Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has blended sport with entertainment, with cheerleaders becoming an integral part of the matchday experience. Performing during boundaries, wickets and strategic timeouts, they add energy and visual appeal to the spectacle, travelling with teams and working throughout the season.
However, unlike players, they remain contractual performers, typically paid on a per-match basis. According to several media reports, these earnings are not officially disclosed but are estimated based on industry sources.
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Early years: Modest beginnings in IPL history
In the early seasons of the Indian Premier League, cheerleaders earned relatively modest sums, typically in the range of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per match, according to multiple media reports and archived coverage from outlets like The Times of India. This reflected the league’s initial phase when commercial revenues were still stabilising and spending on non-playing roles remained limited, with little variation in pay across franchises and minimal additional incentives beyond basic match fees.
Post 2018 growth: Gradual rise in pay structure
As the league expanded into a global sporting powerhouse, cheerleaders’ earnings saw a steady increase. Reports cited by Hindustan Times and Dainik Jagran suggest that per-match payments rose to around ₹14,000–₹17,000, with franchises beginning to differentiate in pay scales. During this phase, teams also standardised perks such as accommodation, travel and meals, pointing to a more organised structure in managing off-field performers.
Current scenario (2024–2026): Franchise-wise variation emerges
In recent seasons, including IPL 2026, cheerleaders’ earnings have become more varied across franchises. According to multiple media reports, the average pay ranges between ₹12,000 and ₹25,000 per match.
Franchise-wise, top teams such as Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are often reported to be on the higher end of the spectrum, offering payments closer to ₹20,000–₹25,000 per match due to stronger commercial backing and brand value.
Meanwhile, franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are generally placed in the mid-range bracket, with estimated payouts between ₹12,000 and ₹18,000 per match. Over a full season, this allows cheerleaders to earn approximately ₹2–₹4 lakh depending on the number of matches, bonuses and additional appearances tied to team engagements.
How has earning evolved over time?
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The evolution of cheerleaders’ salaries in the Indian Premier League mirrors the broader commercial growth of the tournament. From uniform and modest pay structures in its early years to more differentiated, franchise-driven compensation today, the increase has been gradual. However, as highlighted in multiple media reports, this growth remains far slower compared to the exponential rise in franchise valuations, broadcasting deals and player salaries.
The bigger picture: Glamour vs reality
Despite being a visible and vibrant part of the Indian Premier League experience, cheerleaders continue to earn significantly less than players and officials. As noted across media reports, this contrast highlights the gap between the glamour perceived by audiences and the reality of relatively modest earnings, even as the league continues to generate massive revenues and expand globally.
