How Much Do IPL Commentators Earn?

When fans tune into the Indian Premier League (IPL), they are not just watching cricket. They are experiencing a spectacle that blends athletic drama, big hitting, tense finishes, and world-class broadcasting. A major part of this experience comes from the voices in the commentary box. Commentators translate the action, provide insight, and build excitement. Whether it is Harsha Bhogle describing a thrilling chase or a former cricketer breaking down strategy, commentary gives the IPL much of its character.

With such a central role, one of the questions fans often ask is: how much do IPL commentators earn? While exact figures are rarely disclosed officially, industry reports, interviews, and media coverage allow us to estimate what commentators typically say. The answer ranges from modest sums for newcomers to crore-level earnings for the most established names, sometimes negotiated with the quiet assistance of cricket agents.

This article explores how IPL commentator salaries are structured, what factors influence pay, examples of top earners, and what aspiring commentators should know about building a career in this field.

How Commentator Payment is Structured

Unlike players who are contracted directly by franchises, commentators are hired by broadcasters such as Star Sports or digital platforms like JioCinema. Their payments follow a few models:

• Per match or per day rates: Most commentators are paid based on the number of matches or broadcast days they cover. This means more matches usually equal more earnings.

• Seasonal retainers: Some high-profile commentators are given retainers for the entire IPL season. These can be supplemented with daily allowances or match-specific bonuses.

• Additional sources of income: Beyond the matches themselves, commentators often appear in promotional segments, brand tie-ins, or analysis shows. They may also be paid for off-field events such as press conferences, award functions, or digital exclusives.

The combination of these income streams ensures that commentary at the IPL level is not just a side activity. For many, it is a career in itself and one of the most lucrative positions in cricket media.

Typical Earnings Brackets

The range of earnings is wide, reflecting the varying seniority and reputation of commentators. Based on industry reports and credible estimates:

• Junior commentators: Those relatively new to the commentary panel can earn around ₹35,000 per match. While this may seem modest compared to senior names, it still adds up across the season, especially for commentators covering dozens of games.

• Mid-level commentators: Experienced figures who have built a presence in regional languages or secondary panels may earn between ₹1–3 lakh per match. Their steady roles in building connections with regional audiences make them valuable to broadcasters.

• Senior commentators: Former international cricketers, long-time broadcasters, or widely recognised personalities can command around ₹6–10 lakh per match. Some even earn ₹10 lakh per day, depending on their contract and the broadcaster’s budget.

• Top earners: The most sought-after commentators, often with multi-language capability and international recognition, make several crores across an IPL season. This is achieved through per-match payments, retainers, and related assignments.

The gap between newcomers and veterans reflects both the prestige of the IPL and the intense competition for broadcasting talent.

IPL Commentator Salary Ranges (Estimated, 2025)

Examples of Prominent Commentators

Certain names have become synonymous with IPL broadcasting. Their presence adds gravitas to the tournament, and they are rewarded accordingly.

• Harsha Bhogle: Often called the “voice of Indian cricket”, Bhogle is widely respected for his storytelling and analysis. Reports suggest he is among the highest-paid commentators, earning towards the top bracket of ₹10 lakh per match.

• Ravi Shastri: Former India coach and long-time commentator, Shastri has confirmed in interviews that top commentators can earn up to ₹10 lakh per day. His flamboyant style and international profile keep him in demand.

• Sunil Gavaskar: A legend of Indian cricket, Gavaskar continues to bring authority to the mic. His standing ensures he earns in the senior commentator bracket.

• Aakash Chopra and Sanjay Manjrekar: Both former cricketers who transitioned to full-time commentary, they command strong salaries through their work in both English and Hindi panels, as well as digital platforms.

• Overseas commentators: Names such as Simon Doull, Danny Morrison, and Michael Clarke have also featured regularly. Overseas voices, depending on contracts, may be paid differently, often including travel and accommodation.

The consistency across reports is clear: top-tier commentators are well compensated, often in line with their stature in the cricketing world.

