From 4.8 Crores to 25 Crores: The History of IPL Prize Money

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is famous for its thrilling cricket and massive financial rewards. Often called the “Indian Paisa League,” its prize money has seen incredible growth since the first tournament in 2008. This journey from a few crores to a huge sum reflects the league’s success. It shows how the IPL became the world’s biggest T20 cricket event, attracting sponsors and fans globally.

The Humble Beginnings of IPL Prize Money (2008-2009)

When the IPL began in 2008, nobody knew it would become such a giant. The prize money for the first season was impressive for its time but looks small compared to today.

The Rajasthan Royals, the champions of the inaugural season, took home a prize of Rs. 4.8 crores. This was a significant amount for a domestic T20 tournament back then. The runners-up, Chennai Super Kings, received Rs. 2.4 crores.

There was even a reward for the semi-finalists. The teams that finished in 3rd and 4th place, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils, were each awarded Rs. 1.2 crores.

The prize money structure remained exactly the same for the second season in 2009. This time, the Deccan Chargers were the winners, bagging the Rs. 4.8 crore prize, while Royal Challengers Bangalore finished second. This initial stability set the foundation for future growth.

A Steady Rise in the Early Years (2010-2012)

As the IPL’s popularity soared, so did its revenue from sponsorships and broadcasting. This financial growth was quickly reflected in the prize money offered to the teams. In 2010, the winner’s prize saw its first increase.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the 2010 title and received Rs. 6 crores, while the runners-up, Mumbai Indians, got Rs. 3 crores. The very next year, the BCCI doubled down on this growth.

In 2011, the prize money saw a massive jump.

• The winning team’s prize increased to a whopping Rs. 10 crores.
• The runner-up prize was raised to Rs. 5 crores.

CSK won again in 2011, taking home the big prize. This was a turning point, as the runner-up prize in 2011 was more than what the winners received in the first season. This clearly showed the rapid financial expansion of the league. The prize pool peaked in 2012 when Kolkata Knight Riders won Rs. 13.8 crores.

A Period of Adjustment and Stability (2013-2014)

After a few years of rapid increases, the prize money saw a slight adjustment in 2013. The winner’s prize was reduced from its 2012 peak back down to Rs. 10 crores. Mumbai Indians won their first title this year.

However, an important change was made to the prize money distribution. Until 2012, the runners-up typically received exactly half of the winner’s amount. From 2013 onwards, the share for the runners-up was increased.

When Mumbai Indians won Rs. 10 crores in 2013, the runners-up Chennai Super Kings pocketed Rs. 7.5 crores, which was 75% of the winner’s prize. This change made the final match even more financially rewarding for the second-place team.

In 2014, the prize money for the winner was increased again to Rs. 13 crores. Kolkata Knight Riders claimed this amount, with Kings XI Punjab taking home Rs. 8 crores as runners-up.

The 15 Crore Era and a Complete Overview

From 2015 to 2017, the IPL prize money entered a period of stability, but at a much higher level. For three consecutive years, the winner’s prize was fixed at a huge Rs. 15 crores.

The runners-up during this period also received a handsome sum of Rs. 10 crores. Mumbai Indians dominated these years, winning the title twice, while Kolkata Knight Riders (then Sunrisers Hyderabad) won it once. This consistent, large prize pool established the IPL as the most lucrative cricket league in the world.

Here is a year-by-year breakdown of the prize money for the winners and runners-up from 2008 to 2017.

The Game Changer: Broadcasting Deal and Prize Money Explosion

Just when it seemed the prize money had hit its peak, a massive new deal changed everything. The IPL 2018 season was set to witness an unprecedented rise in the prize pool.

This huge jump was directly linked to the new broadcasting rights deal. Star India signed a humongous deal worth over Rs. 16,000 crores to broadcast the IPL. This massive injection of cash into the BCCI’s finances allowed for a significant increase in the prize money.

The winners of the 2018 IPL were slated to take home a staggering sum of Rs. 25 crores. The runners-up would receive Rs. 12.5 crores, an amount that was just Rs. 2.5 crores less than what the winners had received the previous year. This shows how valuable winning the IPL had become for the franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions about IPL Prize Money

How much did the first IPL winner receive?
The first IPL winners, Rajasthan Royals, received a prize money of Rs. 4.8 crores in 2008. The runners-up, Chennai Super Kings, received Rs. 2.4 crores.

Why did the IPL prize money increase so much over the years?
The prize money increased due to the league’s massive commercial success. This success is driven by huge broadcasting rights deals, major sponsorships, and growing global viewership, which brings more revenue to the BCCI.

Did the IPL prize money ever decrease?
Yes, the winner’s prize money saw a temporary decrease in 2013. After the winner received Rs. 13.8 crores in 2012, the prize for the 2013 winner was reduced to Rs. 10 crores before it started climbing again.

Which teams have won the most prize money in the IPL?
While exact totals vary, teams that have won the IPL multiple times, such as the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders, have accumulated the most prize money over the history of the tournament.

How does the IPL prize money compare to other cricket leagues?
The IPL offers the highest prize money of any domestic cricket league in the world. The huge sums involved are unmatched, making it the most financially attractive T20 tournament for players and franchises.