The Indian Premier League’s 18th season is heading towards a historic finale. Either Royal Challengers Bangalore or Punjab Kings will claim their maiden IPL title. As the richest cricket league in the world, the IPL offers massive prize money to its winners. But it’s not just the champions who walk away with a hefty sum – the runners-up and teams that finish third and fourth also receive significant payouts.
The champions will take home ₹20 crore, while the runners-up will receive ₹13 crore. In contrast, the inaugural IPL season in 2008 saw the winners, Rajasthan Royals, take home ₹4.8 crore, and the runners-up, Chennai Super Kings, receive ₹2.4 crore. Over 18 years, the prize money has increased nearly fivefold.
Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, who made it to the playoffs, will also receive substantial prize money. Mumbai, who reached the qualifier 2, will get ₹7 crore, while Gujarat, who lost in the eliminator, will receive ₹6.5 crore.
Here’s the breakdown of the prize money:
- Winner: ₹20 crore
- Runner-up: ₹13 crore
- Third place: ₹7 crore
- Fourth place: ₹6.5 crore
The league also awards individual performances. The winners of the Orange and Purple Cap will each receive ₹10 lakh, while the player who hits the most sixes will also get ₹10 lakh. The IPL’s prize money structure makes it one of the most lucrative tournaments in the world, attracting top talent from around the globe.