by You’re sitting in a premium commentary box with air conditioning, watching the world’s most exciting cricket league, getting paid lakhs of rupees per match, staying in five-star hotels, and meeting cricket legends daily. Sounds like a dream job, right?
For IPL commentators, this is reality.
The IPL commentators salary have become one of the most talked-about topics in Indian cricket circles.
Top voices like Harsha Bhogle earn between ₹1-2 crores per season, while emerging talents and regional language experts make anywhere from ₹10 lakhs to ₹80 lakhs. But these numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind every “what a shot!” and “that’s gone all the way!” lies a profession that combines passion, expertise, stamina, and the ability to entertain millions while maintaining credibility.
It’s not just about talking for three hours — it’s about preparation, quick thinking, handling pressure, and staying relevant in an industry where your voice competes with your predecessors’ legendary status.
IPL Commentators Salary
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how much IPL commentators earn, what separates a ₹2 crore voice from a ₹20 lakh one, the lifestyle perks that don’t show up in salary figures, and why this career has become one of the most coveted in Indian sports broadcasting.
Let’s explore the money, the madness, and everything in between.
Why IPL Commentary Became a Goldmine?
Twenty years ago, cricket commentary was a respectable but modestly paid profession. Today, it’s a lucrative career that can earn top professionals ₹3-6 crores annually when you add up all their assignments.
What changed?
1. The IPL Revolution (2008)
When the IPL launched, everything transformed:
- Broadcasting rights sold for unprecedented amounts
- Matches became prime-time entertainment spectacles
- Commentary became as important as the cricket itself
- Salaries skyrocketed to match the league’s commercial success
2. The Entertainment Factor
IPL isn’t just cricket — it’s entertainment. Commentators became:
- Storytellers building narratives
- Entertainers adding humor and personality
- Brand ambassadors for the league
- Social media personalities with millions of followers
3. Multiple Language Streams
The IPL broadcasts in 8+ languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Bengali
- Malayalam
- Marathi
Each language stream needs quality commentators, multiplying opportunities and driving up demand.
4. Digital Explosion
Streaming platforms like JioCinema created:
- Additional commentary options
- Interactive features require more voices
- Digital-exclusive content
- New revenue streams
The Result: Commentary evolved from a side gig into a full-fledged, highly paid profession.
The IPL Commentary Ecosystem: Who Does What?
Before we dive into salaries, let’s understand the complete commentary setup.
English Commentary Panel:
- Lead commentators (2-3 per match)
- Presenters for toss and presentations
- Dugout analysts
- Pre-match and post-match show hosts
Hindi Commentary Panel:
- Main Hindi commentators
- Regional flavor specialists
- Presenters for Hindi-speaking audiences
- Digital content creators
Regional Language Panels:
- Tamil, Telugu, Kannada commentators
- Bengali, Marathi experts
- Local cricket legends
- Cultural connection specialists
Support Staff:
- Producers coordinating broadcasts
- Statistics team feeding information
- Technical directors managing feeds
- Social media teams amplifying moments
Total Commentary Professionals Per IPL Season: 60-80 people
This massive ecosystem requires significant investment, which is why the salary of cricket commentators in India has grown exponentially.
IPL Commentators Salary: The Complete Tier System
Let’s break down the IPL commentators salary structure by tier, with real examples and context.
| Tier | Salary Range (Per Season) | Match Count | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Tier | ₹1.2 Cr – ₹2 Cr | 35-45 matches | Cricket legends, 20+ years exp |
| Premium Tier | ₹80 L – ₹1.2 Cr | 30-40 matches | Established voices, 10-20 years |
| Professional Tier | ₹40 L – ₹80 L | 25-35 matches | Rising stars, 5-10 years |
| Emerging Tier | ₹20 L – ₹40 L | 15-25 matches | New faces, 2-5 years |
| Regional Specialist Tier | ₹10 L – ₹25 L | 20-30 matches | Language-specific experts |
Important Context:
These are per-season figures for approximately 2-2.5 months of work (March-May typically). Many commentators work multiple cricket assignments throughout the year, significantly increasing their annual income.
Legendary Tier: The Voices Everyone Recognizes
These are the Mount Rushmore faces of IPL commentary.
