kings (PBKS) at a staggering price of INR 26.75 crore, it also ensures that the league plans to reward the best talent. The IPL's global viewership, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights help it offer players unparalleled financial rewards, making it the most lucrative league in the world.
Also READ: An insightful breakdown of the most expensive player squads in IPL history
The salary structure of PSL players is changing
In contrast, the PSL operates in a structured manner, with an emphasis on equal distribution of talent across teams. The PSL's highest paying team, the Platinum team, sets its maximum salary at USD 300,000 for the 2025 season. The Australian opener David Warner he leads the team as the most expensive player in the league this year.
Recognizing the need to remain competitive, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased the salaries of players in all leagues starting from 2025. Players in the Platinum category, who previously earned between USD 130,000 and USD 170,000, can now get contracts ranging from USD 220,000 to USD 300,000. The wage hike is part of a major move aimed at attracting international talent and retaining top domestic talent, reflecting the PSL's growing ambitions and ambition to build a strong brand.
List of most expensive players in IPL and PSL in 2025
| IPL 2025 | PSL 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | A player | Group | A player |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant – 27 crore | Karachi Kings | David Warner – $300,000 |
| Kings of the Punjab | 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 |
| Kings of the Punjab | Arshdeep Singh – 18 crores | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman – $220,000 |
| Kings of the Punjab | 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 crores | Islamabad United | Naseem Shah – $220,000 |
| Mumbai Indians | Trent Boult – 12.50 crore | Many 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 |