The IPL Mini Auction 2026 held on Tuesday in Dubai made history in several ways, especially with uncapped players like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma creating new benchmarks for young talents. These players have inspired millions of youngsters, showing that with hard work and talent, one can earn crores and become overnight sensations.
While fans celebrate the glitz and glamour of the IPL, a common question often arises: How do franchises actually pay the players? Here’s a simple breakdown of the process.
Pre-payment process
Before any payment is made, the player’s contract must be approved and registered by the BCCI. The contract clearly mentions the auction price, retainer fees, payment schedule, tax responsibility, clauses for injury, and conditions for contract termination. This ensures that both the franchise and the player are legally protected and all terms are transparent.
IPL Stepwise process of payment
The payment of IPL salaries is usually done in multiple steps rather than as a lump sum. The process can be understood as follows:
Step 1: Before the tournament – 15 to 25 percent of the total salary is paid to the player before the IPL season begins.
Step 2: During the tournament (mid-season) – 40 to 50 percent of the salary is paid in the middle of the tournament, usually after a few matches have been played.
Step 3: After the IPL concludes – 25 to 30 percent of the salary is paid once the tournament ends.
Note: These percentages may vary slightly depending on the franchise.
Example: If an Indian player is sold for Rs 8 crore:
- Auction price: Rs 8,00,00,000
- TDS (30%): Rs 2,40,00,000
- Net amount deposited: Rs 5,60,00,000
- Payment is split into 3–4 installments as per the schedule above
Bank transfer and tax compliance
Franchises pay players through bank transfers using NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or SWIFT for foreign players. Cash payments are not allowed in IPL. This ensures that payments are fully legal, traceable, and compliant with BCCI and income tax regulations.
Insurance and injury cover
Franchises also provide insurance cover for players. If a player gets injured, the franchise may make partial payments or the insurance company may cover the remaining salary. The actual payment depends on the timing of the injury and the clauses mentioned in the contract.
IPL 2026 Auction: Cameron Green tops chart, uncapped Indians shine
The IPL 2026 Mini Auction also saw big names making headlines. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the highest-paid player, going past the Rs 25.2 crore mark. Meanwhile, several uncapped Indian players, including Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, grabbed attention by securing lucrative contracts. Their success has inspired young cricketers nationwide, showing that talent and hard work can translate into massive opportunities in the IPL.