Harsha Bhogle: The Gold Standard
Estimated IPL Earnings: ₹1.5 Crores to ₹2 Crores per season
Why He Commands This Premium:
- 30+ Years of Experience: Started commentary in the 1990s
- No Playing Background: Proved non-cricketers can reach the top
- Universal Appeal: Respected by both hardcore fans and casual viewers
- Clean Reputation: Never involved in controversies
- Social Media King: 9+ million Twitter followers
Beyond IPL:
- World Cup assignments: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Bilateral series: ₹30-50 Lakhs
- Brand endorsements: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Speaking engagements: ₹20-30 Lakhs
Total Annual Income: ₹3-4 Crores
What Makes Harsha Special:
His commentary feels like a cricket-loving friend explaining the game. No unnecessary dramatics, no bias accusations, just intelligent analysis delivered with warmth and precision.
Famous Harsha Quote: “Cricket is not just about players. It’s about moments, emotions, and stories that connect millions.”
Sunil Gavaskar: The Legend Who Speaks
Estimated IPL Earnings: ₹1.2 Crores to ₹1.5 Crores per season
Why He Earns This:
- Cricketing Royalty: Among India’s greatest batsmen ever
- Technical Expertise: Insights only a batting master can provide
- Fearless Opinions: Not afraid to criticize big names
- Nostalgia Factor: Connects with older generations
- Decades of Commentary: Transitioned seamlessly from playing to broadcasting
Commentary Style:
- Technical batting analysis
- Strong, sometimes controversial opinions
- Traditional cricket values
- Storytelling from his playing days
Additional Income:
- International commentary: ₹1-1.5 Crores annually
- Column writing: ₹20-30 Lakhs
- Brand associations: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
Total Annual Income: ₹3-4 Crores
Why He Matters:
When Gavaskar speaks, people listen. His credibility comes from doing what he now analyzes at the highest level. You can’t argue with someone who scored 10,000+ Test runs.
Danny Morrison: The Energy Machine
Estimated IPL Earnings: ₹1 Crore to ₹1.2 Crores per season
Why He’s Worth It:
- Unique Energy: Nobody commentates like Danny
- Perfect for T20: His style matches IPL’s entertainment vibe
- Global Appeal: Brings international flavor
- Memorable Moments: Creates viral catchphrases and reactions
- Chemistry: Works brilliantly with any co-commentator
Commentary Trademarks:
- “BANG!” (when a six is hit)
- Dramatic pauses before big moments
- Infectious enthusiasm
- Humorous observations
Beyond IPL:
- BBL, CPL, PSL commentary: ₹60 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- T20 leagues worldwide: ₹40-60 Lakhs
- Hosting gigs: ₹20-30 Lakhs
Total Annual Income: ₹2.5-3.5 Crores
The Danny Effect:
His commentary makes exciting moments MORE exciting. When Danny screams, “THAT’S GONE ALL THE WAY!”, you feel the excitement even if you’re watching a replay.
Ravi Shastri: The Coach Turned Commentator
Ravi Shastri salary as commentator: ₹80 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per season
Why He’s Valuable:
- Recent Coaching Experience: Led India until 2021
- Inside Knowledge: Knows modern players personally
- Strong Personality: Confident, assertive style
- Playing Credentials: Former Indian captain
- Catchphrase King: “Tracer bullet!”, “In the arc, out of the park!”
Commentary Style:
- Confident and assertive
- Strategic insights from coaching
- Strong opinions delivered decisively
- Motivational speaker energy
Additional Income:
- Coaching consultancy: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Brand endorsements: ₹50-80 Lakhs
- Other cricket assignments: ₹40-60 Lakhs
Total Annual Income: ₹2.5-3 Crores
The Shastri Factor:
Having coached the team just a few years ago gives him insider perspectives nobody else has. When he analyzes captain decisions, he’s speaking from recent experience.
Complete Legendary Tier Comparison
| Name | IPL Salary | Background | Signature Style | Social Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | ₹1.5-2 Cr | Pure broadcaster | Intelligent, balanced | 9M+ Twitter |
| Sunil Gavaskar | ₹1.2-1.5 Cr | Batting legend | Technical, traditional | 1M+ following |
| Danny Morrison | ₹1-1.2 Cr | NZ fast bowler | Energetic, entertaining | 500K+ following |
| Ravi Shastri | ₹0.8-1 Cr | Former India coach | Confident, assertive | 2M+ following |
Premium Tier: The Established Professionals
These voices have built solid reputations and command substantial salaries.
