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Top 25 South African Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest South African Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2024)

There has never been a shortage of South African fast bowlers.

While the era or Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel has ended, the era of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee is beginning to rise.

Today we explore the greatest South African fast bowlers of all-time, including the era of 1970-1992, the lost generation due to South Africa’s global isolation.

Let’s dive straight in.

Table of Contents

By the Numbers: Which South African Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?

Across formats, fast bowlers Shaun Pollock (829), Dale Steyn (699), Makhaya Ntini (662), Allan Donald (602), Jacques Kallis (577), Morne Morkel (544), and Kagiso Rabada (495) took the most wickets for South Africa.

List of the Most Wickets by South African Fast Bowlers Across Formats

PlayerWickets
Shaun Pollock829
Dale Steyn699
Makhaya Ntini662
Allan Donald602
Jacques Kallis577
Morne Morkel544
Kagiso Rabada495
Lance Klusener272
Vernon Philander269
Andre Nel231
Lungi Ngidi199
Fanie de Villiers180
Wayne Parnell173
Hansie Cronje157
Andile Phehlukwayo146
Brian McMillian145
Anrich Nortje144
Andrew Hall143
Charles Langeveldt133
Craig Matthews131
Trevor Goddard123
Lonwabo Tsotsobe121
Peter Pollock116
Neil Adcock104
Kyle Abbott99
Ryan McLaren97
Chris Morris94
Marco Jansen85
Dwaine Pretorius77
Nantie Hayward75
Albie Morkel74
Jimmy Sinclair63
Richard Snell63
Duanne Olivier62
Jimmy Blanckenberg60
Peter Heine58
Roger Telemachus58
Buster Nupen50

Others: Gerald Coetzee (46), Eddie Barlow (40)

*Note: This includes wickets taken for World XI teams as well.

Also Read:

Top 10 Famous South African Fast Bowlers

Top 25 Greatest South African Bowlers of All-Time (Ranked)

We considered multiple aspects while ranking these pacers: (1) Longevity, (2) Stories from opposition batters, (3) Impact in Test Matches, (4) World Cup Performances (both ODI/T20I), and (4) Pace/Talent/Swing.

It was a bit difficult to incorporate the talent lost from the 1970s-1990s since these bowlers had great first-class stats without international experience to back them up. We ranked out-and-out fast bowlers with higher Test match pedigree (ex: Steyn, Donald, Morne Morkel, Rabada) higher than some of these great first-class bowlers (like Mike Procter and Vince van der Bijl).

Lots of great South African pace bowling all-rounders in this list as well. If you haven’t read the 55 greatest all-rounders of all-time article, I would suggest you check that article out as well. Clive Rice, Jacques Kallis, Mike Procter, Eddie Barlow, Lance Klusener, and Brian McMillan make both of these lists.

Here we go!

Honorable Mentions: Vincent Barnese, Trevor Goddard, Adrian Kuiper, Gerald Coetzee, Duanne Olivier, Albie Morkel

25. Jimmy Blanckenberg – 60 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1913-1924
  • Matches: 18 (Test)
  • Wickets: 60
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/76
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/4
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24. Kyle Abbott – 99 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-2017
  • Matches: 11 (Test), 28 (ODI), 21 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 39/34/26
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/29 (Test), 4/21 (ODI), 3/20 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/3 (Test), 2/0 (ODI)
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23. Brian McMillan – 145 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1991-1998
  • Matches: 38 (Test), 78 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 75/70
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/65 (Test), 4/32 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (Test), 1/0 (ODI)
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22. Eddie Barlow – 40 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1961-1970
  • Matches: 30 (Test), 283 (FC)
  • Wickets (Test/FC): 40/571
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/85 (Test), 7/24 (FC)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1, 16 – 5 wicket hauls (FC)

