3 Indian Players Whose IPL Salaries Are More Than The Champions Trophy 2025 Winning Prize

While cricket fans anticipate with enthusiasm and excitement the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to kick off on February 19, 2025, an interesting subplot regarding finances has begun to unfold. Though the Champions Trophy 2025 Winning Prize is ₹19.45 crore, a huge figure in international cricket, it’s not a patch on what some of those Indian players will fetch as their paychecks in IPL 2025.

In the heart of natural superiority, these three stars, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli, give a Natufian equivalent for their IPL contracts of more than the Champions Trophy-winning prize.

This enormous disparity in earnings embodies the changing financial dynamics of cricket: franchise-based leagues are beginning to overshadow international tournaments in terms of monetary rewards. Let us take a closer look at how these cricketers were able to secure record-breaking deals and what it portends for the future of the sport.

The Golden Trio: Who Earns What in IPL 2025?

1. Rishabh Pant – The ₹27 Crore Man (Lucknow Super Giants)

One of the biggest surprises of the IPL 2025 auction was Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) breaking all records to sign Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crore—making him the highest-paid player in IPL history.

Pant’s Rise to Stardom

• From a promising talent at Delhi Capitals to becoming India’s top wicketkeeper-batsman, Pant’s rise has been meteoric.
• His fearless batting style and ability to turn matches single-handedly have made him one of the most valuable T20 players.

Why Did LSG Spend ₹27 Crore on Pant?

• His explosive batting is tailor-made for T20 cricket.
• He is a leader, having captained Delhi Capitals in the past.
• His presence boosts franchise brand value, attracting fans and sponsors.

With such a huge investment, the pressure is on Pant to deliver a season worthy of this record-breaking contract.

2. Shreyas Iyer – PBKS’s ₹26.75 Crore Masterstroke

Not far behind Pant is Shreyas Iyer, who was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore. This signing shows PBKS’s intent to finally build a title-winning squad.

Iyer’s IPL Legacy

• Led Delhi Capitals to their first IPL final in 2020.
• Has been a consistent middle-order batsman in the T20 format.
• Brings leadership qualities that PBKS have lacked over the years.

Why PBKS Paid Big for Iyer?

• The franchise is searching for a stable captain to end their title drought.
• Iyer’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him ideal for T20 cricket.
• He is an Indian batter at his peak, ensuring long-term value.

Iyer now carries the weight of expectations, but if he delivers, PBKS could finally end their IPL title drought.

3. Virat Kohli – RCB’s ₹21 Crore Loyalty Reward

While Pant and Iyer made headlines at the auction, RCB’s decision to retain Virat Kohli for ₹21 crore which is more than the Champions Trophy 2025 Winning Prize.

Kohli’s Bond with RCB

• Kohli has been with RCB since IPL’s inception in 2008, becoming the face of the franchise.
• Holds the record for most runs in a single IPL season (973 in 2016).
• Despite individual brilliance, RCB has never won an IPL title.

Why RCB Retained Kohli for ₹21 Crore?

• His brand value is unmatched, bringing in millions of fans worldwide.
• Even if not captain, he remains RCB’s backbone in batting.
• He still has the hunger to win an IPL trophy with RCB.

While the ₹21 crore figure is lower than Pant’s and Iyer’s contracts, Kohli’s legacy at RCB remains priceless.

What This Means for Cricket’s Financial Future

1. Franchise Cricket is Financially More Lucrative than ICC Tournaments

• A single IPL contract now pays more than an entire ICC tournament win.
• This shift shows how T20 leagues are becoming more financially dominant.

2. International Cricket Faces Competition from Franchise Leagues

• Will players prioritize IPL and T20 leagues over international tournaments in the future?
• Could we see more international cricketers retiring early to focus on T20 leagues?

3. The Power of Indian Cricket

• Indian players now command the highest salaries in cricket history.
• This shows the IPL’s global influence, making it the richest T20 league in the world.

Also Read: How to Buy Tickets for IPL 2025 Matches?