Sanjay Manjrekar
Estimated Salary: ₹60 Lakhs to ₹90 Lakhs per season
Why He’s in Demand:
- Former Indian batsman with a 10-year career
- Articulate and well-prepared
- Statistical approach to analysis
- Willing to make controversial calls
Recent Controversy: Got into a public spat with Ravindra Jadeja in 2019 about a “bits and pieces” comment, showing commentators face real consequences for their opinions.
Michael Slater
Estimated Salary: ₹70 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per season
Value Addition:
- Australian perspective
- Energetic style suitable for T20
- Experience in multiple leagues
- International star recognition
Aakash Chopra
Estimated Salary: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹80 Lakhs per season
Why He’s Growing:
- Strong Hindi and English commentary
- Massive YouTube following (3M+ subscribers)
- Connect with younger audiences
- Active digital presence
Additional Income:
- YouTube channel: ₹40-60 Lakhs annually
- Brand deals: ₹30-50 Lakhs
- Cricket analysis platforms: ₹20-30 Lakhs
Total Annual Income: ₹1.5-2.5 Crores
Aakash represents the new breed of commentator who leverages digital platforms to build independent income streams.
Professional Tier: The Rising Stars
Jatin Sapru: The Young Dynamo
Jatin Sapru salary: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹80 Lakhs per season
Why He’s Rising Fast:
1. Bilingual Excellence
- Fluent in English and Hindi
- Can switch seamlessly
- Appeals to a broader audience
2. Player Connect
- Excellent interviewer
- Players are comfortable with him
- Creates viral moments
3. Digital Savvy
- Strong social media presence
- Creates content beyond matches
- Understands millennial audiences
4. Energy and Enthusiasm
- Brings youthful excitement
- Perfect for T20 format
- Relatable to younger fans
Career Trajectory:
Started as a sports anchor, moved to cricket hosting, now one of IPL’s most recognizable faces. His salary has likely tripled in the last 5 years.
Additional Roles:
- Pre-match show host
- Post-match presentation anchor
- Player interview specialist
- Digital content creator
Why Brands Love Him:
Young, energetic, and relatable. His endorsement potential is huge, which will drive his salary even higher in coming years.
Murali Karthik
Estimated Salary: ₹30 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs per season
His Niche:
- Former Indian spinner
- Bowling-focused analysis
- Calm, measured delivery
- Good in both English and Tamil
Growth Potential:
As more regional commentary grows, bilingual commentators like Murali will see significant salary increases.
Regional Commentary: The Emerging Goldmine
This is the fastest-growing segment of IPL commentary.
Why Regional Commentary Matters:
1. Audience Size
- Tamil speakers: 80+ million
- Telugu speakers: 90+ million
- Bengali speakers: 265+ million
- Hindi speakers: 600+ million
Regional audiences often OUTNUMBER English viewers.
2. Cultural Connection
- Local idioms and references
- Emotional connection
- Celebrates regional cricket heroes
- Creates local stars
3. Commercial Value
- Sponsors targeting specific regions
- Advertisements in local languages
- Regional brand partnerships
- Growing revenue stream
Regional Commentary Salary Structure
| Language | Audience Size | Top Commentator Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | 600M+ speakers | ₹60-80 Lakhs | ₹30-50 Lakhs |
| Tamil | 80M+ speakers | ₹30-50 Lakhs | ₹15-25 Lakhs |
| Telugu | 90M+ speakers | ₹30-50 Lakhs | ₹15-25 Lakhs |
| Kannada | 50M+ speakers | ₹25-40 Lakhs | ₹12-20 Lakhs |
| Bengali | 265M+ speakers | ₹25-40 Lakhs | ₹12-20 Lakhs |
| Malayalam | 38M+ speakers | ₹20-35 Lakhs | ₹10-18 Lakhs |
| Marathi | 83M+ speakers | ₹20-35 Lakhs | ₹10-18 Lakhs |
Notable Regional Commentators:
- Badrinath (Tamil) – Former India player, estimated ₹40-50 Lakhs
- Deep Dasgupta (Bengali) – Former India wicketkeeper, ₹30-40 Lakhs
- Gautam Gambhir (Hindi) – World Cup winner, ₹60-80 Lakhs (when he commentates)
Growth Projection:
Regional commentary salaries expected to grow 25-30% by IPL 2026 as streaming platforms invest heavily in vernacular content.
