Mumbai: Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has made a startling prediction about the financial future of the tournament, claiming that top players could earn over ₹130 crore per season by 2030 as the league’s economics continue to surge.
Modi’s remarks come at a time when IPL 2026 already boasts a massive player purse of ₹125 crore per franchise, underlining the rapid commercial growth of the tournament over the years.
Player salaries set for exponential rise
Speaking on The Overlap Cricket, Modi projected a dramatic increase in team spending, suggesting that franchise salary caps could rise to nearly USD 100 million (approximately ₹932 crore) per season by the end of the decade.
“You will see the player purse of an IPL team rising to USD 100 million a season,” Modi said. “That means the cap of the team. The top three or four players could make 15–16 million dollars a season.”
If realised, such figures would translate to individual earnings of roughly ₹120–₹130 crore per season for elite players, marking a seismic shift in cricket’s financial landscape.
Per-match earnings could touch ₹8 crore
Modi further explained that with players participating in around 16 matches per season, top stars could effectively earn close to USD 1 million (around ₹8 crore) per game.
This projection highlights the IPL’s growing stature not just as a sporting event, but as one of the most lucrative leagues globally, rivaling top competitions in football and basketball in terms of player salaries.
The anticipated surge is expected to be driven by increasing media rights valuations, sponsorship deals, and global fan engagement.
IPL’s financial growth trajectory
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has witnessed exponential financial growth, with franchise valuations and broadcasting revenues rising sharply. The current salary cap of ₹125 crore per team already represents a significant jump compared to earlier seasons.
Modi’s forecast suggests that this upward trajectory is far from over, with the league potentially entering a new financial bracket by 2030.
Industry experts believe that expanding global audiences and digital streaming platforms could further fuel this growth, making such projections plausible if current trends continue.
On-field action continues to thrill
Even as discussions around finances dominate headlines, the on-field action in IPL 2026 continues to captivate fans. In a recent match, Punjab Kings produced a commanding performance to defeat Mumbai Indians.
Prabhsimran Singh smashed an unbeaten 80, while skipper Shreyas Iyer continued his fine form with a 66, guiding Punjab to a comfortable chase of 196 in just 16.3 overs.
Earlier, Quinton de Kock had starred for Mumbai Indians with a brilliant unbeaten 112, supported by Naman Dhir’s half-century, as the duo stitched a 132-run partnership.
However, Mumbai’s bowling struggles persisted, with Jasprit Bumrah enduring an expensive outing and AM Ghazanfar emerging as the only notable performer with 2/31.
Conclusion
Lalit Modi’s bold prediction underscores the IPL’s evolution into a financial powerhouse, where player earnings could reach unprecedented levels in the coming years. While such projections remain speculative, they reflect the league’s immense commercial potential. As IPL continues to grow, both on and off the field, the future of cricket economics appears set for a dramatic transformation.