Punjab Newsline,Sports:
From 2026, salary cap raised to $1.6 million, eight teams and auction system introduced, but the earnings gap with the IPL remains wide
Pakistan Super League Increased Salary Cap: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced an increase in its salary cap starting from the 2026 season. Under the new structure, the PSL salary cap has been raised to $1.6 million. Along with this, the number of teams in the league will be increased to eight. For the first time in PSL history, players will be signed through an auction system. PSL officials believe these changes will help make the league more competitive and provide better opportunities for players.
Despite the increase in the salary cap, the financial gap between the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains significant. The IPL is widely regarded as the richest cricket league in the world, where players earn several times more than their counterparts in the PSL. The IPL’s massive revenues from media rights, sponsorships, and advertisements directly benefit the franchises and, in turn, the players.
The difference in earnings becomes clearer when looking at Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. According to reports, Pant’s total earnings from the IPL alone are so high that the same amount could fund the complete salary cap of nearly two PSL teams. In other words, the income of a single IPL player is equivalent to the combined budget of two PSL franchises. This highlights how far behind PSL players are in terms of financial rewards compared to those playing in the IPL.
The decision to raise the PSL salary cap is seen as an important move to attract both domestic and international players. With the introduction of the auction system, player prices will now be determined by demand and supply, which could result in higher earnings for some top players. However, due to the overall limited salary cap, a major increase in earnings for all players is unlikely.
Overall, these changes mark a significant step forward for the Pakistan Super League as it aims to strengthen its structure and global appeal. However, when it comes to earnings, glamour, and commercial power, the gap between the IPL and PSL remains intact. While the IPL continues to be the biggest financial platform for cricketers worldwide, the PSL is still striving to reach that level.