21. Charl Langeveldt – 133 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2001-2010
  • Matches: 6 (Test), 72 (ODI), 9 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 16/100/17
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/46 (Test), 5/39 (ODI), 4/19 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1 (Test), 1/2 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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20. Lungi Ngidi – 199 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2017-
  • Matches: 17 (Test), 56 (ODI), 40 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 51/88/60
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/39 (Test), 6/58 (ODI), 5/39
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/3 (Test), 4/1 (ODI), 2/1 (T20I)
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19. Peter Heine – 58 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1955-1862
  • Matches: 14 (Test)
  • Wickets: 58
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/58
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/4
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18. Wayne Parnell – 173 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2009-
  • Matches: 6 (Test), 73 (ODI), 56 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 15/99/59
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/51 (Test), 5/48 (ODI), 5/30
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/0 (Test), 3/2 (ODI), 1/1 (T20I)
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17. Lance Klusener – 272 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1996-2004
  • Matches: 49 (Test), 171 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 80/192
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/64 (Test), 6/49 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls): 2/1 (Test), 1/6 (ODI)
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16. Anrich Nortje – 144 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2019-
  • Matches: 19 (Test), 22 (ODI), 31 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 70/36/38
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/56 (Test), 4/51 (ODI), 4/10 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/4 (Test), 3/0 (ODI), 2/0 (T20I)
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15. Garth Le Roux – 838 First Class Wickets

  • Years Played: 1976-1989 (his entire career fell amidst South Africa’s global isolation)
  • Matches: 239 (First Class), 250 (List A)
  • Wickets (FC/List A): 838/378
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/107 (FC), 6/21 (List A)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 35 – 5w hauls (FC), 16/5 (List A)
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14. Fanie de Villiers – 180 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1992-1998
  • Matches: 18 (Test), 83 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 85/95
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/23 (Test), 4/27 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/5 (Test), 2/0 (ODI)
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13. Neil Adcock – 104 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1953-1962
  • Matches: 26 (Test)
  • Wickets: 104
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/43
  • 4w/5w hauls: 5/5
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12. Peter Pollock – 116 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1961-1970
  • Matches: 28 (Test)
  • Wickets: 116
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/38
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/9
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11. Clive Rice – 930 First Class Wickets

  • Years Played: 1969-1994
  • Matches: 3 (ODI), 482 (FC), 479 (List A)
  • Wickets (ODI/FC/List A): 2/930/517
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/46, 7/62, 6/18
  • 4w/5w hauls: 23 – 5 wicket hauls (FC), 19/6 (List A)
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10. Jacques Kallis – 577 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1995-2014
  • Matches: 166 (Test), 328 (ODI), 25 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 292/273/12
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/54 (Test), 5/30 (ODI), 4/15 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 7/5 (Test), 2/2 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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9. Mike Procter – 41 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1967-1970
  • Matches: 7 (Test), 401 (First Class)
  • Wickets (Test/FC): 41/1417
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/73 (Test), 9/71 (FC)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/1 (Test), 70 – 5 wicket hauls (FC)
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8. Vince van der Bijl – 767 First Class Wickets

According to ESPNCricinfo, van der Bijl was “one of the best bowlers to not play Test cricket.”

  • Years Played: 1967-1983
  • Matches: 156 (FC), 92 (List A)
  • Wickets (FC/List A): 767/132
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/35 (FC), 5/12 (List A)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 46 – 5 wicket hauls (FC), 2/4 (List A)
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7. Vernon Philander – 269 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2007-2020
  • Matches: 64 (Test), 30 (ODI), 7 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 224/41/4
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/21 (Test), 4/12 (ODI), 2/23 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 8/13 (Test), 2/0 (ODI)
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6. Kagiso Rabada – 495 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2004-
  • Matches: 60 (Test), 101 (ODI), 56 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 280/157/58
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/112 (Test), 6/16 (ODI), 3/20 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 14/13 (Test), 6/2 (ODI)
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5. Morne Morkel – 544 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2006-2018
  • Matches: 86 (Test), 117 (ODI), 44 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 309/188/47
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/23 (Test), 5/21 (ODI), 4/17 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 18/8 (Test), 7/2 (ODI), 2/0 (T20I)

Also Read: Top 11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early – The Lost Generation of Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Michael Clarke

