IPL Commentators Salary: How Much Do Cricket’s Voices Really Earn?

Every IPL season, millions of fans tune in not just for the explosive batting or dramatic finishes, but also for the voices that bring the game to life.

From Harsha Bhogle’s measured analysis to Danny Morrison’s infectious energy, from Sunil Gavaskar’s technical expertise to the rising stars of regional commentary — these voices are as much a part of IPL as the players themselves.

But here’s a question most fans wonder about: How much do these commentators actually earn?

The IPL commentators salary is a fascinating topic that reveals how commentary has evolved from a side job into a lucrative, respected profession.

Top-tier commentators earn between ₹80 lakhs to ₹2 crores per season, while emerging talents and regional commentators make anywhere from ₹10 lakhs to ₹80 lakhs.

IPL Commentators Salary

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how much IPL commentators earn, what factors influence their pay, the perks they enjoy, the challenges they face, and why this career has become so attractive in modern cricket.

Let’s dive into the money, the lifestyle, and the reality behind cricket’s most recognizable voices.

What Do IPL Commentators Actually Do?

Before we talk money, let’s understand what these professionals actually do. It’s not just about talking for three hours during a match.

Their Core Responsibilities:

1. Live Match Commentary

• Ball-by-ball description of the action
• Building excitement during crucial moments
• Filling gaps between deliveries with insights
• Maintaining energy throughout the match

2. Pre-Match Shows

• Hosting toss ceremonies
• Analyzing team selections
• Discussing pitch conditions
• Previewing key battles

3. Post-Match Presentations

• Conducting player interviews
• Presenting Man of the Match awards
• Analyzing match-turning moments
• Wrapping up the game for viewers

4. Expert Analysis

• Breaking down strategies and tactics
• Explaining technical aspects for casual fans
• Predicting team moves and captain decisions
• Providing statistical context

5. Entertainment Factor

• Adding humor and personality
• Creating memorable catchphrases
• Engaging with fans on social media
• Building personal brands

The Skills Required:

• Deep cricket knowledge — Understanding rules, strategies, and history
• Quick thinking — Reacting instantly to unexpected moments
• Communication skills — Explaining complex ideas simply
• Stamina — Staying sharp for 3-4 hour broadcasts
• Personality — Being interesting without overshadowing the game

Why This Matters:

Commentary isn’t easy. It requires years of experience, constant preparation, and the ability to perform under pressure while millions watch. That’s why the pay reflects the difficulty and importance of the role.

IPL Commentators Salary Breakdown: The Complete Picture

The salary of cricket commentators in India varies dramatically based on several factors. Let’s break it down by tier:

Commentator Tier	Salary Range Per Season	Payment Structure
Top-Tier Legends	₹80 Lakhs – ₹2 Crores	Per-season contract
Mid-Tier Professionals	₹30 Lakhs – ₹80 Lakhs	Per-match or per-season
Emerging Commentators	₹20 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs	Per-match or limited contract
Regional Language Experts	₹10 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs	Per-match basis

Important Notes:

• These figures are estimates based on industry reports, as BCCI doesn’t publicly disclose exact salaries
• Numbers fluctuate year to year based on broadcast deals and IPL expansion
• Some commentators work on per-match contracts, others on full-season deals
• Additional income comes from brand endorsements and other cricket assignments

Top-Tier Commentators: The Voices Everyone Knows

These are the established legends — former cricketers and broadcasting veterans who command the highest fees.

Harsha Bhogle

The Voice of Indian Cricket

• Estimated IPL Salary: ₹1 Crore to ₹2 Crores per season
• Why He Earns This: 30+ years of experience, massive fan following, never played professional cricket, but became the most respected voice in Indian cricket

What Makes Him Special:

• Balanced analysis without bias
• Articulate and well-researched
• Appeals to both hardcore fans and casual viewers
• Strong social media presence with millions of followers

Additional Income:

• Brand endorsements
• Speaking engagements
• Writing and media appearances
• International commentary assignments

Harsha represents the peak of what a pure broadcaster can achieve in cricket commentary.