IPL Commentators Salary Per Month and Per Day Breakdown
For those curious about daily or monthly earnings:
Per-Match Calculation
IPL typically has 74 matches per season over approximately 60-65 days.
Top-Tier Commentator Example:
- Season Salary: ₹1.5 Crores
- Matches Covered: 40 matches
- Per Match Rate: ₹3.75 Lakhs
Mid-Tier Commentator Example:
- Season Salary: ₹60 Lakhs
- Matches Covered: 30 matches
- Per Match Rate: ₹2 Lakhs
Regional Commentator Example:
- Season Salary: ₹20 Lakhs
- Matches Covered: 25 matches
- Per Match Rate: ₹80,000
IPL Commentators Salary Per Day
Many commentators work on daily rates rather than per-season contracts.
| Tier | Per Day Rate | Monthly Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Tier | ₹4-6 Lakhs | ₹60-90 Lakhs |
| Mid-Tier | ₹2-3 Lakhs | ₹30-45 Lakhs |
| Professional | ₹1-2 Lakhs | ₹15-30 Lakhs |
| Regional | ₹40,000-80,000 | ₹6-12 Lakhs |
Cricket commentator salary per month during IPL season can exceed what many Indian professionals earn annually.
IPL Commentators Salary Per Month in Rupees
For a 2-month IPL season:
| Annual Salary | Monthly Breakdown | Daily Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2 Crore | ₹1 Crore per month | ₹3.3 Lakhs per day |
| ₹1 Crore | ₹50 Lakhs per month | ₹1.66 Lakhs per day |
| ₹50 Lakhs | ₹25 Lakhs per month | ₹83,000 per day |
| ₹20 Lakhs | ₹10 Lakhs per month | ₹33,000 per day |
These numbers show why commentary has become such an attractive career option.
Beyond Base Salary: The Complete Earnings Picture
The IPL commentators salary in rupees is just the starting point. Let’s explore total compensation.
Additional Income Sources:
1. Other Cricket Commentary
- World Cups: ₹40 Lakhs – ₹1.5 Crores
- Bilateral series: ₹20-80 Lakhs
- Overseas leagues (BBL, PSL, CPL): ₹30 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
2. Brand Endorsements
- Top commentators: ₹50 Lakhs – ₹2 Crores
- Mid-tier: ₹10-30 Lakhs
- Regional stars: ₹5-15 Lakhs
3. Digital Content
- YouTube channels
- Podcasts
- Instagram partnerships
- Earnings: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore (depending on the following)
4. Speaking Engagements
- Corporate events: ₹2-10 Lakhs per event
- College seminars: ₹50,000-2 Lakhs
- Cricket clinics: ₹1-3 Lakhs
5. Writing
- Newspaper columns: ₹10-30 Lakhs annually
- Book deals: ₹20 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore (one-time)
- Magazine features: ₹20,000-1 Lakh per piece
Total Annual Income: Real Examples
Harsha Bhogle’s Estimated Annual Income:
- IPL: ₹1.8 Crores
- International cricket: ₹1.5 Crores
- Brand endorsements: ₹80 Lakhs
- Speaking/writing: ₹50 Lakhs
- Total: ₹4.6 Crores
Jatin Sapru’s Estimated Annual Income:
- IPL: ₹65 Lakhs
- Other cricket: ₹40 Lakhs
- Digital content: ₹30 Lakhs
- Endorsements: ₹25 Lakhs
- Total: ₹1.6 Crores
Regional Commentator’s Annual Income:
- IPL: ₹18 Lakhs
- Regional cricket: ₹10 Lakhs
- Local endorsements: ₹5 Lakhs
- Total: ₹33 Lakhs
Even at the lowest tier, cricket commentary pays better than most corporate jobs in India.
IPL Commentators Perks: The Lifestyle Benefits
Money isn’t everything. The perks add tremendous value.
Travel and Accommodation
What’s Provided:
- Business class flights to all venues
- 5-star hotels (Taj, ITC, Oberoi chains)
- Airport transfers in luxury cars
- Daily food and beverage allowances
Estimated Value: ₹15-25 Lakhs per season
Real Example:
A commentator covering 40 matches travels to 8-9 cities:
- 16-18 flights
- 50-60 hotel nights
- All meals covered
- Transportation included
This alone saves significant personal expenses.
Networking Opportunities
Who Commentators Meet:
- Current international cricketers
- Team owners (Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan, etc.)
