Breakdown of Mitchell Starc’s IPL salary since debut

Mitchell Starc, one of the most feared left-arm fast bowlers in world cricket, has had a fascinating and, at times, interrupted journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his searing pace, pinpoint yorkers, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Starc entered the IPL as a prized overseas signing and, despite long absences, has delivered memorable performances whenever he’s stepped on the field.

Mitchell Starc’s performance with a ball in the IPL

As of now, Starc has played 47 matches and taken 61 wickets at an impressive average of 22.21. His economy rate stands at 8.46, which is quite commendable considering he often bowls in powerplays and death overs – two of the most challenging phases for a bowler in T20 cricket. His strike rate of 15.75 reveals his knack for taking a wicket nearly every 2.6 overs. Starc has claimed two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, which came during a destructive spell in IPL 2025 for Delhi Capitals (DC). His IPL wicket-taking journey includes dismissing some of the world’s top T20 batters, often in crucial match situations, showcasing his enduring value in high-pressure contests.

His most impactful performance came in the IPL 2024 final, where he picked up 2/14 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), helping KKR win the title. He followed it up with a stunning 5/35 against the same team while playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025, which became his career-best IPL figures. Despite gaps in his IPL career due to injuries and international commitments, Starc has built a resume that combines elite pace, big-match temperament, and match-turning spells.

IPL salary breakdown: Year-by-year earnings & team journey

Mitchell Starc’s IPL earnings story is as dramatic as his bowling – marked by record deals, withdrawals and comebacks. Here is a detailed breakdown of how much he earned in each IPL season, alongside the context of his availability and performance.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 

2014-15

• Salary per season: INR 5 crore
• Years played: 2014 and 2015
• Details: Starc was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 5 crore in 2014 and justified the investment with strong performances, especially in 2015 where he took 20 wickets and played a huge role in RCB’s mid-season resurgence. He didn’t play the full season in 2014 but still made his presence felt. Across two seasons, he earned ₹10 crore from RCB.

2016

• Salary: INR 5 crore
• Played?: No (due to injury)
• Details: Starc suffered a foot fracture ahead of IPL 2016 and missed the entire season, but still received his full contracted salary.

2017

• Salary: INR 5 crore
• Played?: No (withdrew voluntarily to focus on Champions Trophy)
• Details: Despite pulling out before the season began, Starc was retained briefly and paid his contract amount. However, he and RCB mutually parted ways just ahead of the auction.

Total from RCB (2014–2017): INR 20 Crore

Also READ: IPL 2025: Alyssa Healy’s bold one-word reaction captures Mitchell Starc’s brilliance for Delhi Capitals

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

2018

• Auction Price: INR 9.4 crore
• Played?: No (injured)
• Details: Kolkata Knight Riders secured Starc’s services for a hefty INR 9.4 crore in the 2018 auction. Unfortunately, a tibial stress fracture ruled him out of the season. Starc had taken out an insurance policy for this scenario and later filed a lawsuit when the insurer didn’t compensate him the expected INR 11.5 crore.

2019

• Played?: No
• Details: KKR released him ahead of the 2019 auction, as Starc wasn’t expected to be available due to World Cup commitments. He earned nothing from the 2019 season.
• Total from KKR (2018–2019): INR 9.4 Crore

2024

• Auction Price: INR 24.75 crore
• Played?: Yes
• Details: Starc made a sensational return to the IPL in 2024, shattering all auction records as Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for INR 24.75 crore—making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. He had a quiet start to the season but came alive in the playoffs and final. His 2/14 spell in the final against SRH was instrumental in securing the title.

Total from KKR (2024 alone): INR 24.75 Crore

3. Delhi Capitals (DC)

2025

• Auction Price: INR 11.75 crore
• Played?: Yes
• Details: Starc was acquired by Delhi Capitals in the 2025 auction. In one of his standout performances, he picked up 5/35 against SRH, delivering his first IPL five-wicket haul. Despite being on the wrong side of 35, Starc showed that he remained one of the most dangerous white-ball pacers in world cricket.

Total from Delhi Capitals (2025): INR 11.75 Crore

Total career IPL earnings by Starc

Here is the final tally of Mitchell Starc’s IPL earnings over the years:

Total IPL Salary: INR 65.9 crore

Also READ: Top 5 teams with most Super Over wins in IPL history ft. Delhi Capitals