Biggest Pay Cuts in IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Top Players Facing Salary Reductions and Auction Surprises!

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction witnessed a significant shift in the salary dynamics, with a considerable inflation in player values, yet some Indian players faced massive pay cuts. While young talents saw salaries soar, some established stars experienced a sharp decline in their earnings compared to previous seasons. This drastic change in pay scales became one of the key talking points of the auction. Several players, who were once commanding peak salaries, had their wages slashed, surprising many in the cricketing world. While some of these pay cuts were expected, others raised eyebrows, leaving fans and analysts to question the factors behind these salary adjustments. Here's a look at the players who experienced the most dramatic pay cuts compared to their previous IPL contracts.

Sam Curran: Chennai Super Kings - 2.4 Crores

Sam Curran is facing a significant pay cut this season in the IPL. Since his debut, he has been viewed as a premium all-rounder. Curran was initially signed by the Punjab Kings for ₹7.2 crores, where he made an impressive impact in his first season, achieving hat-tricks, a five-wicket haul, and contributing valuable runs with the bat. However, as is typical with Punjab, he was not retained ahead of the mega auction, and the Chennai Super Kings acquired him for ₹5.50 crores.

Curran was highly productive for the Chennai Super Kings, even during a challenging season for the team, managing to lead them to a few victories. The next season, he also won an IPL trophy with them. Unfortunately, he missed the 2022 season due to injuries, but he made a comeback at the mini auction, fetching a record price of ₹18.50 crores when he was picked up again by the Punjab Kings. 

After a few quieter seasons, he is now back with the Chennai Super Kings, but this time with a substantial pay cut to just ₹2.4 crores. This move has proven to be a great steal for CSK. However, from Sam Curran's perspective, he has effectively lost ₹16.1 crores, a massive reduction in salary for the English all-rounder. His inconsistent performances during his two seasons with the Punjab Kings have contributed to this situation, making him the top player on this pay cut list.

Sam Curran Pay Scale

Mitchell Starc: Delhi Capitals - 11.75 Crores

This is the impact a Mega Auction can have on players. Mitchell Starc isn’t a regular participant in the league; he made his return last season after a seven-year absence. He was sold for a staggering record price of 24.75 crore last season. Along with Pat Cummins, Starc was a key factor in the significant inflation that IPL has ever witnessed when he was picked by KKR for a record fee. He delivered in crucial moments and played a significant role in helping KKR lift the IPL trophy.

After that successful season, It was a Surprise that KKR  decided not to retain him, and he returned to the auction. This year, many expected Starc's bidding to reach at least 15 crore. However, to everyone's surprise, he was acquired by Delhi Capitals for just 11.75 crore, marking a pay cut of 13 crore and placing him second on the list of significant pay reductions this season.

Mitchell Starc Pay Scale

Sameer Rizvi: Delhi Capitals - 95 Lakhs

Sameer Rizvi is the only uncapped young player on this list. His name trended during the 2024 Mini Auction, with many comparing him to Suresh Raina due to his left-handed batting and roots in Uttar Pradesh. He was signed by Chennai Super Kings for a hefty sum of 8.4 crores, following a brief bidding war with Delhi Capitals, who were also interested in him because of his impressive domestic record.

However, on the field, Sameer Rizvi struggled to fulfill his potential. His debut featured two consecutive sixes against Rashid Khan, but aside from that, his performance in the season was mediocre. As a result, he faced a significant pay cut, dropping to 7.45 crores this season, when Delhi Capitals signed him for just 95 lakhs.

Sameer Rizvi Pay Scale

Spencer Johnson: Kolkata Knight Riders - 2.80 Crores

Spencer Johnson was the talk of the town when the Gujarat Titans picked the left-arm seamer for 10 crore in the mini-auction. His high price was due to his impressive performance in the BBL that year. However, he couldn’t replicate that success in the IPL, as he was expensive and had only a few wickets to his name. His performance that season did not justify his price, and this season he was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for 2.80 crore after a bidding war with the Gujarat Titans. This meant Spencer Johnson faced a significant pay cut of 7.2 crores this season, making him the fourth in the list of  salary reduction in this year's IPL Mega Auction.

Spencer Johnson Pay Scale

Glenn Maxwell: Punjab Kings - 4.2 Crores

Glenn Maxwell was the biggest surprise on this list. With 12 years of experience in the IPL, he has played for various teams since 2012. His salary has varied significantly over the years, ranging from a high of 14.25 crore with the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a low of 1.05 crore in his maiden season with the Delhi Capitals. Throughout his career, he has also been part of teams like the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.

Maxwell is known for his explosive hitting and game-changing innings, but his form has gradually declined over the years. This decline has affected his contributions to teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Currently, his diminished form has resulted in a considerable pay cut, with his value dropping to 6.8 crore during the latest mega auction in 2025, where he returned to the Delhi Capitals for around 4.2 crore.

Glenn Maxwell Pay Scale 

In conclusion, the IPL 2025 Mega Auction has highlighted the shifting dynamics of player valuations, with significant inflation in the prices of younger players while some established stars faced unexpected pay cuts. The auction's results reflect changing market trends, team strategies, and a shift towards nurturing emerging talent. While some pay cuts came as a surprise, others seemed justified based on players' recent performances and team requirements. As the league continues to evolve, these fluctuations in player salaries serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and strategic decisions that shape the IPL's financial landscape. Ultimately, the auction has set the stage for a fresh wave of competition, with both new and seasoned players ready to make their mark in the 2025 season.