2 New PSL Teams Sold for Amounts Equal to Rishabh Pant–Shreyas Iyer’s IPL Salary
The world of T20 cricket economics has thrown up a fascinating comparison in early 2026. The Pakistan Super League (PSL), expanding to eight teams, has just sold two new franchises for amounts that closely rival the salary earned by top Indian Premier League (IPL) stars — including Shreyas Iyer. This juxtaposition highlights not only the growing appeal of franchise cricket but also the stark financial disparity between different leagues.
In this article, we unpack what happened at the PSL franchise auction, how the figures compare with IPL salaries, and what this means for fans and investors alike.
A Historic Expansion in the Pakistan Super League
The Pakistan Super League conducted a franchise auction on January 8, 2026, in Islamabad as part of its planned expansion from six to eight teams. This marks the first major growth for the PSL in several years and comes as the league prepares for its 11th season, scheduled to begin in late March 2026.
The Two New Franchises: Hyderabad and Sialkot
The two newest PSL teams went to competitive bidders:
- Hyderabad – secured by FKS Group, an aviation and healthcare-focused consortium, for approximately PKR 1.75 billion (about USD 6.2 million / roughly INR 55–56 crore).
- Sialkot – won by OZ Developers with a bid near PKR 1.85 billion (around USD 6.5 million / roughly INR 59 crore).
Together, the two franchises fetched around PKR 3.6 billion — close to INR 114–115 crore — in total value.
This growth reflects renewed investor confidence and the Board’s intent to widen the PSL’s reach. However, the price tags reveal the commercial realities of franchise cricket outside India.
Comparing PSL Team Prices with IPL Salaries
One of the most striking talking points from this auction was the comparison to high-profile IPL salaries — most notably those of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
IPL Big-Ticket Salaries: Pant and Shreyas Iyer
In the IPL 2025 auction, two Indian cricket stars commanded huge bids:
- Rishabh Pant was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore.
- Shreyas Iyer fetched INR 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings.
Their combined salaries are therefore approximately INR 53.75 crore — nearly the same amount one of the new PSL teams (Hyderabad) sold for on its own.
What This Comparison Reveals
It’s stunning to realize that the annual salary of two IPL stars can nearly match the franchise fee for an entire PSL team. Even though T20 leagues have grown rapidly, this contrast exposes how the commercial ecosystem of the IPL far outstrips that of other domestic T20 competitions.
While the PSL’s new franchises sold for around INR 55–59 crore each, and roughly INR 115 crore combined, the IPL’s expansion teams in 2021 went for thousands of crores. Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans, for example, fetched INR 7,090 crore and INR 5,625 crore respectively — figures that dwarf PSL’s auction results entirely.
What This Means for PSL and Global T20 Markets
The fact that two new PSL franchise sales are so comparable to superstar IPL salaries has larger implications.
PSL’s Growing But Modest Market
The PSL has been steadily expanding in popularity and professionalism. The two new teams signal investor interest within Pakistan and internationally. Yet, the price tags also reflect that the league still operates on a much smaller financial scale than the IPL.
For perspective, even the combined value of the PSL expansion (~INR 115 crore) is modest compared to what multiple IPL franchises spend on marquee players or what new IPL franchises cost.
This means the PSL’s commercial environment is growing, but will likely remain distinct from financially dominant leagues like the IPL for the foreseeable future.
Spotlight on Shreyas Iyer and T20 Star Power
The high salary commanded by Shreyas Iyer isn’t just a number — it’s an indicator of his value as a cricketer. As a middle-order mainstay, captaincy asset, and proven performer, Iyer’s market appeal helps show how player branding and performance directly translate into financial worth in the IPL.
That his individual salary rivals a full PSL franchise price underscores the tremendous commercial clout garnered by T20 cricket in India — both on-field and off.
What Fans Should Watch Next
If you’re following franchise cricket, there are multiple angles worth tracking:
PSL 2026 Season
With Hyderabad and Sialkot now confirmed, the PSL will feature eight teams for the first time. Fans can expect more matches, broader regional engagement, and possibly new broadcasting deals that help shift the league’s commercial momentum.
Keep an eye on team branding announcements, player drafts, and how the new franchises build their squads ahead of the March launch.
IPL Market Movements
In the IPL, star players like Shreyas Iyer will remain central to team strategies — both competitively and commercially. Their contract values set benchmarks for future T20 earnings and influence how emerging talent is valued.
Moreover, pay scales in the IPL will continue to drive discussions about players’ worth versus franchise valuations in other leagues.
Final Thoughts
The sale of two new PSL franchises for amounts that match the IPL salaries of players such as Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer offers a fascinating snapshot of global cricket economics today.
It’s a rare moment where team valuations and player contracts intersect so directly, giving fans and analysts alike a numerical way to compare league scales. While the PSL continues to grow and excite, the financial dominance of the IPL remains unmatched — and players like Shreyas Iyer are very much a big part of that story.
This comparison doesn’t just highlight numbers — it highlights narratives, star power, and the evolving business of T20 cricket worldwide.
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