The 10 highest-paid players in IPL 2024 secured record-breaking deals, with the top bid exceeding INR 24 crores. Several all-rounders, captains, and power hitters earned massive contracts, reflecting their impact in T20 cricket. Franchises engaged in intense bidding wars to acquire the best talent for the upcoming season.
10. Ishan Kishan (MI) – INR 15.25 Crores
Ishan Kishan has faced criticism for skipping domestic tournaments, but he remains a highly valued IPL player. After the 2022 mega auction, Mumbai Indians re-signed him for INR 15.25 crores, making him one of the most expensive players despite initially releasing him due to retention constraints.
9. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) – INR 16 Crores
Chennai Super Kings prioritized retaining all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction, naming him captain for the season. He earned a salary of INR 16 crores, surpassing former skipper MS Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles.
8. Rishabh Pant (DC) – INR 16 Crores
Delhi Capitals retained Rishabh Pant as their top priority player after he led them to the IPL 2021 playoffs. He earns an IPL salary of INR 16 crores. However, Pant missed IPL 2023 due to a serious car accident in December 2022.
7. Rohit Sharma (MI) – INR 16 Crores
Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma was replaced by Hardik Pandya. Before the IPL 2022 mega auction, he was Mumbai’s top retention, earning INR 16 crores. He currently ranks seventh among the highest-paid players in IPL 2024.
6. Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – INR 16 Crores
Nicholas Pooran, a highly sought-after T20 middle-order batter, is among the highest-paid IPL players. Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for INR 16 crores at the 2023 mini-auction and appointed him as vice-captain.
5. KL Rahul (LSG) – INR 17 Crores
KL Rahul, formerly Punjab Kings’ captain, was Lucknow Super Giants’ top draft pick before IPL 2022. As their highest-paid player with an INR 17 crore salary, he also leads the team as captain.
4. Cameron Green (RCB) – INR 17.5 Crores
Cameron Green, after an impressive IPL 2023 with Mumbai Indians, was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 17.5 crores to make room for Hardik Pandya. He will play for RCB in IPL 2024.
3. Sam Curran (PBKS) – INR 18.5 Crores
Punjab Kings’ all-rounder Sam Curran was the IPL’s most expensive player until two Australians surpassed him. After his stellar ICC T20 World Cup 2022 performance, Punjab acquired him for INR 18.5 crores, outbidding strong competition to secure his services.
2. Pat Cummins (SRH) – INR 20.5 Crores
Australian skipper Pat Cummins had a phenomenal 2023, earning an IPL bid of INR 20.5 crores from Sunrisers Hyderabad—the first player to surpass INR 20 crores. He led Australia to victories in the ICC World Test Championship and ODI World Cup 2023.
1. Mitchell Starc (KKR) – INR 24.75 Crores
Mitchell Starc became the highest-paid player in IPL history with a record-breaking INR 24.75 crores bid from Kolkata Knight Riders. After an intense bidding war with Gujarat Titans, KKR secured Starc, surpassing Pat Cummins’ INR 20.5 crores bid to make him the most expensive player in the league.