The recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction has significantly altered the financial landscape of Indian cricket. Rishabh Pant made history by becoming the most expensive player ever in IPL auctions, purchased by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering INR 27 crore. Close on his heels were Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, who were picked up for INR 26.75 crore and INR 23.75 crore, respectively. Meanwhile, among retained players, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured Virat Kohli’s services by offering him INR 21 crore, making him the top pick in terms of retention.
The updated earnings of IPL players have catapulted Rishabh Pant to the position of the highest-paid Indian cricketer in terms of cricketing income. Pant now commands an annual income of INR 32 crore from cricket alone, surpassing Virat Kohli, whose annual earnings stand at INR 28 crore.
Pant’s income stems from two major sources: his IPL contract and his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Currently placed in the A category of the BCCI central contracts, Pant earns INR 5 crore annually from the board. Adding his IPL salary of INR 27 crore, his total cricketing earnings reach INR 32 crore annually.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli earns INR 7 crore annually through his BCCI central contract, as he is part of the elite A+ category of players. Coupled with the INR 21 crore he receives from RCB under his IPL contract, Kohli’s cricketing income totals INR 28 crore annually.
Rishabh Pant’s dominance in the earnings chart is expected to grow further when the BCCI announces its updated central contracts in March next year. Given his indispensable role in India’s plans across all three formats, Pant is widely anticipated to be promoted to the A+ category. Such a move would not only solidify his standing as the highest earner but also increase his earnings significantly.
Conversely, Virat Kohli could face a potential pay cut. As he is no longer part of India’s T20 squad, there is speculation that Kohli may be demoted to the A category in the BCCI contracts, reducing his central contract earnings.
Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, who emerged as the next-highest earners from the IPL 2025 auction, currently lack BCCI central contracts. However, Shreyas Iyer might find himself included in the list if he manages a successful return to the Indian team.
The IPL 2025 auction has thus not only redefined cricketing dynamics in India but also shifted the financial hierarchy among Indian players. Pant’s record-breaking deal and ascension to the top of the earnings chart mark a significant moment in Indian cricket’s evolving economic landscape.
