PSL vs IPL - Comparison of total money spent at 2026 auctions

The franchise cricket season in Asia is set to ignite once again, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to begin in the last week of March 2026. Over the years, both leagues have established themselves as premier T20 tournaments, attracting global stars and commanding significant financial investments. However, a comparison of the total money spent in their 2026 auctions highlights the vast financial gap between the two competitions.

The IPL conducted its 2026 mini-auction in grand fashion, once again underlining its financial dominance in the world of franchise cricket. A total of 77 players were sold, including 29 overseas cricketers. The franchises collectively spent INR 215.45 crore, reflecting the league’s massive commercial strength.

The biggest purchase of the auction was Cameron Green, who was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 25.20 crore. The auction also witnessed record-breaking bids for uncapped players, with Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer sold to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 14.20 crore each, the highest-ever amount paid for uncapped players in IPL history. Every franchise was active in strengthening its squad, with several lesser-known players earning life-changing deals.

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On the other hand, the PSL conducted its auction in a full-fledged format for the first time. While the scale was smaller compared to the IPL, it still generated strong interest. The league spent a total of PKR 210.60 crore, which converts to approximately INR 63.18 crore. Several notable international stars, including Steven Smith, David Warner, and Daryl Mitchell, secured lucrative deals. The highest-paid player in the PSL auction was Naseem Shah, who fetched PKR 8.65 crore.

When comparing the total expenditure, the IPL’s INR 215.45 crore dwarfs the PSL’s INR 63.18 crore equivalent. The difference reflects the IPL’s stronger commercial ecosystem and global sponsorship appeal. Nevertheless, while the financial figures may differ significantly, both leagues continue to deliver high-quality cricket and thrilling entertainment across the subcontinent.