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4. Makhaya Ntini – 662 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1998-2011
  • Matches: 101 (Test), 173 (ODI), 10 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 390/266/6
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/37 (Test), 6/22 (ODI), 2/22 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 19/18 (Test), 8/4 (ODI)
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3. Shaun Pollock – 829 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1995-2008
  • Matches: 108 (Test), 303 (ODI), 12 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 421/393/15
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/87 (Test), 6/35 (ODI), 3/28
  • 4w/5w hauls: 23/16 (Test), 12/5 (ODI)
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2. Allan Donald – 602 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1991-2003
  • Matches: 72 (Test), 164 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 330/272
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/71 (Test), 6/23 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 11/20 (Test), 11/2 (ODI)
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1. Dale Steyn – 699 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2004-2020
  • Matches: 93 (Test), 125 (ODI), 47 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 439/196/64
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/51 (Test), 6/39 (ODI), 4/9
  • 4w/5w hauls: 27/26 (Test), 4/3 (ODI), 2/0 (T20I)

Also Read: Dale Steyn, The Embodiment of Simplicity and Intensity, Retires—The Greatest Fast Bowler of Them All

Watch: Dale Steyn vs Australia

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South African Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup

ODI World Cup

  • 1992 ODI WC: Allan Donald, Brian McMillan, Meyrick Pringle, Adrian Kuiper, Hansie Cronje, Richard Snell
  • 1996 ODI WC: Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Brian McMillan, Craig Matthews
  • 1999 ODI WC: Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Steve Elworthy, Dale Benkenstein, Alan Dawson
  • 2003 ODI WC: Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Charl Langeveldt, Makhaya Ntini, Mode Zondeki
  • 2007 ODI WC: Shaun Pollock, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Jacques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Roger Telemachus
  • 2011 ODI WC: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Jacques Kallis, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
  • 2015 ODI WC: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott, Vernon Philander, Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell
  • 2019 ODI WC: Dale Steyn, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Anrich Nortje* (withdrawn)
  • 2023 ODI WC: Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, Anrich Nortje*, Sisanda Magala* (withdrawn)

T20 World Cup

  • 2007 T20 WC: Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Morne Morkel, Albie Morkel, Justin Kemp, Johan van der Wath, Vernon Philander
  • 2009 T20 WC: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Yusuf Abdulla, Jacques Kallis, Wayne Parnell
  • 2010 T20 WC: Juan Theron, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Albie Morkel, Charl Langelveldt, Rory Kleinveldt
  • 2012 T20 WC: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Wayne Parnell, Albie Morkel, Jacques Kallis, Farhaan Behardien
  • 2014 T20 WC: Dale Styen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel, Albie Morkel, Farhaan Behardien
  • 2016 T20 WC: Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris, Kyle Abbott, David Wiese, Farhaan Behardien
  • 2021 T20 WC: Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, Lizaad Williams*, Andile Phelukwayo* (Reserves)
  • 2022 T20 WC: Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Lizaad Williams*, Andile Phelukwayo* (Reserves), Dwaine Pretorius** (Withdrawn)

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite memories growing up in the 2000s was watching the South African fast bowlers.

Dale Steyn’s energy, Shaun Pollock’s accuracy, Vernon Philander’s swing, the beauty in Makhya Ntini’s action, and the tireless nature of Morne Morkel hitting the deck.

The next generation of South African fast bowlers have not disappointed either. Kagiso Rabada has taken the mantle from Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje is a star, Marco Jansen continues to impress, Lungi Ngidi keeps the bowling unit together, and Gerald Coetzee’s celebrations are a sight to behold.

Anyway, who were your favorite fast bowlers from South Africa?

We Think You Will Also Like

If you liked reading about South African cricket, here are some of our other content on this topic:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest South African Fast Bowlers

Which South African fast bowlers have taken the most wickets?

Across formats, fast bowlers Shaun Pollock (829), Dale Steyn (699), Makhaya Ntini (662), Allan Donald (602), Jacques Kallis (577), Morne Morkel (544), and Kagiso Rabada (495) took the most wickets for South Africa.Top 10 Famous and Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time - The Complete List

Who are the most famous South African fast bowlers?

Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Makhaya Ntini, and Mike Procter are some of the most famous South African fast bowlers.

Who are the Top 10 best South African fast bowlers?

Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, Morne Morkel, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, Vince van der Bilj, Mike Procter, and Jacques Kallis are the Top 10 best South African fast bowlers of all-time.South African Fast Bowlers List

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Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2024)

The list of West Indian fast bowlers continues to grow—Matthew Forde burst onto the scene with his 3-fer on debut against England and the likes of Jayden Seales continue to impress.