- Bollywood celebrities
- Corporate CEOs
- Cricket board officials
- Media moguls
Long-term Value:
These connections lead to:
- Business opportunities
- Board positions
- Advisory roles
- Investment opportunities
- Future career paths
The networking value is impossible to quantify but potentially worth crores over a career.
Global Exposure
The Platform:
- IPL broadcasts in 100+ countries
- Reaches 600+ million viewers globally
- Creates international recognition
- Opens doors to overseas opportunities
Career Impact:
Top IPL commentators get invited to:
- Big Bash League (Australia)
- Caribbean Premier League
- Pakistan Super League
- The Hundred (England)
- International bilateral series worldwide
This global presence multiplies earning potential exponentially.
Family Perks
What Commentators Can Offer:
- Match tickets for family and friends
- Access to after-parties and events
- Meet-and-greet with players
- IPL merchandise and memorabilia
Intangible Value:
Your kids get to meet Virat Kohli. Your friends watch matches from premium boxes. These experiences are priceless.
The Dark Side: Challenges Nobody Talks About
Despite attractive pay, IPL commentary has real downsides.
1. Physical Exhaustion
The Reality:
- Matches last 3-4 hours
- Double-headers mean 7-8 hours of work
- Back-to-back matches with minimal rest
- Constant travel disrupts sleep
- Voice strain from hours of talking
Health Issues:
- Vocal cord problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive issues from irregular meals
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress-related conditions
Quote from an unnamed commentator: “After a double-header, I can barely speak the next day. People see glamour, but don’t see the ice packs on my throat.”
2. Mental Pressure
Constant Scrutiny:
- Every word analyzed
- Mistakes amplified on social media
- Bias accusations if you praise someone
- Trolling for pronunciation errors
- Criticism from former players
Recent Examples:
- Sanjay Manjrekar trolled for his commentary style
- Harsha Bhogle once removed from BCCI panel after complaints
- Every commentator has faced online abuse
The Mental Toll:
You’re performing live for millions. One mistake, and it’s a meme. One opinion, and you’re trending for the wrong reasons.
3. Job Insecurity
The Uncertainty:
- Contracts renewed annually
- Younger voices constantly emerging
- Broadcasting rights change hands
- Favorites change with new producers
- Performance constantly evaluated
Real Concerns:
- No long-term guarantees
- Can be replaced any season
- Must constantly prove value
- Pressure to stay relevant
Career Anxiety:
Unlike players with multi-year contracts, commentators often work season-to-season, creating financial uncertainty despite good current earnings.
4. Work-Life Balance
The Trade-offs:
- Miss family time during IPL season
- Children’s birthdays during matches
- Weddings and events skipped
- Relationships strained by travel
- Social life on hold for 2+ months
Quote from a veteran commentator: “I’ve missed my daughter’s birthday three times in five years. The money is good, but the guilt is real.”
IPL Commentators Salary 2025: Future Trends
What will the IPL commentators salary 2025 landscape look like?
Predicted Changes:
1. Overall Salary Increase: 15-20%
- Broadcasting rights increasing
- More sponsor money in the system
- Inflation adjustments
- Greater competition for talent
2. Regional Commentary Boom
- Salaries expected to grow 25-30%
- More language options added
- Regional stars becoming bigger brands
- Increased investment in vernacular content
3. Digital-First Opportunities
- Streaming exclusive commentators
- Interactive commentary experiments
- Fan-favorite commentator feeds
- Additional revenue streams
4. Women Commentators Growth
- More women in commentary boxes
- Better pay parity initiatives
- Increased representation
- Breaking gender barriers
Emerging Voices:
- Isa Guha
- Anjum Chopra
- Lisa Sthalekar
- Mel Jones
5. Former Players Transition
Recent retirees joining commentary:
- Suresh Raina
- Harbhajan Singh
- Robin Uthappa
- Yuvraj Singh (already doing some)
Their salaries will start at ₹40-60 Lakhs and grow based on performance.
