David Warner takes the crown as the highest-paid player this season with a whopping $300,000 contract from Karachi Kings. Right behind him are some of Pakistan’s biggest names, all cashing in on lucrative Platinum deals.
Curious why these stars command such salaries? Stick around—this article breaks it all down.
Top 10 Highest Paid Cricketers in PSL
1. Rilee Rossouw – $170,000
Rossouw’s experience and finishing ability make him a dependable choice in crunch situations.
- Team: Quetta Gladiators
- Key Role: Middle-order Batsman
- Strength: Powerful striker, ideal for death overs
2. Babar Azam – $220,000
Babar continues to be a hot property with his consistent form and classy stroke play.
- Team: Peshawar Zalmi
- Key Role: Top-order Batsman
- Highlight: All-time leading run-scorer in the league
3. Shaheen Afridi – $220,000
Lahore Qalandars’ pace spearhead and leader, Shaheen is a match-winner with the new ball.
- Team: Lahore Qalandars
- Key Role: Captain & Fast Bowler
- Highlight: Known for early breakthroughs and fiery spells
4. Daryl Mitchell – $220,000
The Kiwi all-rounder adds balance to any side, and Lahore locked him in to boost their middle order.
- Team: Lahore Qalandars
- Key Role: Batting All-Rounder
- Strength: Reliable under pressure, steady with both bat and ball
5. Mohammad Rizwan – $220,000
Rizwan has earned a Platinum spot thanks to his calm captaincy and steady performances at the top.
- Team: Multan Sultans
- Key Role: Captain & Wicketkeeper-Batsman
- Highlight: One of the most dependable players in the league
6. Fakhar Zaman – $220,000
Fakhar’s aggressive batting style makes him one of the most entertaining and valuable players.
- Team: Lahore Qalandars
- Key Role: Opening Batsman
- Strength: High strike rate and fearless batting approach
7. Naseem Shah – $220,000
Still young but already a sensation, Naseem’s speed and swing make him a prized asset.
- Team: Islamabad United
- Key Role: Fast Bowler
- Highlight: One of the brightest young pacers in world cricket
8. Shadab Khan – $220,000
A seasoned performer, Shadab brings energy and experience to both batting and bowling departments.
- Team: Islamabad United
- Key Role: Captain & All-Rounder
- Notable: Known for leading from the front and match-winning cameos
9. Saim Ayub – $220,000
This young talent has turned heads with his technique and confidence at the top of the order.
- Team: Peshawar Zalmi
- Key Role: Top-order Batsman
- Potential: Rising star with a bright future
10. David Warner – $300,000
The Australian veteran is the highest-paid player this season, signed by Karachi Kings for a record-breaking sum.
- Team: Karachi Kings
- Key Role: Captain & Opening Batsman
- Why He’s Valuable: Brings leadership, explosive starts, and global experience
How It Compares to IPL
While PSL salaries are impressive, they still fall short of IPL figures. For example:
| League | Top Salary (2025) | Player |
| IPL | ~$2.5 million | Mitchell Starc (KKR) |
| PSL | $300,000 | David Warner (KK) |
Why the gap?
- IPL has more global sponsors
- Larger media rights deals
- Greater viewership and branding reach
Are Big Spenders Winning?
It’s not always the highest-paid who deliver the most.
- Multan Sultans spent modestly in 2022, yet reached the finals.
- Karachi Kings shelled out millions but missed playoffs in 2023.
Team chemistry, coaching, and balance still matter more than just signing stars.
What Happens Behind Closed Doors
Big contracts don’t come from base salary alone. Players also receive:
- Match bonuses
- Branding/endorsement deals
- Loyalty and retention perks
Agents play a key role in locking in top-dollar deals—especially for foreign players.
Conclusion:
PSL 2025 has raised the bar. Star players are earning more, franchises are spending smarter, and the competition is fiercer than ever. As the league continues to grow, expect these figures to rise with it.
FAQs:
Q: Who got the biggest paycheck in 2025?
A: David Warner with $300,000 at Karachi Kings.
Q: How do PSL teams choose players?
A: Through a draft system with categorized salary slots.
Q: Does spending more mean winning more?
A: Not necessarily—team balance and form still matter most.