The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most popular T20 league in the world. It features high-profile overseas players except for Pakistan. In the inaugural edition played in 2008, 11 Pakistan players participated in the league. However, Pakistan players were banned from the cash-rich league due to the political tensions between the two nations. Several years later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) started its T20 franchise league. The first season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was played in 2016.
As PSL has evolved over the years, there has been a debate on which league is better. Many claim that the quality of fast bowling is much better in the PSL. However, IPL still holds the crown due to the availability of prominent players and the number of cricketers it has produced that have represented India.
However, IPL is light years ahead of the PSL in terms of revenue generated. The budget is much bigger whether it comes to purses allotted to the franchises, salaries of players or the prize money. On social media, people often compare the salaries of big players, especially during IPL auctions.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the prize money of the two leagues –
In the recently-concluded edition of PSL, winners Islamabad United led by Shadab Khan got Rs 3.4 crore (approximately) while the runners-up Multan Sultans got Rs 1.4 crore.
As the budgets are much higher in the IPL, the winners of the 2023 edition, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won Rs 20 crore. The amount is significantly higher than the prize money of PSL. The runners-up Gujarat Titans (GT) led by Hardik Pandya got Rs 12.5 crore.
ALSO READ: Three franchises who have never won an IPL trophy despite playing all 16 seasons
Even the teams that finished third and fourth got more than PSL 2023 winners. Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) led by Rohit Sharma received Rs 7 crore whereas KL Rahul's Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got Rs 6.5 crore.
While the influx of money has increased in the IPL, it was higher than the PSL in its inaugural edition. IPL 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) received Rs 4.8 crore as prize money.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
After scoring century, Musheer Khan shines with ball; Vidarbha batters make Mumbai fight hard for 42nd Ranji Trophy title
Rishabh Pant feels he is about to make his debut again after getting clearance from BCCI to play IPL 2024, says 'I'm excited and nervous...'
