The Big Bash League has become one of cricket’s most exciting tournaments. Every year millions of fans watch their favorite stars smash sixes and take wickets across Australia. But have you ever wondered how much these cricket heroes actually earn?
Player salaries in the BBL have grown massively over the years. The league now attracts some of the world’s best cricketers with serious money on offer. Top players can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars for just two months of cricket.
Understanding BBL salaries helps fans see why certain players choose Australia over other leagues. Players love the atmosphere and the chance to play in front of passionate Aussie crowds.
BBL Players’ Salary Structure
The BBL operates on a simple four-tier system that determines how much each player can earn.
- Platinum category: Up to A$420,000 (US$270,000) – Reserved for the absolute best international stars
- Gold category: Up to A$190,000 – Quality overseas players and top Australian talent
- Silver category: Up to A$127,000 – Solid domestic players and emerging internationals
- Bronze category: Up to A$63,000 – Young talent and squad players
Top 10 Highest-Paid BBL Players (2025/26 Season)
Here are the cricket stars earning the biggest paychecks in this season’s Big Bash League. All these players belong to the premium platinum category.
| Rank | Player | Team | Salary (AUD) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam | Sydney Sixers | Up to $420,000 | Platinum |
| 2 | Shaheen Afridi | Brisbane Heat | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 3 | Mohammad Rizwan | Melbourne Renegades | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 4 | Chris Jordan | Hobart Hurricanes | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 5 | Sam Curran | Sydney Sixers | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 6 | Haris Rauf | Melbourne Stars | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 7 | Lockie Ferguson | Sydney Thunder | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 8 | Finn Allen | Perth Scorchers | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 9 | Colin Munro | Brisbane Heat | $270,000 | Platinum |
| 10 | Jamie Overton | Adelaide Strikers | $270,000 | Platinum |
1. Babar Azam
Babar Azam sits at the top of the salary table with the Sydney Sixers paying up to $420,000 for his services. This Pakistani captain is widely considered the best T20 batsman in the world right now. His elegant stroke play and consistent run scoring make him worth every penny.
The Sixers know they’ve got something special in Babar. He can anchor an innings or explode when needed. His presence alone makes the Sixers a serious title contender this season.
2. Shaheen Afridi
Brisbane Heat secured Shaheen Afridi for $270,000 and got themselves a genuine match winner. This Pakistani fast bowler can swing the ball both ways at serious pace. Batsmen hate facing him because he makes the ball do things they don’t expect.
Shaheen’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay makes him incredibly valuable. The Heat know that early wickets often win T20 matches. With Shaheen leading their attack they have a real weapon.
3. Mohammad Rizwan
Melbourne Renegades paid $270,000 for Mohammad Rizwan and got two players in one. He keeps wicket brilliantly and bats like a dream. Rizwan is known for his fearless approach and ability to score runs quickly when his team needs them most.
The Renegades struggled in recent seasons but Rizwan could change that. His leadership behind the stumps and explosive batting make him the perfect signing. Fans will love watching him play his shots.
4. Chris Jordan
Hobart Hurricanes invested $270,000 in Chris Jordan for good reason. This English all-rounder knows exactly how to bowl when batsmen are trying to hit every ball for six. His slower balls and yorkers have fooled some of the world’s best batsmen.
Jordan also provides useful runs with the bat when needed. The Hurricanes get a complete package with someone who can bowl at the death and finish games with the bat. That’s exactly what T20 cricket demands.
5. Sam Curran
Sydney Sixers paid $270,000 for Sam Curran’s all-round skills. This English star can bat anywhere in the order and bowl left-arm pace. At such a young age he has already proven himself in the biggest matches around the world.
Curran’s versatility makes him incredibly valuable. The Sixers can use him as a finisher with the bat or as a powerplay bowler. Having options like that helps teams win tight games.
6. Haris Rauf
Melbourne Stars secured Haris Rauf for $270,000 and got genuine express pace. This Pakistani fast bowler regularly hits 150 km/h and makes batsmen hurry their shots. His aggressive style and sharp bouncers make him a crowd favorite.
Rauf’s pace creates opportunities even on flat pitches. The Stars needed a bowler who could take wickets when nothing else was working. They found exactly that in Rauf.
7. Lockie Ferguson
Sydney Thunder paid $270,000 for Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace and aggression. This New Zealand fast bowler brings serious heat and isn’t afraid to bowl short at batsmen. His energy and passion lift the whole team when he’s steaming in to bowl.
Ferguson’s ability to take wickets in clusters makes him special. The Thunder know that one good spell from him can change any game. That’s the kind of impact they paid for.
8. Finn Allen
Perth Scorchers invested $270,000 in Finn Allen’s explosive batting. This young New Zealand opener hits the ball harder than most players twice his age. His ability to score quickly from ball one makes him perfect for T20 cricket.
Allen can take games away from opponents in just a few overs. The Scorchers love aggressive openers and they found the perfect fit. Fans will enjoy watching him launch balls into the stands.
9. Colin Munro
Brisbane Heat paid $270,000 for Colin Munro’s proven T20 skills. This New Zealand batsman has played franchise cricket all over the world and knows how to handle pressure. His experience could be crucial in tight moments.
Munro provides the Heat with a reliable middle-order option. He can build innings when needed or explode when the situation demands it. That adaptability makes him worth his salary.
10. Jamie Overton
Adelaide Strikers secured Jamie Overton for $270,000 as an investment in potential. This English all-rounder is still developing but has shown glimpses of brilliance. His pace bowling and lower-order hitting make him an exciting prospect.
The Strikers are betting on Overton’s upside paying off. Sometimes young players thrive when given responsibility and big contracts. This could be his breakthrough season.
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Conclusion: Babar Azam Is the Highest Paid BBL Player This Year
The 2025/26 BBL season promises to be one of the most exciting yet with these top-class players earning serious money. The salary figures show just how much the league values international talent and proven match-winners. Teams are willing to pay big dollars for players who can single-handedly change games.
Pakistani players dominate this year’s highest earners list which shows their growing importance in world cricket. Players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi bring not just skill but also huge fan followings. This helps the BBL grow its audience and commercial value.
The investment in top talent should make for a thrilling tournament. Fans will get to see world-class cricket as these expensive stars try to justify their hefty price tags. The pressure is on these players to deliver performances that match their salaries.
FAQs
Babar Azam tops the list earning up to $420,000 with the Sydney Sixers. His salary reflects his status as one of the world’s best T20 batsmen.
BBL salaries are much lower than IPL with top BBL players earning around $270,000-420,000 while IPL stars can make millions. The shorter tournament length explains part of this difference.
Pakistani players became available for BBL 2025/26 because their domestic league PSL moved to a different time slot. This allowed top Pakistani stars to play in Australia for the first time in years.
The salary structure doesn’t discriminate based on nationality but international stars often command higher fees. Australian players can earn platinum category salaries if they’re good enough.
The BBL season runs for about two months from December to January. Players receive their full contracted amount regardless of how many matches they play during the tournament.
