Cricket
Most Expensive PSL Players of All Time
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has grown into a prominent T20 cricket league, attracting top talent with competitive salaries despite not matching the financial might of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the PSL operates on a draft system rather than auctions, its Platinum category offers substantial paychecks to elite players. Over the years, the league has seen marquee signings, with 2025 bringing new record-breaking contracts that have reshaped the list of the most expensive players in PSL history. The article below ranks the top 10 highest-paid PSL players, highlights the new 2025 additions, and breaks down the league’s salary structure.
Top 10 Most Expensive PSL Players In 2025
| Rank | Player Name | Team | Year | Reported Salary (USD) | Nationality | Notable Reason/Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Warner | Karachi Kings | 2025 | $300,000 | Australian | Signed as the highest-paid player in PSL history after going unsold in IPL 2025; marquee signing for his explosive batting. |
| 2 | Daryl Mitchell | Lahore Qalandars | 2025 | $220,000 | New Zealand | High-profile all-rounder signed for his versatility and recent T20 form. |
| 3 | Babar Azam | Peshawar Zalmi | 2023–2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | Retained as a marquee player; PSL’s biggest star with consistent batting performances. |
| 4 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Lahore Qalandars | 2023–2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | Star pacer and captain, signed for his match-winning bowling. |
| 5 | Mohammad Rizwan | Multan Sultans | 2023–2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | Wicketkeeper-batter and captain, valued for leadership and consistency. |
| 6 | Fakhar Zaman | Lahore Qalandars | 2023–2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | Explosive opener retained for his aggressive batting style. |
| 7 | Saim Ayub | Peshawar Zalmi | 2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | Rising star signed for his dynamic batting and potential. |
| 8 | Shadab Khan | Islamabad United | 2023–2025 | $220,000 | Pakistani | All-rounder and captain, valued for his spin bowling and leadership. |
| 9 | Alex Hales | Islamabad United | 2023–2025 | $170,000 | English | Clean-hitting opener retained for his T20 expertise. |
| 10 | Rashid Khan | Lahore Qalandars | 2023–2024 | $170,000 | Afghan | World-class spinner, signed for his wicket-taking ability. |
New Expensive Additions in PSL 2025
The 2025 PSL draft, held at Huzoori Bagh, Lahore Fort, introduced record-breaking signings, reflecting the league’s growing ambition. Two of the standout additions include:
David Warner (Karachi Kings, $300,000): The Australian opener became the most expensive player in PSL history, surpassing the previous Platinum cap of $170,000. Warner, unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, joined Karachi Kings for his explosive batting and leadership experience. His $300,000 contract marks a significant leap in PSL salaries, signalling the league’s intent to compete globally.
Saim Ayub (Peshawar Zalmi, $220,000): A rising Pakistani star, Ayub’s inclusion in the Platinum category at $220,000 highlights his potential as a dynamic opener. His recent domestic performances and T20 flair made him a priority pick.
Warner’s $300,000 deal broke the previous record held by multiple players at $170,000 like Babar Azam, Shadab Khan in 2023–2024, setting a new benchmark for PSL contracts.
Breakdown of PSL Salary Categories
Unlike the IPL’s auction system, the PSL uses a draft with six salary categories, ensuring equal talent distribution. Here’s an overview of the 2025 categories:
Platinum: The highest-paid category, reserved for elite players. Salaries range from $170,000 to $300,000, with a maximum of three players per franchise. Examples: David Warner ($300,000), Babar Azam ($220,000).
Diamond: The second-tier category, with salaries up to $85,000. Franchises can pick up to three players (four for some teams in the mini-draft). Examples: Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf.
Gold: Mid-tier players earn up to $50,000, with a maximum of three picks per team. Example: Mohammad Haris.
Silver: Above-average players earn $25,000. Up to five players can be selected. Example: Abrar Ahmed.
Emerging: Designed for young Pakistani talent, with salaries at $7,500. Each team must pick at least two players. Example: Hasan Nawaz.
Supplementary: For partially available players, with salaries up to $50,000. Example: Moeen Ali (2023).
The Platinum and Diamond categories dominate high-earner lists, with Platinum salaries seeing a significant jump in 2025 to attract global stars.
Highest-Paid Foreign Players in PSL
Foreign players have been pivotal in elevating the PSL’s global appeal. Here are three notable high-paid foreign signings across the seasons:
David Warner (Karachi Kings, 2025, $300,000): Warner’s record-breaking signing is a landmark for PSL, driven by his status as a T20 batting legend. His move came after being unsold in IPL 2025, making him a marquee addition.
Daryl Mitchell (Lahore Qalandars, 2025, $220,000): The New Zealand all-rounder’s signing reflects PSL’s growing pull for versatile players. His recent T20 performances made him a premium pick.
Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars, 2023–2024, $170,000): The Afghan spinner’s signing was a coup for PSL, given his global demand as a top T20 bowler. His wicket-taking ability boosted Lahore’s campaigns.
These signings highlight PSL’s ability to attract international stars, even amidst IPL competition in 2025.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Super League continues to evolve, with 2025 marking a new era of high-profile signings like David Warner and Daryl Mitchell. By increasing Platinum category salaries and attracting global talent, the PSL is cementing its status as a competitive T20 league, even while overlapping with the IPL. As the 2025 season unfolds, expect more updates on standout performances and potential new record-breaking contracts. Stay tuned to SportsBoom’s PSL 2025 coverage for the latest insights.
Quick Facts
Babar Azam, a Platinum category mainstay since 2023, has earned $170,000–$220,000 across a couple of seasons.
No, PSL salaries (up to $300,000) are significantly lower than IPL’s top contracts (e.g., Rishabh Pant’s $3.2 million in 2025). However, PSL’s increased 2025 salaries show growth.
Karachi Kings, with Warner’s $300,000 and other Platinum picks like Adam Milne ($220,000).
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An M.A. in English Literature, Subhayan is an experienced journalist and sports writer. Having worked as a journalist at Hindustan Times, Subhayan covered diverse beats including sports, education, and health, showcasing his versatility and in-depth understanding of various subjects.