Kyle Mayers is a talented West Indies all rounder who has had a unique journey in the Indian Premier League. The Barbadian cricketer became famous worldwide when he scored an unbeaten 210 on his Test debut in 2021, one of the greatest debuts in cricket history. His powerful hitting and medium-pace bowling made him an attractive option for IPL franchises looking for all round talent.
Mayers joined the IPL in 2022 when Lucknow Super Giants bought him at his base price of ₹50 lakh. While his IPL career has been short and filled with ups and downs, he made headlines in 2023 by becoming the first player in IPL history to score half centuries in his first two innings. His explosive batting style and ability to strike the ball cleanly caught everyone’s attention.
However, the story of Kyle Mayers’ IPL salary is not just about success. It also shows the challenges overseas players face in establishing themselves in the world’s most competitive T20 league. From sitting on the bench for entire seasons to delivering match winning performances, and finally going unsold in the mega auction, Mayers’ IPL journey has seen it all.
In this detailed article, we explore everything about Kyle Mayers’ IPL salary: how much he earned, which team he played for, his performance compared to his pay, why he went unsold in 2025, and what the future holds for this talented cricketer. Whether you are a cricket fan curious about player salaries or someone following Mayers’ career, this guide covers every aspect of his IPL earnings and journey.
Kyle Mayers IPL Salary 2025: Unsold in Mega Auction
The IPL 2025 mega auction brought disappointing news for Kyle Mayers. Despite his strong performances in 2023, no franchise picked him up during the auction.
IPL 2025 Auction Details:
- Status: Unsold
- Base Price: ₹50 lakh
- Previous Team: Lucknow Super Giants (did not retain)
- Auction Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Going unsold means he will not play in IPL 2025 unless a team picks him as a replacement for an injured player. In an interview after the auction, Mayers said he does not stress too much about IPL auctions. He prefers to focus on playing good cricket and enjoying the game.
Complete IPL Salary History: From 2022 to 2024
Kyle Mayers has had a very short IPL career so far. Unlike many overseas players, he joined the league quite late and played only one full season. Here’s his complete salary breakdown:
| Season | Team | Salary (INR) | Type | Matches Played |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 50 Lakh | Auction | 0 |
| 2023 | Lucknow Super Giants | 50 Lakh | Retained | 13 |
| 2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | 50 Lakh | Retained | 0 |
| 2025 | No Team | – | Unsold | – |
| 2026 | No Team | – | Not in Auction | – |
Total IPL Earnings: ₹1.5 crore (approximately)
Mayers was bought at his base price of ₹50 lakh in 2022. The franchise kept him for three seasons at the same price. This is a very modest salary compared to other international all rounders in the IPL.
1. IPL 2022 Salary – Lucknow Super Giants (₹50 Lakh)
Kyle Mayers entered the IPL for the first time in 2022 when Lucknow Super Giants bought him at his base price of ₹50 lakh. This was LSG’s second season as an IPL franchise. Mayers was picked as a backup all rounder who could provide depth to the squad. However, his IPL dream had to wait as he did not play a single match throughout the season. The team had strong overseas players like Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Dushmantha Chameera, and Andrew Tye competing for the four overseas spots. Mayers spent the entire season on the bench, watching and learning from the sidelines. Despite not playing, he earned his full contract amount of ₹50 lakh for being part of the squad.
2. IPL 2023 Salary – Lucknow Super Giants (₹50 Lakh)
Lucknow Super Giants retained Kyle Mayers for ₹50 lakh in 2023, giving him another chance. This season became the turning point of his IPL career. When Quinton de Kock was unavailable for the opening matches due to South Africa’s international commitments, Mayers finally got his opportunity. He made the most spectacular IPL debut possible, smashing 73 runs off just 38 balls against Delhi Capitals. He followed this with 53 off 34 balls in his second match, becoming the first player ever to score half centuries in his first two IPL innings. Mayers played 13 matches total, scoring 379 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 145.5. For just ₹50 lakh, LSG got incredible value as Mayers proved himself as a genuine match winner.
3. IPL 2024 Salary – Lucknow Super Giants (₹50 Lakh)
Kyle Mayers was retained by Lucknow Super Giants for the third consecutive year at ₹50 lakh in 2024. However, this season was a huge disappointment for the West Indian all rounder. Despite his excellent performances in 2023, Mayers did not play even a single match in IPL 2024. The team management went back to their preferred combination of overseas players including Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, and others. Mayers spent another full season warming the bench without getting any game time. This lack of opportunities in 2024 severely damaged his auction value for the next season. Teams want to see recent performances before investing, and Mayers had nothing to show from 2024. He still earned his ₹50 lakh contract amount.
