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Mitchell Starc, the highest-paid player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), found himself in an amusing situation during the 2024 season while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite facing some struggles early on, Starc redeemed himself in the knockout stages, proving instrumental in KKR's title-winning run. However, even after hoisting the IPL trophy, Starc's hefty salary became a topic of lighthearted banter within the team.
During the IPL Final presentation, which took place at an unconventional hour of midnight, the winning team was presented with cheques for INR 20 crore. Young KKR player Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who had a breakout season himself, couldn't resist a playful jab at Starc's hefty salary, which amounted to a staggering INR 24.75 crore for the season. Angkrish's observation, captured on social media, highlighted the striking contrast between the IPL's lavish player contracts and the relatively modest prize money awarded to the winning team.
The incident sparked a discussion about the IPL's financial structure. While players, particularly those with international recognition, command astronomical salaries, the prize money for winning the tournament remains a fraction of what these individuals earn. This disparity raises questions about the fairness and sustainability of the current system.
From a cricketing perspective, the IPL has become a global spectacle, attracting some of the world's best players. The league's popularity and its ability to draw in significant viewership has contributed to its immense financial success. However, the growing divide between player salaries and prize money could potentially create an imbalance in the sport's ecosystem.
The contrasting figures also raise questions about the role of sponsors and advertisers in shaping the financial landscape of the IPL. The league's commercial appeal has led to lucrative sponsorship deals, but it remains to be seen whether the current financial model is sustainable in the long run, especially given the growing disparity between player salaries and the prize money awarded to the winning team.
Source: "Less Than Your Salary": Mitchell Starc Reveals KKR Teammate's Savage Take On IPL 2024 Prize Money