IPL auction prices crossed ₹25Cr per player. The math is uneconomic for franchises — but the broadcast money keeps inflating.

IPL auction prices in 2025 saw multiple players cross ₹25Cr. Pure player ROI for franchises is uneconomic — even superstar performance can't justify those salaries against tournament prize money. The math only works because the broadcast deal underwrites it: ₹48,000Cr over 5 years from JioStar means franchises can absorb player inflation. The broadcast deal keeps inflating the player auction. As long as the BCCI extracts more from the next deal, IPL salaries climb. This isn't a pop-able bubble — it's a structurally inflating payroll backed by India's most valuable broadcast property. Players entering the IPL pipeline in the next decade will see further escalation.