Sunil Gavaskar

The Legendary Opener Turned Commentator

• Estimated IPL Salary: ₹1.2 Crores to ₹1.5 Crores per season
• Why He Earns This: Cricketing legend status, technical expertise, decades of commentary experience

What Makes Him Special:

• First-hand experience as one of India’s greatest batsmen
• Technical analysis that only a player of his caliber can provide
• Strong opinions that generate discussion and engagement
• Nostalgic value for older cricket fans

Commentary Style:

• Technical and analytical
• Sometimes controversial opinions
• Focus on batting techniques
• Traditional cricket perspective

Gavaskar’s IPL commentators’ salary in rupees reflects both his cricketing legacy and broadcasting longevity.

Danny Morrison

The Energizer Bunny of Commentary

• Estimated IPL Salary: ₹1 Crore to ₹1.2 Crores per season
• Why He Earns This: Unique energy, international appeal, instantly recognizable style

What Makes Him Special:

• Infectious enthusiasm that enhances exciting moments
• Humorous approach that entertains viewers
• Former New Zealand international bringing a global perspective
• Perfect for T20 cricket’s fast-paced nature

Signature Moves:

• Dramatic build-ups to big moments
• Funny observations and catchphrases
• High energy throughout matches
• Great chemistry with co-commentators

Morrison proves that personality can be just as valuable as technical knowledge in T20 commentary.

Ravi Shastri

The Former Coach Returns to Commentary

• Estimated Salary: ₹80 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per season
• Why He Earns This: Former Indian captain, recent coaching experience, authoritative voice

What Makes Him Special:

• Recent experience coaching the Indian team
• Inside knowledge of modern cricket strategies
• Strong, confident delivery style
• Credibility from both playing and coaching careers

Commentary Style:

• Confident and assertive
• Strategic and tactical focus
• Famous catchphrases (“Tracer bullet!”)
• Insider perspective on player mentalities

Ravi Shastri salary as commentator reflects his unique position as someone who recently coached the players he now analyzes.

Complete Top-Tier Salary Table

Commentator	Estimated Salary	Cricket Background	Signature Style
Harsha Bhogle	₹1–2 Cr	Non-cricketer broadcaster	Balanced, articulate
Sunil Gavaskar	₹1.2–1.5 Cr	Indian batting legend	Technical, analytical
Danny Morrison	₹1–1.2 Cr	New Zealand fast bowler	Energetic, humorous
Ravi Shastri	₹0.8–1 Cr	Former India coach	Confident, strategic
Michael Slater	₹0.8–1 Cr	Australian batsman	Enthusiastic, engaging

Mid-Tier Commentators: The Rising Stars

These are experienced professionals who have established themselves but haven’t quite reached legendary status yet.

Jatin Sapru

The Young, Dynamic Host

• Jatin Sapru salary: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹80 Lakhs per season
• Why He Earns This: Popular among younger fans, excellent hosting skills, and strong Hindi commentary

What Makes Him Stand Out:

• Bilingual capability (English and Hindi)
• Great rapport with players during interviews
• Modern approach to cricket presentation
• Active social media presence

Additional Roles:

• Hosts pre-match and post-match shows
• Conducts player interviews
• Creates content for digital platforms
• Bridges the gap between traditional and modern broadcasting

Jatin represents the new generation of cricket broadcasters who blend traditional commentary with digital media skills.

