IPL 2025 Auction Highlights: Jitesh Sharma's Massive Pay Rise And Sam Curran's Dramatic Salary Cut

The IPL 2025 Auction in Jeddah was a whirlwind of unexpected changes, with some players experiencing significant pay increases and others facing substantial reductions.

Over two days, the event reshaped many players' careers. Some saw their earnings skyrocket, while others experienced a sharp decline in their market value.

Jitesh Sharma was the standout winner, receiving an astonishing 5400% salary increase. Previously contracted for Rs 20 lakh, the Punjab batter was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for an impressive Rs 11 crore. His consistent performances and demand as a T20 finisher also earned him a spot on the Indian team.

Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer also enjoyed substantial pay raises. Venkatesh's contract jumped from INR 8 crore to INR 23.75 crore. Meanwhile, Shreyas secured a raise of INR 14.25 crore, now earning an IPL-record INR 26.75 crore.

Rasikh Salam Dar's fortunes changed dramatically as he went from obscurity to prominence. RCB offered him INR 6 crore, which is 20 times his base price of INR 30 lakh, marking a remarkable 2900% salary increase for the Jammu and Kashmir pacer. Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar also saw his price soar when Mumbai Indians signed him.

Conversely, England all-rounder Sam Curran faced a stark reality check. After being the most expensive player in the 2023 auction at Rs 18.5 crore with Punjab Kings, he joined Chennai Super Kings this year for just Rs 2.4 crore—a massive Rs 16.1 crore reduction, one of the steepest in IPL history.

Mitchell Starc's expected value also dropped significantly. The Australian cricketer, who previously had a Rs 24.75 crore deal, accepted more than a 50% pay cut with Delhi Capitals at Rs 11.75 crore.

Sameer Rizvi's earnings took a major hit as well. The Uttar Pradesh player had an Rs 8.4 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings last year but now earns only Rs 95 lakh with Delhi Capitals—a decrease of 88.69%. Deepak Hooda's price fell by an astounding 70%, while Glenn Maxwell returned to Punjab after accepting a pay cut of 61.82%.