Cricket’s premier tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is undeniably a global powerhouse, a financial behemoth that captures the attention of millions. However, a former Indian cricketer has ignited a debate by suggesting that the very stars who make the league so captivating might be “grossly underpaid.” Abhinav Mukund, speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show, presented a compelling argument that challenges conventional wisdom about IPL player salaries.
Mukund’s central thesis revolves around a stark comparison between the IPL’s immense valuation and the earnings of athletes in other major global sports leagues, such as baseball and Formula 1. He contends that when viewed through this international economic lens, even the highest IPL salaries, often reported in the range of ₹20 to ₹25 crore, are surprisingly modest.
The IPL’s Financial Power vs. Player Payouts
“I feel IPL players are grossly underpaid,” Mukund stated unequivocally. “Listen, hear me out. Because the valuation of the league is so high. And if you look at other leagues around the world, the economics of it, you take baseball, you take F1, you can take any of these guys. In comparison to that, 20 crores or 25 crores is actually not that much. If you look at it in that way.”
He elaborated on this point, arguing that the IPL’s status as a top-tier global sporting league should be reflected in the compensation its players receive. “If you are saying IPL is one of the top 4-5 leagues in the world, your players should also be paid like the top 4-5. It’s not even in the top 10 or top 20. And if a player is in the top 10, that is because of all the other endorsements. Not because of the IPL salary. So the salary should not be capped. I feel that IPL players could be paid more.”
A Closer Look at Franchise Earnings and Player Salaries
Drawing on his experience and reported figures, Mukund provided a statistical perspective on the perceived disparity between what IPL franchises rake in annually and what they allocate to player remuneration. He noted that IPL teams are reported to earn between ₹400 to ₹500 crore per year. Mukund believes a more equitable distribution would see a significantly larger portion dedicated to player salaries.
“An IPL team gets about 400 to 500 crores a year is what I have read, in the reports,” he explained. “I think at least about 100 to 120 crore that they are spending, there should be a little more, maybe double of that as the salary cap. Maybe 200-250 crores.”
Statistical Analysis: Where Does the Money Go?
Mukund’s assertion that IPL players are underpaid gains traction when examined through financial data. Available estimates suggest that IPL cricketers currently receive approximately 8.5% of the league’s total revenue. This figure stands in stark contrast to other major sporting leagues. For instance, in the English Premier League (EPL), player wages constitute a much larger portion, accounting for nearly 63% of the league’s overall earnings.
However, it’s crucial to add context to this comparison. Footballers in the EPL participate in a gruelling 38-match season, playing almost weekly for several months. IPL players, by contrast, are involved in a significantly compressed tournament, typically spanning around two months, with most featuring in approximately 14 to 16 matches.
The Imbalance in Central Contracts
Despite the shorter season, Mukund’s argument about the distribution of wealth becomes more potent when considering the broader financial ecosystem of cricket, particularly in relation to central contracts. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) generates a substantial annual revenue, reportedly close to ₹4,000 crore, with a significant portion of this income being tax-exempt and largely driven by the IPL’s success.
Yet, the total amount disbursed for player retainers under central contracts is considerably lower, amounting to only a few hundred crores. This disparity points to a significant imbalance in how the immense financial success of Indian cricket, particularly the IPL, is shared with the players who are its driving force. The debate over IPL player salaries is therefore not just about individual earning potential but also about the equitable distribution of revenue within one of the world’s most valuable sporting leagues.
