The Indian Premier League is a tournament known for its entertainment, glamour and massive revenue earnings created though different avenues. This league has become the biggest cricket event across the world, and has contributed to making cricketers wealthy over the years.
What IPL also brings with it is the associated entertainment – cheerleading, match presentations and the IPL commentary. The echoing voices behind the mic bring IPL matches to life for millions across the globe, and the best among them are rewarded handsomely, quite rightly so. With the league’s overall viewership touching hundreds of millions as the editions have crossed, the demand for skilled and knowledgeable commentators has only increased, leading to their enhance popularity in the cricket circle. IPL commentators are known to elevate the match-viewing experience with on-spot expert analysis and engaging communication style. Top commentators as of today earn significant salaries, reflecting their key role in the IPL’s success. The IPL is now renowned not only for its dynamic on-field activities and drama but also for the integral role of its commentators. These individuals confidently provide an insightful analysis of the live game action, which is underlined with passion and emotions. From seasoned veterans like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri to fan favourites such as Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra, these commentators are highly regarded for the job they are carrying out post their retirement from formal cricket. Their deep knowledge of the sport that’s been the bread and butter, compelling storytelling, and unique perspectives in every match are the heartbeat of IPL broadcasts.
Many of these individuals keenly share their wisdom and excitement with viewers and make commentary an interesting role in itself. Since the inaugural edition with IPL 2008, the features and match offerings have become more diverse and exquisite. Today, commentary is carried out in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and various regional languages to bring together people from different states of India and make their viewing experience a pleasurable one. The Indian Premier League has definitely revolutionized modern-day cricket, not just in terms of the game play but also in broadcasting. A major reason of this transformation has been the upgrade brought by the commentators, who serve as unsung heroes and bring the game to life with their narratives. Their facial expressions, signature phrases, in-depth match analysis and light-hearted comical banter combine to create a perfect package of complete cricket entertainment.
The earnings of IPL commentators are determined by their work experience, generic popularity, and the languages they are able to cover. There’s a clear distinction in the pay package between the senior and top-tier commentators as opposed to the junior commentators, who are relatively new to the scene. These commentators do more than just calling the shots of the game; they offer match predictions, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and contribute immensely in IPL’s resounding success. In general, as per the practised norms, a senior commentator charges around INR 6-10 Lakhs per match, depending on the number of games and the selection criterion fulfilment. The junior commentators receive around INR 35000 per match and gradually rise up the seniority. The ultimate decision-making authority with respect to the commentary panel lies with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
Let us explore the top five commentators who are the highest paid as of IPL 2025.
5) Ravi Shastri – A stalwart of Indian cricket and a former coach of the national team, Ravi Shastri has transitioned seamlessly from his previous roles to that of a commentator. His authoritative and robust voice, precision filled commentary and signature phrases have made him a valued presence in the IPL. Earning an annual fee of about INR 4 crores, Shastri brings a great amount of strategic depth to his analysis and enriches the commentary exercise with the game’s finer points.
4) Harsha Bhogle – Next on this list is the widely known and popular commentator, Harsha Bhogle, who is also hailed as the ‘Voice of Indian Cricket’. He is celebrated for his articulate style and rich cricketing insight and exhibits a proficient command over the English language with his choice of words. With a commentary career spanning more than a decade, Bhogle combines his statistical knowledge with a keen understanding of player psychology, making him a crucial pillar of the IPL broadcasting team.
3) Ian Bishop – Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has become a respected voice in IPL commentary, particularly during high-stakes matches such as the playoffs and finals. Despite being an overseas player, he is someone who has transitioned into the Indian cricket setup quite comfortably. Known for his calm demeanor and articulate analysis, Bishop’s commentary reflects his in-depth understanding of fast bowling and game strategy, resonating with fans who like his analysis of the game.
2) Matthew Hayden – Coming quite close to the finish line is the former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who brings the same intensity to the commentary box that he displayed on the field. Hayden gets paid quite handsomely, around INR 4.10 crores and is definitely one of the highest paid commentators as of today. Known for his powerful presence and strategic insights, Hayden’s personality and magnetism attract many ardent cricket fans to listen to him.
1) Sunil Gavaskar – The commentator who tops the list as the highest paid individual is the former top-order batsman and World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary Indian cricketer has been a prominent voice in IPL commentary since many years now. His candid opinions, statistical knowledge and sharp analytical style have become a signature trademark over the years. Gavaskar often focuses on a player’s technique, temperament, and decision-making — traits he himself was known for as a player. He charges over INR 4 crores per season for his commentating skills and is also involved other cricket related activities.
Apart from the aforementioned names, there are several commentators who have wowed the audiences in Hindi and regional languages. Names like Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra charge around INR 2 crores per season and display a strong command over their language. Harbhajan Singh, a former spinner is known for his Hindi punchlines and gets paid around INR 1.5 crores every season. The IPL’s success is not solely due to the live game action we as viewers get to witness, but also because of the gripping narratives crafted by its commentators. These top-tier game experts with their rich cricketing backgrounds work tirelessly to bring out the best viewing experience, to make the IPL a global cricketing spectacle, one like no other.
The post Top 05 Highest Paid Commentators in IPL appeared first on Sportzcraazy.
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