What is the new salary cap for overseas players in the IPL?

Overseas players in the IPL are now capped at a maximum salary of INR 18 crore, irrespective of their auction bid.

Where does the excess money go if an overseas player's bid exceeds INR 18 crore?

Any amount bid above INR 18 crore for an overseas player is transferred to the BCCI's player welfare fund.

Are Indian players affected by the new IPL salary cap rule?

No, Indian players are exempt from the INR 18 crore salary cap and will receive the full value of their winning bids.

Home / Sports / IPL's New Rule: Overseas Stars Face Salary Cap

IPL's New Rule: Overseas Stars Face Salary Cap

16 Dec

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Summary

Overseas player salaries in IPL are capped at INR 18 crore.
Excess bid amounts go to BCCI's player welfare fund.
Indian players are exempt from this salary cap.

IPL's New Rule: Overseas Stars Face Salary Cap

As the IPL 2026 mini auction commences, a significant rule change now caps overseas player salaries at a maximum of INR 18 crore. This new regulation, enforced by the IPL governing council, ensures financial discipline and aims to prevent excessive inflation during bidding wars. Franchises will continue to pay the full bid amount, but any sum exceeding the INR 18 crore limit will be diverted to the BCCI's player welfare fund, a measure introduced to promote sustainability in spending.

This cap, which was initially implemented for the IPL 2025 mega auction, has now been extended to mini auctions. It aligns with the highest retention slab from the previous mega auction, maintaining a consistent maximum for international stars. The BCCI's decision addresses concerns about fairness and runaway spending that have emerged in recent seasons, particularly with overseas fast bowlers and all-rounders attracting inflated prices due to limited availability.