The IPL 2025 auction brought surprises, with Saudi Arabia hosting this grand event for the first time. The auction saw teams spend large amounts on players they wanted, but it also led to some big salary reductions for notable names in cricket. While many players celebrated big paydays, others faced unexpected drops in their earnings.
Here’s a look at five players who experienced the steepest salary cuts from IPL 2024 to IPL 2025.
1. Sam Curran: ₹18.5 Crore to ₹2.4 Crore
English all-rounder Sam Curran had a remarkable deal last year with the Punjab Kings, securing ₹18.5 crore. However, his performance did not justify the massive price tag. At this year’s auction, Chennai Super Kings picked him for just ₹2.4 crore, marking a staggering ₹16.1 crore decrease.
2. Mitchell Starc: ₹24.75 Crore to ₹11.75 Crore
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the highlight of last year’s mini-auction, where the Kolkata Knight Riders spent ₹24.75 crore on him. This year, Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹11.75 crore, resulting in a massive ₹13 crore reduction in his salary.
3. Sameer Rizvi: ₹8.4 Crore to ₹95 Lakh
Uncapped Indian all-rounder Sameer Rizvi made headlines in IPL 2024 when Chennai Super Kings spent ₹8.4 crore on him. However, his performance fell short of expectations, and he was released. At the IPL 2025 Auction, Delhi Capitals acquired him for just ₹95 lakh, leading to a sharp ₹7.45 crore drop.
4. Spencer Johnson: ₹10 Crore to ₹2.8 Crore
Australian pacer Spencer Johnson had an impressive debut in IPL 2024 with Gujarat Titans, earning ₹10 crore. But this year, Kolkata Knight Riders picked him up for ₹2.8 crore. His salary dropped by ₹7.2 crore, likely due to a lack of strong interest from other teams.
5. Glenn Maxwell: ₹11 Crore to ₹4.2 Crore
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is known for his explosive performances, but he had a disappointing season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. This year, Punjab Kings re-signed him for ₹4.2 crore, down from ₹11 crore, marking a ₹6.8 crore reduction.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2025 auction brought unexpected changes, with some high-profile players taking massive pay cuts. Auction dynamics and recent performances significantly impacted these players’ values, proving how unpredictable the IPL can be.