Murali Karthik

The Former Spinner’s Analytical Voice

• Estimated Salary: ₹30 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs per season
• Why He Earns This: Former Indian cricketer, spin bowling expertise, calm delivery

What Makes Him Valuable:

• Deep understanding of spin bowling
• Inside knowledge from playing international cricket
• Balanced analysis without unnecessary drama
• Good chemistry with various co-commentators

Commentary Style:

• Technical but accessible
• Focus on bowling strategies
• Respectful of players
• Educational for viewers

Other Mid-Tier Commentators

Commentator	Estimated Salary	Specialty
Sanjay Manjrekar	₹40–70 Lakhs	Batting analysis, statistics
Ajit Agarkar	₹30–50 Lakhs	Fast bowling insights
Irfan Pathan	₹30–50 Lakhs	All-rounder perspective
Robin Uthappa	₹25–40 Lakhs	Recent playing experience

Regional Commentary: The Growing Market

The IPL now broadcasts in 8+ Indian languages, creating opportunities for regional language commentators.

Languages Covered:

• Hindi
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Kannada
• Bengali
• Malayalam
• Marathi
• Gujarati

Salary Range: ₹10 Lakhs to ₹25 Lakhs per season

Why This Market Is Growing:

1. Massive Reach

• Regional language audiences are often larger than English
• Connects with fans who prefer native languages
• Creates local heroes in commentary

2. Authentic Connection

• Regional commentators understand local cricket culture
• Use local idioms and references
• Create a deeper emotional connection with viewers

3. Career Opportunities

• Entry point for aspiring commentators
• Path to national-level commentary
• A platform to build a local fan following

Notable Regional Commentators:

• Tamil: Badrinath, Hemang Badani
• Hindi: Aakash Chopra, Gautam Gambhir
• Telugu: VVS Laxman (occasionally)
• Bengali: Deep Dasgupta

IPL Commentators Salary Per Day and Per Month

For fans wondering about daily or monthly earnings, here’s the breakdown:

Per-Match Payment Structure

Some commentators work on a per-match contract rather than full-season deals.

Tier	Per Match Rate	Per Day Rate
Top-Tier	₹8–12 Lakhs	₹3–6 Lakhs
Mid-Tier	₹3–6 Lakhs	₹1.5–3 Lakhs
Emerging/Regional	₹1–2 Lakhs	₹50,000–1 Lakh

How It Works:

• IPL typically has 74 matches in a season
• Not every commentator covers all matches
• Top commentators might cover 30-40 matches
• Regional commentators might do 15-25 matches

Example Calculation:

If a top-tier commentator covers 35 matches at ₹10 lakhs per match:

• Total Season Earning: ₹3.5 Crores

But most full-season contracts work differently, with a flat fee regardless of exact match count.

IPL Commentators Salary Per Month

The IPL typically runs for 2-2.5 months (March-May).

Monthly Breakdown:

Annual Salary	Per Month (IPL Duration)
₹1.5 Crore	₹60–75 Lakhs
₹1 Crore	₹40–50 Lakhs
₹50 Lakhs	₹20–25 Lakhs
₹20 Lakhs	₹8–10 Lakhs

Cricket commentator salary per month during IPL season can exceed what many professionals earn annually in other industries.

Beyond Base Salary: The Complete Earnings Picture

The base IPL salary is just one part of a commentator’s total income.

Additional Income Sources:

1. Brand Endorsements

• Top commentators like Harsha Bhogle endorse multiple brands
• Earnings: ₹20 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore+ annually

2. Other Cricket Assignments

• International series commentary
• World Cup assignments
• Bilateral series
• Additional earnings: ₹30 Lakhs to ₹2 Crores annually

3. Speaking Engagements

• Corporate events
• Cricket seminars
• University talks
• Per event: ₹2 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs

4. Digital Content

• YouTube channels
• Podcasts
• Social media partnerships
• Variable earnings based on the following

5. Writing and Media

• Newspaper columns
• Magazine features
• Book deals
• Cricket analysis platforms

Total Annual Income (Top Commentators):

• IPL: ₹1-2 Crores
• Other cricket: ₹1-2 Crores
• Endorsements: ₹50 Lakhs-1 Crore
• Other sources: ₹20-50 Lakhs

Grand Total: ₹3-6 Crores annually for established names

IPL Commentators Perks: More Than Just Money

The IPL commentators salary is attractive, but the lifestyle perks add tremendous value.