How to Become an IPL Commentator: The Realistic Path
For aspiring voices wondering how to break in:
Route 1: Former Cricketer Path
Steps:
- Play professional cricket (state level minimum)
- Build cricket knowledge and communication skills while playing
- Transition to commentary post-retirement
- Start with regional or digital platforms
- Prove yourself and move to bigger stages
Timeline: 15-20 years (10-15 playing, 2-3 building commentary career)
Starting Salary: ₹20-40 Lakhs
Route 2: Broadcasting Professional Path
Steps:
- Study journalism/mass communication
- Start with local sports coverage
- Build cricket knowledge obsessively
- Create content on digital platforms
- Network with industry professionals
- Get breaks in smaller cricket assignments
- Prove versatility and knowledge
- Break into IPL
Timeline: 8-12 years
Starting Salary: ₹10-20 Lakhs
Skills Required:
- 1. Cricket Knowledge – Deep, encyclopedic understanding
- 2. Communication Skills – Clear, articulate, engaging
- 3. Quick Thinking – React to unexpected moments instantly
- 4. Pleasant Voice – Audio quality matters enormously
- 5. Thick Skin – Handle criticism without breaking
- 6. Networking – Build relationships in the industry
- 7. Digital Savvy – Understand modern media landscape
Harsh Reality Check:
- Only 60-80 people commentate in IPL
- Hundreds apply every year
- Competition is brutal
- Connections help significantly
- Former cricketers have an easier entry
But for those who make it, the rewards are substantial.
Comparing IPL to Global Cricket Leagues
How does salary of cricket commentators in India compare globally?
| League | Top Commentator Pay | Season Length | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL (India) | ₹1-2 Cr ($120-240K) | 2-2.5 months | 74 matches |
| Big Bash (Australia) | $80-150K AUD | 2 months | 61 matches |
| PSL (Pakistan) | $30-60K USD | 1 month | 34 matches |
| CPL (Caribbean) | $20-40K USD | 1 month | 33 matches |
| The Hundred (England) | £40-100K | 1 month | 68 matches |
Key Insight: IPL pays the most per season, but international commentators work multiple leagues, accumulating substantial annual earnings.
Example:
A top commentator working:
- IPL: $200K
- BBL: $100K
- International series: $150K
- Annual Total: $450K (₹3.75 Crores)
Real Commentator Quotes About Money and Career
Harsha Bhogle: “Money is important, but the real reward is being part of moments that millions remember forever.”
Sunil Gavaskar: “Commentary keeps me connected to cricket. The pay is good, but the passion drives it.”
Danny Morrison: “I get paid to watch the world’s best cricket and have fun. It’s not a bad life!”
Anonymous mid-tier commentator: “The salary looks great on paper, but after taxes, agent fees, and expenses, it’s good but not extraordinary. The real wealth is in the opportunities it creates.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average IPL commentators salary in India?
The average varies significantly by tier. Top commentators earn ₹1-2 crores, mid-tier earn ₹40-80 lakhs, and regional commentators earn ₹10-25 lakhs per season.
- How much does Jatin Sapru earn from IPL commentary?
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 receive per-match payments (₹1-6 lakhs per match depending on tier).
- What is Ravi Shastri’s salary as IPL commentator?
Ravi Shastri salary as commentator is approximately ₹80 lakhs to ₹1 crore per IPL season.
- How much do regional language IPL commentators earn?
Regional commentators typically earn ₹10-25 lakhs per season, with experienced regional voices earning up to ₹40-50 lakhs.
Final Thoughts: Is IPL Commentary Worth Pursuing?
The IPL commentators salary breakdown shows that cricket commentary has evolved into a genuinely lucrative profession with life-changing earning potential.
For the Right Person, It Offers:
✅ Excellent pay (₹10 lakhs to ₹2 crores per season)
✅ Passion meets profession
✅ Travel and luxury perks
✅ Celebrity status and recognition
✅ Networking with cricket’s elite
✅ Multiple income streams
✅ Career longevity (can commentate into your 60s-70s)
But It Also Demands:
❌ Exhausting schedules
❌ Constant public scrutiny
❌ Job insecurity
❌ Work-life balance sacrifices
❌ Handling online trolling
❌ Staying relevant in competitive environment
The Bottom Line:
For cricket lovers with the right skills, temperament, and connections, IPL commentary offers a rare combination — getting paid handsomely to be part of the sport you love.
From Harsha Bhogle’s ₹2 crore voice to regional commentators earning their first ₹10 lakhs, from Danny Morrison’s infectious energy to Jatin Sapru’s rising star, each voice adds something unique to the IPL experience.
They’re not just narrating cricket — they’re creating memories, building excitement, and making the IPL what it is: the world’s greatest cricket league, brought to life by voices that fans will remember long after the matches end.
And now you know exactly what it takes, and what it pays, to be one of them.
