The Big Bash League (BBL) is the premier domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Australia. The BBL has become one of the most popular T20 leagues globally with high-profile players, big salaries, and exciting action.
As the 13th edition of the BBL kicks off on December 7, 2023, until January 24, 2024, Cricket Australia has revealed the BBL players’ salaries for the 2022-23 season. This year, the league introduced a new rule allowing teams to have three marquee international players, making the competition even more star-studded.
Top 10 Expensive Players of Big Bash League: BBL Highest Paid Players
According to a recent report by the Sydney Morning Herald, player salaries in the upcoming 2024 season will be tiered into four levels based on performance and experience.
- Platinum-level Player: $200,000
- Gold-level Player: $153,000
- Silver-level Player: $103,000
- Bronze-level Player: $58,000
Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid players in the Big Bash League this season:
1. D’Arcy Short – $258,900
Topping the list of BBL’s highest-paid players is D’Arcy Short of the Hobart Hurricanes. The dynamic left-handed opening batsman has made a massive impact in his 5 years with the Hurricanes, rapidly rising to become the sixth-highest run-scorer in BBL history. His attacking batting style has made him a fan favourite and instrumental to the Hurricanes’ success.
2. Andrew Tye – $246,800
Coming in second is star bowler Andrew Tye of the Perth Scorchers. Known for his unplayable knuckleballs, Tye has been one of the Scorchers’ most important players. At 33, he remains one of the top wicket-takers in the BBL with his clever variations.
3. Marcus Stoinis – $227,900
After starting with Perth, Marcus Stoinis has found immense success with the Melbourne Stars. A superb all-rounder, he has scored over 2100 runs and taken 36 wickets with his medium pace. His tremendous impact makes him one of the BBL’s most valuable players.
4. Chris Lynn – $202,000
A mainstay of the Brisbane Heat, Chris Lynn’s aggressive batting makes him a beloved BBL attraction. With a strike rate over 150, Lynn has amassed 2790 runs and smacked 172 sixes in the competition. He is Brisbane’s most iconic player.
5. Joe Root – $200,000
English Test captain Joe Root makes a surprise entry despite his limited T20 experience. In his first-ever BBL stint in 2018-19 with Sydney Thunder, he was bought for a mammoth $200,000. He only managed 116 runs in 7 matches and took no wickets.
6. Alex Carey – $199,600
Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey provides solid performances for the Adelaide Strikers. Known for his fearless batting and sharp glovework, Carey earns a handsome $199,600 per BBL season.
7. Rashid Khan – $198,800
At just 22, Rashid Khan is the BBL’s highest-paid overseas player. The Afghan leg spinner is a huge asset for the Adelaide Strikers with his wicket-taking abilities. He helped them win the title in his first BBL season, justifying his $198,800 pay packet.
8. Ashton Agar – $197,900
Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is indispensable for the Perth Scorchers. His accurate spin bowling has fetched him many wickets while his lower-order batting provides crucial runs. Agar comfortably makes over $197,900 a season.
9. Dan Christian – $197,900
An excellent all-rounder, Dan Christian will go down as one of the BBL’s best players. After starting with Brisbane, he has amassed 1745 runs and 82 wickets playing for 4 franchises over 10 seasons. His versatility and experience are invaluable.
10. Nathan Lyon – $195,600
Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon ranks 10th despite minimal BBL appearances. His 41 wickets in 33 matches demonstrate his effectiveness in T20 cricket as well. The Sydney Sixers secured his services for $195,600.
List of Most Expensive Player in Each team of BBL
Here is the individual list of each teams that contains details about the highest-paid player team-wise:
Sydney Thunders
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane Watson | $775,000 |
| 2 | Jos Buttler | $852,000 |
| 3 | Patrick Cummins | $1.05m |
Adelaide Strikers
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashid Khan | $1.7m |
| 2 | Billy Stanlake | $97,000 |
| 3 | Ben Laughlin | $97,000 |
Brisbane Heat
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Lynn | $1.86m |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum | $698,000 |
| 3 | Ben Cutting | $426,000 |
Hobart Hurricanes
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jofra Archer | $1.4m |
| 2 | D’Arcy Short | $775,000 |
| 3 | Dan Christian | $291,000 |
Melbourne Stars
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenn Maxwell | $1.75m |
| 2 | Marcus Stoinis | $1.2m |
Melbourne Renegades
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Finch | $1.2m |
| 2 | Dwayne Bravo | $1.2m |
| 3 | Kieron Pollard | $1.05m |
| 4 | Mohammad Nabi | $194,000 |
Perth Scorchers
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Tye | $1.4m |
| 2 | Nathan Coulter-Nile | $426,000 |
| 3 | Mitchell Johnson | $388,000 |
| 4 | Jason Behrendorff | $291,000 |
Sydney Sixers
| Sr No. | Player | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | $1.8m |
| 2 | Carlos Brathwaite | $388,000 |
| 3 | Jason Roy | $291,000 |
| 4 | Ben Dwarshuis | $271,000 |
| 5 | Sam Billings | $194,000 |
Who is the Most Expensive Player in Big Bash League?
D’Arcy Short of the Hobart Hurricanes is the highest-paid player in the Big Bash League (BBL) with a salary of $258,900.
Which international player earns the most in the Big Bash League?
Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is the highest-earning overseas player in the Big Bash League. He earns $198,800 per season playing for the Adelaide Strikers.
Who is the highest-paid English player in the Big Bash League?
Joe Root was bought for $200,000 by the Sydney Thunder for his one season in the Big Bash League in 2018-19,
Which wicketkeeper earns the most in the BBL?
Alex Carey of the Adelaide Strikers is the highest-paid wicketkeeper, earning $199,600 per BBL season.
Which all-rounder has the highest BBL salary?
Marcus Stoinis is the highest-paid all-rounder in the BBL with a salary of $227,900 playing for the Melbourne Stars.
With lucrative contracts and immense fan following, these players have made the Big Bash League a highly entertaining, competitive T20 tournament. Their star power and incredible skills make the BBL a premier cricket attraction worldwide.
