In the IPL, high retention fees and auction bids are typically used to secure top-performing players, but the 2026 season has shown a different picture. Several of the league’s highest-paid stars have struggled to justify their salaries due to poor form, injuries, and limited game time, impacting franchise returns significantly. The metrics of “Price Per Run” and “Price Per Wicket” highlight the cost of underperformance in modern franchise cricket.
Some notable examples include Cameron Green, who cost ₹3.6 crore per wicket with limited impact despite a high salary, and Matheesha Pathirana, who was injured and provided zero returns despite an ₹18 crore investment. Prashant Veer’s limited output at a premium price has also raised concerns, while Liam Livingstone’s expensive runs in limited appearances showcased the risks of high-cost overseas players.
On the other hand, Kartik Sharma emerged as a bright spot with a stable return on investment, delivering 276 runs at ₹5.14 lakh per run. Overall, the 2026 IPL season has highlighted the importance of performance justifying high salaries in the competitive world of franchise cricket.
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