The highly anticipated draft for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) concluded recently, with all six franchises completing their squads for the 2025 season. Notable signings included David Warner joining Karachi Kings, Finn Allen being purchased by Quetta Gladiators, and Michael Bracewell being selected by Multan Sultans.
As the PSL draft took its final shape, its comparison with the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction was imminent. While the IPL continues to set the bar high regarding financial rewards, the PSL is making significant strides to enhance its player compensation.
As both the leagues prepare for their upcoming editions, let us compare their monetary aspects.
IPL’s Financial Prowess
IPL is the richest cricket league and continues to dominate the cricketing world with its staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction highlighted the tournament’s financial might, with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in the league's history. Pant bagged an unprecedented deal of INR 27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), surpassing all previous records.
Close behind him was Shreyas Iyer, who was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping INR 26.75 crore, showcasing that the league does not hold back from rewarding exceptional talent generously.
While IPL allows players to make big bucks, the tournament also brings generous rewards for millions of fans who remain glued to their screens irrespective of the time and place they watch the live action and excitement.
They are always in the fray to win exciting prizes during the matches through live streaming and online gaming platforms. One of the well-known ways to claim such handsome rewards is to bet with the latest IPL betting odds on 10CRIC.
With massive global viewership, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights, IPL grants unparalleled monetary rewards to players and lucrative offers to fans watching the league worldwide. Fans in large numbers buy IPL tickets generating millions of revenue.
Highest Paid IPL Players in 2025
Rishabh Pant - INR 27 crore
Shreyas Iyer - INR 26.75 crore
Venkatesh Iyer - INR 23.75 crore
Arshdeep Singh - INR 18 crore
Yuzvendra Chahal - INR 18 crore
Jos Buttler - INR 15.75 crore
KL Rahul - INR 14 crore
Trent Boult - INR 12.50 crore
Jofra Archer - INR 12.50 crore
Josh Hazlewood - INR 12.50 crore
In contrast to the IPL, the PSL operates on a draft system, emphasising equitable distribution of talent across teams. They don't have an auction-like strategy but work out pre-determined salaries for players based on six categories- Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Supplementary and Emerging.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) increased player salaries across categories starting with the 2025 season to remain competitive in the league system. Players in the Platinum category, who previously earned between USD 130,000 and USD 170,000, can now pocket amounts ranging from USD 220,000 to USD 300,000.
This pay hike is a significant step aimed at attracting global stars and retaining top domestic talent, showcasing PSL’s growing ambition and emphasis on building a strong brand.
Australian opener David Warner leads as the most expensive player in the league in 2025.
Platinum Players For PSL 2025
Rishabh Pant - INR 27 crore
Shreyas Iyer - INR 26.75 crore
Venkatesh Iyer - INR 23.75 crore
Arshdeep Singh - INR 18 crore
Yuzvendra Chahal - INR 18 crore
Jos Buttler - INR 15.75 crore
KL Rahul - INR 14 crore
Trent Boult - INR 12.50 crore
Jofra Archer - INR 12.50 crore
Josh Hazlewood - INR 12.50 crore
IPL 2025 | PSL 2025 | ||
Team | Player | Team | Player |
Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant - ₹27 crore | Karachi Kings | David Warner - $300,000 (₹2.6 crore) |
Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer - ₹26.75 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Daryl Mitchell – at least $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer - ₹23.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Punjab Kings | Arshdeep Singh - ₹18 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Punjab Kings | Yuzvendra Chahal - ₹18 crore | Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Afridi - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Gujarat Titans | Jos Buttler - ₹15.75 crore | Peshawar Zalmi | Saim Ayub - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Delhi Capitals | KL Rahul - ₹14 crore | Islamabad United | Naseem Shah - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Mumbai Indians | Trent Boult - ₹12.50 crore | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Rajasthan Royals | Jofra Archer - ₹12.50 crore | Islamabad United | Matthew Short - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Josh Hazlewood - ₹12.50 crore | Islamabad United | Shadab Khan - $220,000 (₹1.9 crore) |