Travel and Accommodation

What’s Provided:

• Business class flights to all venues
• 5-star hotel accommodation
• Local transportation (chauffeur-driven cars)
• Food and dining allowances

Value: Easily worth ₹10-20 Lakhs per season

Networking Opportunities

Who They Meet:

• Current international cricketers
• Team owners and management
• Bollywood celebrities
• Corporate sponsors
• Cricket board officials

Long-term Value:

• Opens doors for future opportunities
• Creates business partnerships
• Builds personal brand
• Establishes industry connections

Global Exposure

The Platform:

• IPL broadcasts in 100+ countries
• Reaches 500+ million viewers globally
• Creates international recognition
• Opens doors to commentary in other leagues

Career Impact:

• Invitations to commentate in BBL, CPL, and PSL
• International recognition
• Higher negotiating power
• Global fanbase

Brand Building

Personal Brand Value:

• Massive social media following
• Recognition at airports, restaurants, and events
• Endorsement opportunities
• Speaking engagement invitations

Long-term Security:

• Career extends well beyond playing days
• Multiple income streams
• Financial stability
• Industry relevance for decades

The Challenges: It’s Not All Glamorous

Despite attractive pay and perks, IPL commentary comes with real challenges.

1. Exhausting Schedule

The Reality:

• Matches can last 3-4 hours
• Double-headers mean working 7-8 hours straight
• Back-to-back matches with minimal rest
• Travel between cities constantly

Physical Toll:

• Voice strain from hours of talking
• Fatigue from irregular schedules
• Limited sleep during the tournament
• Jet lag from constant travel

2. Constant Pressure

What They Face:

• Performing live in front of millions
• No room for major mistakes
• Every word scrutinized
• Need to stay energetic even when tired

Mental Stress:

• Maintaining enthusiasm in one-sided matches
• Dealing with technical difficulties
• Handling controversial moments diplomatically
• Staying impartial despite personal preferences

3. Public Scrutiny

Social Media Reality:

• Every comment analyzed
• Trolling for perceived bias
• Criticism for mistakes or opinions
• Memes and mockery

Examples:

• Criticized for praising certain players too much
• Accused of bias towards specific teams
• Trolled for pronunciation mistakes
• Mocked for overly dramatic reactions

4. Job Security

The Uncertainty:

• Contracts renewed annually
• Can be replaced if performance drops
• Younger voices are constantly emerging
• Broadcasting deals change

Career Anxiety:

• No guaranteed long-term security
• Must constantly prove value
• Need to stay relevant
• Pressure to maintain standards

IPL Commentators Salary 2025: Future Trends

The IPL commentators salary 2025 is expected to rise due to several factors:

1. IPL Expansion

• More teams = more matches
• More matches = need for more commentators
• Increased demand = higher pay

Impact on Salaries: Expected 10-15% increase across all tiers

2. Digital Streaming Growth

• Multiple language streams on digital platforms
• Need for commentators for OTT exclusive content
• Digital-first commentary styles

New Opportunities:

• Dedicated streaming platform commentators
• Interactive commentary experiments
• Fan-favorite commentator streams

3. Regional Language Demand

• Growing importance of regional audiences
• More investment in non-English commentary
• Regional stars commanding higher pay

Salary Growth: Regional commentary pay expected to increase 20-30%

4. Women Commentators

• Increasing presence of women in commentary
• Creating new opportunities and perspectives
• Salary parity is gradually improving

Emerging Names:

• Isa Guha
• Anjum Chopra
• Lisa Sthalekar

How to Become an IPL Commentator

For aspiring commentators wondering how to break in:

Path 1: Former Cricketer Route

• Play professional cricket (state level minimum)
• Retire and transition to broadcasting
• Start with regional commentary
• Build reputation and move up

Path 2: Broadcasting Route

• Study journalism or mass communication
• Start with local sports coverage
• Build cricket knowledge obsessively
• Start with regional or digital platforms
• Network with industry professionals

Skills Needed:

• Deep cricket knowledge
• Excellent communication
• Quick thinking
• Pleasant voice
• Thick skin for criticism

Starting Pay:

• Entry level: ₹50,000-2 Lakhs per season
• Regional level: ₹5-10 Lakhs
• National breakthrough: ₹20-30 Lakhs

Comparing IPL to Other Cricket Leagues

How does IPL commentary pay compare globally?

