Table of Contents
The Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) are two of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world, each with their own distinct characteristics and millions of followers. Both leagues have their strengths, but one stark difference is the amount of prize money given to the champions. This difference in financial reward is reflective of the varying scales of operation between the two leagues, mirroring their business models and global appeal.
A Story of Two Leagues: IPL and PSL
IPL: A cash juggernaut
Established in 2008, IPL became the wealthiest and most attended T20 competition in the globe. With the enormous budget and star-studded squads, IPL provides unparalleled pecuniary benefit to players as well as sides. The winners’ prize money of the league has remained steady at ₹20 crore since 2018. During IPL 2024, the winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won ₹20 crore, and runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad won ₹13 crore. Third- and fourth-place finishers also received good amounts in the form of ₹7 crore and ₹6.5 crore, respectively.
Aside from prize money, IPL players have fat contracts with no salary caps during auctions. For example, Rishabh Pant is now the most valuable player in IPL history in 2025, bought for ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants. The league’s financial strength also lies in its record-breaking viewership: IPL 2024 accumulated 26 billion views on JioCinema with an average watch-time of 75 minutes per session.
PSL: Rising but limited financial scope
PSL, which began in 2016, is on a smaller scale than IPL. The league employs a draft method for the selection of players instead of open auctions and disburses salaries under categories such as Platinum (₹2.3 crore), Diamond (₹1.15 crore), Gold (₹82 lakh), Silver (₹41 lakh), and Emerging (₹16 lakh). Although its popularity is growing, PSL’s prize amount is small compared to IPL. Islamabad United, the champions of PSL 2024, received ₹4.13 crore, and runners-up Multan Sultans received ₹1.65 crore.
Even when compared with India‘s Women’s Premier League (WPL), PSL is behind financially. For example, WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru received ₹6 crore—higher than PSL champions—and runners-up received ₹3 crore.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Top 10 overseas players to watch out for ft. Trent Boult and Phil Salt
Revenue generation of IPL and PSL
IPL’s monetary superiority arises because of its colossal revenue channels from sponsorships, broadcast rights, and ticket purchases. With worldwide celebrities competing and games being staged in India—a country going wild over cricket—advertisers and spectators bestow upon it unmatched interest. PSL has fewer such options with a relatively smaller market base and limited participation from across the globe.
Player salaries of IPL and PSL
IPL players earn more for the open auctions without caps, meaning franchises can bid aggressively for the best players. This is in contrast to the PSL’s draft mechanism with salary caps depending on categories. This variation affects not just individual pay but even the sheer financial size of the leagues.
Prize money allocation
The difference in the prize money indicates the economic models of the leagues. IPL gives ₹46.5 crore each year to winners, runners-up, and other performing teams, whereas the prize pool of PSL is much lower.
Effect on viewership and global reach
The financial divide also has a direct impact on viewership statistics. IPL’s international popularity is clear from its billions of online views every year—way more than PSL’s projected 1.5 billion online views during its ninth season. The presence of overseas stars also adds to IPL’s popularity globally.
