How Much Do IPL Cricketers Earn Per Match?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of cricket’s most famous events, drawing top talent from across the globe. With multi-crore deals being signed each season, many wonder how much an IPL cricketer earns per match. Here’s a simple breakdown of the IPL salary structure and player earnings.

How Are IPL Cricketers’ Salaries Determined?

Salary Basis

A player’s salary is determined by the amount they are purchased for during the IPL auction. This bid amount represents the player’s salary for the entire season. For instance, if a player is bought for ₹10 crore, that’s their salary for the season, not per match.

Seasonal Payments

IPL salaries are calculated on a per-season basis. If a player is bought for ₹10 crore and has a three-year contract, they will receive ₹10 crore each year for three years, totaling ₹30 crore over the contract’s duration.

Currency and Contract History

Initially, IPL salaries were quoted in US dollars, but since 2012, payments have been made in Indian Rupees (INR) due to changes in currency exchange systems.

Contract Extensions

If a player is retained for the next season without going through an auction, their salary usually remains the same unless renegotiated. Performance and team negotiations can lead to raises during contract extensions.

Full Season Payments

Players are paid their full contracted amount even if they don’t play every match of the season. The payment is based on the season contract, not the number of matches played.

Injuries and Availability

If a player is injured before the season starts, the franchise isn’t required to pay them. If a player is only available for part of the season, they receive a pro-rata payment, often with a 10% retainer. The specifics depend on the contract terms and player availability.

Early Release from Contract

Players can request an early release from their contract. If the franchise agrees, the player is still entitled to the full salary for the remaining contract term.

Injury Treatment

Franchises cover medical expenses for injured players during the season. Some teams, like the Mumbai Indians, even provide off-season treatment.

Payment Schedules

Payments are not always made upfront. Different franchises may follow various payment schedules:

Full Payment

Some pay the entire amount at the start of the season.

Split Payments

Payments might be divided before and during the tournament.

Three-Stage Payments

Commonly, 15% is paid before the tournament, 65% during, and 20% after.

Per Match Earnings

To estimate per match earnings, divide the total season salary by the number of matches played. For example, if a player earns ₹10 crore for a season and plays 14 matches, their approximate per-match earning would be ₹71.4 lakhs (₹10 crore / 14 matches).

Additional Earnings Beyond Salary

Besides their auction salaries, IPL players receive daily allowances for expenses, which vary by team and location. For tournaments in India, this could be around ₹5,000 per day.

Breakdown of IPL Players’ Salary Structure

• Base Salary: This guaranteed amount is based on a player’s experience, performance, and demand during the auction. Top Indian players can earn up to ₹15 crore, while top overseas players may earn up to $2.2 million.
• Match Fee: Players receive a fee for each match they play, depending on their base salary and number of matches. Top players can earn up to ₹1.5 crore per match.
• Signing Bonus: Some players receive a one-time bonus when signing their contract, which can be up to 10% of their base salary.
• Prize Money: The winning team of the IPL receives around ₹20 crore, and some teams also give additional bonuses for individual or team performances.
• Endorsements: Many players earn significant income from endorsements, often more than from their IPL contracts.
• Taxes and Deductions: Overseas players’ salaries are taxed at 20% by the Indian government, while Indian players are taxed according to their income tax bracket.

Conclusion

IPL cricketers earn substantial salaries, determined by auction bids and paid per season. These earnings are guaranteed, regardless of the number of matches played, with factors like contract length, injuries, and payment schedules influencing how and when they receive their payments.