4. IPL 2025 Salary – Unsold (No Team)
The IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, brought bad news for Kyle Mayers. He was part of the auction pool with a base price of ₹50 lakh but went completely unsold. Not a single franchise showed interest in bidding for him. This was a major setback for the 32 year old all rounder who had dreams of continuing his IPL career. Multiple factors contributed to this his age, limited match experience (only 13 games), not bowling enough despite being an all rounder, and no game time in 2024. Going unsold meant Mayers would not have any IPL salary for 2025. However, he can still be picked as an injury replacement if any player gets injured during the season.
5. IPL 2026 Salary – Status Unknown (Future Prospect)
As of now, Kyle Mayers has no confirmed IPL team for 2026. Since he went unsold in the 2025 mega auction, he will need to prove himself in other T20 leagues to attract IPL interest again. At 33 to 34 years old in 2026, age will be an even bigger factor against him. However, if Mayers performs exceptionally well in leagues like CPL, BPL, SA20, or ILT20 during 2025, he might get another IPL opportunity. Some players have successfully returned to IPL after being unsold by showing consistent performances in other tournaments. Mayers is focusing on improving his bowling to become a genuine all rounder, which could increase his market value. The IPL 2026 auction will determine if franchises are willing to give him another chance.
His total career earnings from IPL are estimated at around ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore when we include match fees and other benefits. This is relatively low because he only played actively in one season (2023).
Performance vs Salary: Was He Value for Money?
Looking at what Kyle Mayers delivered compared to his salary, he was excellent value for money in 2023.
IPL 2023 Analysis:
- Salary: ₹50 lakh
- Matches: 13
- Runs: 379
- Average: 29.15
- Strike Rate: 145.5
- Half Centuries: 4
- Highest Score: 73
- Value Assessment: For just ₹50 lakh, LSG got a player who provided explosive starts, scored at a high strike rate, and won them matches. His debut performance alone was worth much more than his salary. Players with similar impact in 2023 were earning ₹5 to 8 crore or even more.
- 2022 and 2024: However, in these two seasons, Mayers did not play at all. This means LSG paid ₹1 crore total over two years for zero matches. From this angle, the team did not get value.
- Overall Verdict: If we count all three seasons together, Mayers was reasonable value. His 2023 performances justified the total investment of ₹1.5 crore. However, teams want consistent availability, which Mayers could not provide due to team selection policies.
Why Kyle Mayers IPL Salary Stayed Low?
Several factors explain why Mayers never got a big IPL contract:
- Late Entry to IPL: Mayers made his international debut in 2020 and joined IPL only in 2022 at age 29. By this time, many younger players had already established themselves. Teams prefer investing in younger talents who can serve them for many years.
- Limited T20 Track Record: While Mayers had a famous Test debut (210 not out), his T20 record was not as impressive when LSG signed him. He was still developing his white ball game. Teams were unsure if he could succeed in IPL conditions.
- All Rounder Confusion: Mayers is listed as a bowling all rounder, but he barely bowled in IPL. In 13 matches, he bowled only 42 balls and took no wickets. Teams want all rounders who contribute with both bat and ball. Mayers did not show this dual value.
- Overseas Player Slot Pressure: IPL teams can field only 4 overseas players. Established names like de Kock, Stoinis, and others were preferred over Mayers. This limited his playing opportunities and kept his value low.
- Single Season Impact: Despite his brilliant 2023, Mayers played only one season. One good season is not enough to command high salaries in IPL. Teams want to see sustained performance over multiple years.
- Age Factor: At 32 years old in 2025, Mayers is not a young player anymore. IPL teams increasingly prefer younger cricketers they can develop and retain for longer periods.
How Kyle Mayers Salary Compares to Other West Indies Players?
Let’s see how Mayers’ IPL salary compared to his fellow West Indies cricketers:
West Indies Players IPL Salaries (Approximate):
- Andre Russell: ₹12 crore (2024)
- Sunil Narine: ₹6 crore (2024)
- Nicholas Pooran: ₹16 crore (2024)
- Shimron Hetmyer: ₹8.5 crore (2024)
- Kyle Mayers: ₹50 lakh (2023)
Mayers earned significantly less than other West Indies stars. This is because:
- Experience Gap: Players like Russell and Narine have 10+ years of IPL experience. Mayers had just one season.
- Proven Performance: Other players have multiple successful seasons. Mayers showed potential in one season only.
- Consistent Availability: Stars like Pooran and Hetmyer play regularly for their teams. Mayers sat out two of three seasons.
- All Round Skills: Russell and Narine contribute heavily with both bat and ball. Mayers mainly batted.
