If we look at the last decade, one thing that has revolutionized cricket around the world is the emergence of T20 leagues, which have successfully attracted crowds, media attention, and top-class players. From BBL to IPL to PSL to CPL, the list of leagues is extensive. Many players now leave their country’s central contracts to participate in these leagues, sparking discussions among the older generation who criticize players for prioritizing league cricket over international cricket. However, that is a topic for another day.
In recent years, a debate has emerged over which league is better: IPL or PSL. Some believe that comparing the two is pointless, as the IPL is clearly ahead of the PSL. Others still attempt to find points of comparison. But what are the key differences between these two leagues? Let’s take a look at a few points that will help clarify the distinctions between them.
IPL vs PSL salary difference
The IPL burst onto the scene in 2008, making it way older than the PSL, which was established in 2016 with a total of 6 teams. In 2022 IPL season, the league had expanded to include 10 teams with the addition of the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. When discussing the salary differences between the two leagues, there are some uniquely distinct aspects to see .
PSL salary structure
The PSL salaries are divided into five categories: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging, and Supplementary. Each category has specific salary ranges, with Platinum players earning between $130,000 and $170,000, Diamond players between $60,000 and $80,000, Gold players between $40,000 and $50,000, Silver players between $15,000 and $25,000, Emerging players receiving $7,500, and Supplementary players gets $50,000.
Players like Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam fall under the Platinum category due to their regular appearances in international cricket and extensive experience.
IPL salary structure
Now in comparison, the IPL’s salary structure is entirely different. As in the IPL, there are no predefined salary categories, players are bought at auction, and their prices can go as high as the franchises are willing to pay. However, franchises have an allocated budget within which they need to acquire players’ services. Previously, the minimum base price for a player was 10 lakh rupees, which has now increased to 20 lakh rupees.
To understand the salary difference, see that 17 players in the PSL’s Platinum category earn between 1.7 crore and 1.5 crore rupees. In contrast, during the IPL 2024 auction, Mitchell Starc secured 24.75 crores, and many elite players consistently command similar substantial amounts each season.
IPLvs PSL prize money difference
When it comes to prize money, there is no doubt that historically the IPL has awarded significantly more than any other T20 league. This trend continues with the PSL and reflects the market value of both leagues. For instance, Islamabad United, who won the PSL 2024, were awarded a cash prize of PKR 170 million, which is approximately ₹5.5 crore. In contrast, the IPL awarded Kolkata Knight Riders a substantial ₹20 crore from a prize pool of ₹46.5 crore. Let’s take a detailed look at the prize money since the PSL’s inception.
| Year | IPL Prize Money (Winner) | PSL Prize Money (Winner) |
| 2016 | ₹15 crore | ₹2.2 crore |
| 2017 | ₹15 crore | ₹2.2 Crore |
| 2018 | ₹20 crore | ₹2.2 Crore |
| 2019 | ₹20 crore | ₹2.2 Crore |
| 2020 | ₹20 crore | ₹5.1 Crore |
| 2021 | ₹20 crore | ₹5.4 Crore |
| 2022 | ₹20 crore | ₹5.4 Crore |
| 2023 | ₹20 crore | ₹5.4 Crore |
| 2024 | ₹20 crore | ₹5.4 Crore |
Although there is a surprising factor that puts the PSL slightly ahead, though narrowly, in terms of media rights, recently ARY Communications and Walee Technologies won the bidding war and purchased the PSL media rights for $6.3 billion (approximately ₹52,000 crore). In comparison, the IPL media rights for the five seasons from 2022 to 2027 were sold for $6.2 billion (around ₹51,000 crore). Apart from the top-notch players showcased in these leagues, here are three key differences, interestingly all related to ‘financial value.’
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