Factors That Influence Pay

Not every commentator earns the same amount. Salaries are shaped by several factors:

• Experience and reputation: A commentator with years of experience and proven broadcasting skills will command far more than a newcomer.

• Language panel: English and Hindi commentators are generally paid more due to their larger audiences, while regional commentators earn less but remain vital for connecting with local fans.

• Popularity and digital presence: Commentators with strong social media followings or YouTube platforms add marketing value for broadcasters. This can push salaries higher.

• Match importance: Commentary during high-profile matches, such as finals or derby games, often brings additional bonuses or premium rates.

• Versatility: Commentators who can switch between languages or work across both television and digital formats often earn higher sums.

Regional and Language Variations

The IPL is broadcast in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for fans across India. This has created layers within commentary earnings:

• English and Hindi panels: These are considered the most prestigious, with commentators in these groups earning higher salaries due to the size of the audience.

• Regional language commentators: Panels in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and other languages are paid less per match. However, they provide essential local engagement and are a growth area for broadcasters.

• Cross-panel commentators: A few commentators are able to contribute across languages, and these individuals often command more lucrative contracts.

While pay gaps exist, the regional panels remain crucial in ensuring the IPL reaches every corner of India.

Challenges and Variability

Despite the impressive figures, commentary earnings come with challenges.

• Broadcaster budgets: Salaries depend heavily on what the broadcasting network is willing to spend in a given year. Economic conditions or changes in rights holders can impact commentator earnings.

• Freelance nature: Many commentators are not on long-term contracts, which means income is tied to active assignments. Off-season or non-IPL periods may bring far lower income.

• Lack of official disclosure: Unlike player auctions, commentator salaries are not officially published. Most figures come from media reports, industry insiders, or occasional public statements, meaning exact earnings remain estimates.

This variability makes commentary a competitive and sometimes uncertain career, even at the IPL level.

Advice for Aspiring Commentators

For those dreaming of entering the commentary box, the pathway is challenging but achievable:

• Start small: Many established commentators began by covering domestic cricket or local tournaments. Building experience at lower levels is essential.

• Develop analysis and presentation skills: The best commentators combine knowledge with communication skills. Practice through podcasts, YouTube channels, or social media can help.

• Build credibility: Audiences respond to commentators who provide genuine insight. This requires a deep understanding of the game, often backed by playing experience.

• Look for multiple platforms: Digital platforms now offer opportunities for aspiring voices to showcase their skills before being noticed by mainstream broadcasters.

• Target the IPL ecosystem: Success in domestic cricket commentary or the India A series can lead to opportunities in IPL broadcasting panels.

Persistence, skill development, and visibility are key to breaking into this competitive field.

FAQs

Do commentators get paid by match or by season?
Most commentators are paid per match or per day, though top names may receive seasonal retainers alongside daily rates.

What is the pay gap between junior and senior commentators?
Juniors may earn around ₹35,000 per match, while senior commentators earn between ₹6–10 lakh per match. This creates a very wide gap.

Are overseas commentators paid differently?
Yes, overseas commentators often have different packages that include travel and accommodation. Their per-match fees are usually in line with senior Indian commentators.

Do commentators earn outside of matches?
Yes, they often make money from promotional events, endorsements, digital shows, and speaking engagements linked to the IPL.

Big Voices, Big Earnings

The salaries of IPL commentators reveal the importance of the role in shaping the spectacle of the tournament. From modest earnings for juniors to multi-crore contracts for the top voices, commentary has become both prestigious and lucrative.

At the lower end, commentators may see the IPL as a stepping stone in their career. At the top, it represents one of the best-paying opportunities in cricket broadcasting. What unites them all is the chance to be part of the world’s most-watched cricket league, giving voice to the moments that fans will never forget.

For those asking how much IPL commentators earn, the answer is clear: the very best in the business can rival players in terms of financial reward, proving that cricket is as much about the words as it is about the runs and wickets.