Despite the salary gap, Mayers proved in 2023 that he can compete with the best. His strike rate of 145.5 was better than many higher paid players that season.
Total Career Earnings from IPL:
Kyle Mayers’ IPL earnings are modest compared to many international players.
Direct IPL Salaries:
- 2022 (LSG): ₹50 lakh
- 2023 (LSG): ₹50 lakh
- 2024 (LSG): ₹50 lakh
Total Contract Value: ₹1.5 crore
When we include match fees (₹7 to 8 lakh per match for 13 matches in 2023), practice session payments, and team bonuses, his estimated total IPL income is ₹2 to 2.5 crore.
This puts Mayers among the lower earning overseas players in recent IPL history. However, for a player who got limited opportunities, this is still significant money. His earnings from other T20 leagues like CPL, BPL, SA20, ILT20, and Major League Cricket combined likely exceed his IPL income.
What Went Wrong: Why Mayers Is Not in IPL 2025?
Several reasons explain why Kyle Mayers did not find a team in the IPL 2025 mega auction:
- Limited Sample Size: Only 13 IPL matches is not enough data for teams. Franchises want to see players perform over multiple seasons before investing.
- Age Concerns: At 32, Mayers is approaching the end of his career. IPL teams prefer younger players aged 25 to 28 who can serve them for many years.
- No Bowling Impact: Mayers barely bowled in his IPL stint. In modern T20 cricket, teams want genuine all rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Competition: The 2025 auction had many exciting young talents. Teams preferred investing in younger options rather than a 32 year old with limited IPL experience.
- No Recent Performance: Mayers did not play in IPL 2024, which meant scouts had no recent data. Other players impressed in 2024 and got picked instead.
- Possible Future: Though unsold initially, Mayers can still join as an injury replacement during the season. He remains hopeful and continues performing in other T20 leagues.
Future Prospects and Lessons from Kyle Mayers’ IPL Journey:
Kyle Mayers’ IPL story teaches valuable lessons about the league’s competitive nature.
Key Lessons:
- Single good seasons are not enough: consistency over multiple years matters
- Joining IPL at 29 was late: younger players have more time to establish themselves
- All round skills increase value: genuine all rounders earn more
- Regular game time is essential: 13 matches in 3 years is not enough
What’s Next for Mayers?
Kyle Mayers continues to perform in other T20 leagues worldwide. He scored 46 twice in back to back BPL finals for Fortune Barishal and took 7 wickets in the 2024 CPL. His focus now is on improving his bowling to become a genuine all rounder and staying ready for future IPL opportunities.
At 32, Mayers still has 3 to 4 years of quality cricket left. If he continues performing in other leagues and gets a chance as an IPL replacement player, he could make a comeback. The IPL door is not completely closed.
Conclusion:
Kyle Mayers’ IPL salary journey shows both promise and challenges. Despite earning only ₹1.5 crore across three seasons, he proved his talent in 2023.
Key Points:
- Total IPL earnings: ₹1.5 to 2.5 crore
- Played only 13 matches in three seasons
- Scored 379 runs at strike rate of 145.5 in 2023
- First player to hit half centuries in first two IPL innings
- Unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction
Mayers’ story shows how difficult it is for overseas players to establish themselves in IPL, especially when joining late. However, his 2023 performances proved he has the talent to succeed.
While the IPL chapter may seem closed for now, cricket has a way of surprising us. Kyle Mayers’ determination means we might see him back in an IPL jersey sooner than expected.
FAQs:
Kyle Mayers does not have an IPL salary for 2025 as he went unsold in the mega auction. His last IPL salary was ₹50 lakh in 2024 when he was with Lucknow Super Giants, though he did not play any matches that season.
Kyle Mayers has earned approximately ₹1.5 to 2.5 crore from IPL across three seasons (2022 to 2024). This includes his contract salary of ₹50 lakh per year, match fees from 13 matches played in 2023, and other bonuses.
Kyle Mayers played only for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL. He was bought by LSG in 2022 for ₹50 lakh and stayed with them through 2024. However, he actually played matches only in the 2023 season.
Kyle Mayers went unsold because of several reasons: he is 32 years old, played only 13 IPL matches in three years, did not bowl much despite being listed as an all rounder, and did not play at all in IPL 2024. Teams preferred younger players with more consistent track records.
Kyle Mayers’ best IPL performance was his debut match against Delhi Capitals on April 1, 2023. He scored an explosive 73 runs off just 38 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 2 fours. He became the first player in IPL history to score half centuries in his first two innings.
Yes, Kyle Mayers can still play in IPL 2025 if a team picks him as an injury replacement during the season. Many players who go unsold in the auction get opportunities when regular players get injured. Mayers remains hopeful for such a chance.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