League	Top Commentator Pay	Season Length
IPL (India)	₹80 Lakhs–2 Cr	2-2.5 months
Big Bash (Australia)	$50,000-150,000 AUD	2 months
PSL (Pakistan)	$20,000-50,000 USD	1 month
CPL (Caribbean)	$15,000-40,000 USD	1 month
The Hundred (England)	£30,000-100,000	1 month

IPL pays the most per season, but international commentators often work multiple leagues, accumulating significant annual income.

Real-Life Examples: A Day in the Commentary Box

Morning (Match Day):

• 9 AM: Wake up, review team news and statistics
• 11 AM: Production meeting with the broadcast team
• 12 PM: Travel to the stadium
• 1 PM: Lunch and final preparation

Afternoon/Evening:

• 3 PM: Pre-match show
• 3:30 PM: Match begins
• 3:30-7:30 PM: Commentary stints (rotating with others)
• 7:30 PM: Post-match presentations

Night:

• 8 PM: Dinner
• 9 PM: Social media engagement
• 10 PM: Prepare for next day’s match
• 11 PM: Finally rest

For Double-Headers:

Repeat the above for the second match, finishing near midnight.

This is the reality behind the attractive salaries — it’s demanding work requiring stamina, preparation, and passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the IPL commentators salary in India for top voices?

Top-tier commentators like Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, and Danny Morrison earn between ₹80 lakhs to ₹2 crores per IPL season, depending on experience and popularity.

• How much does Jatin Sapru earn as an IPL commentator?

Jatin Sapru salary is estimated at ₹50-80 lakhs per IPL season, making him one of the higher-paid mid-tier commentators.

• Do IPL commentators get paid per match or per season?

Both structures exist. Some work on full-season contracts with flat fees, while others get paid per match (₹1-12 lakhs per match, depending on tier).

• What is the salary of regional language IPL commentators?

Regional commentators typically earn ₹10-25 lakhs per season, with experienced regional voices earning up to ₹40-50 lakhs.

• How much do cricket commentators earn per day during IPL?

Top-tier commentators earn ₹3-6 lakhs per day, mid-tier earn ₹1.5-3 lakhs per day, and emerging/regional commentators earn ₹50,000-1 lakh per day.

Final Thoughts: Is Commentary Worth It?

The IPL commentators salary structure shows that cricket commentary has become a genuinely lucrative profession in India.

For Former Cricketers:

It’s an excellent post-retirement career offering:

• Continued involvement in cricket
• Financial stability
• Public relevance
• Flexible schedule (seasonal work)

For Broadcasters:

It’s a dream job combining:

• Passion for cricket
• Professional broadcasting skills
• Fame and recognition
• Good income

The Bottom Line:

Top IPL commentators earning ₹1-2 crores for 2-2.5 months of work, combined with additional income from other sources, can make ₹3-6 crores annually.

That’s not bad for talking about a sport you love, traveling the country, meeting cricket legends, and being part of the world’s biggest cricket carnival.

Yes, the hours are long. Yes, the scrutiny is intense. Yes, the job security isn’t guaranteed.

But for those who make it to the top, the IPL commentary box offers a combination of passion, profession, and prosperity that few careers can match.

From Harsha Bhogle’s articulate analysis to Danny Morrison’s infectious energy, these voices don’t just describe cricket — they make it memorable. And now you know exactly what it takes, and what it pays, to be one of them.