Cricket has been blessed with wonderful West Indian fast bowlers, particularly in the golden era between 70s & the 90s. Join us as we explore the historic menace of West Indian fast bowlers–Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?

Let’s dive straight in.

Table of Contents

By the Numbers: Which West Indian Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?

West Indies cricket has a beautiful legacy of fearsome fast bowlers.

Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in West Indies cricket history across formats.

Here is the complete list of the most wickets by West Indian fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI/T20I).

Most Wickets by West Indies Fast Bowlers

PlayerWickets
Courtney Walsh746
Curtly Ambrose630
Malcolm Marshall533
Joel Garner405
Kemar Roach400
Michael Holding391
Jason Holder375
Jerome Taylor291
Andy Roberts289
Ian Bishop279
Dwayne Bravo263
Mervyn Dillon261
Fidel Edwards245
Sir Garfield Sobers236
Alzarri Joseph225
Daren Sammy209
Shannon Gabriel202
Ravi Rampaul197
Wes Hall192
Patrick Patterson183
Corey Collymore176
Winston Benjamin161
Daren Powell158
Colin Croft155
Pedro Collins 145
Reon King129
Vanburn Holder128
Kenny Benjamin125
Andre Russell113
Sheldon Cottrell106
Tino Best97
Kieron Pollard97
Charlie Griffith94
Nixon McLean90
Ian Bradshaw87
Phil Simmons87
Anderson Cummins86
Cameron Cuffy84
Winston Davis84
Vasbert Drakes84
Franklyn Rose82
Carlos Brathwaite75
Dwayne Smith75
Keith Boyce73
Frank Worrell69
Bernard Julien68
Jermaine Lawson68
Tony Gray66
Keemo Paul65
Wayne Daniel59
Learie Constantine58
Gerry Gomez58
Romario Shepherd58
Roy Gilchrist57
Sylvester Clarke55
Eldine Baptiste52
Oshane Thomas50
Kesrick Williams50

Others: Kyle Mayers (48), Jomel Warrican (46), Obed McCoy (46), Herman Griffith (44), Jayden Seales (43), Manny Martindale (37), George Francis (23)

Also Read:

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Top 21 List of Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers (Ranked)

We considered several aspects while ranking these pacers: (1) Number of Wickets, (2) Longevity, (3) Anecdotes of opposition players, (4) Impact in Test Matches, (5) Impact in World Cups (both ODI/T20I), and (6) Pace/Talent/Swing.

Fast bowling videos linked for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to relieve some of these magical moments!

Future Stars: Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Chemar Holder

Honorable Mentions: Sir Garfield Sobers (Not included in the list because he bowled both medium pace & left arm spin), Wayne Daniel, Manny Martindale, George Francis, Learie Constantine, Herman Griffith, Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Phil Simmons, Winston Davis, Mervyn Dillon, Roy Gilchrist, Sylvester Clarke, Tony Gray, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy

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21. Fidel Edwards – 245 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2021
  • Matches: 55 (Test), 50 (ODI), 26 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 165/60/20
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/87 (Test), 6/22 (ODI), 3/23 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/12 (Test), 0/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Fidel Edwards Most Fiery Spell Vs Rahul Dravid – Amazing Battle

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20. Jerome Taylor – 291 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2018
  • Matches: 46 (Test), 90 (ODI), 30 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 130/128/33
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/47 (Test), 5/48 (ODI), 3/6 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 5/4 (Test), 3/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: Jerome Taylor Hat Trick vs Australia 2006 Champions Trophy

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19. Tino Best – 97 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2014
  • Matches: 25 (Test), 26 (ODI), 6 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 57/34/6
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/40 (Test), 4/35 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/2 (Test), 2/0 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Tino Best giving 125 %

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18. Shannon Gabriel – 202 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2012-
  • Matches: 59 (Test), 25 (ODI), 2 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 166/33/3
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/62 (Test), 3/17 (ODI), 3/44 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 5/6 (Test)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Gabriel enters WINDIES record books: best figures EVER on Windies Soil | Windies Finest

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17. Ravi Rampaul – 197

  • Years Played: 2003-2021
  • Matches: 18 (Test), 92 (ODI), 27 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 49/117/31
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/48 (Test), 5/49 (ODI), 3/16 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/0 (Test), 8/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Ravi Rampaul spectacular delivery

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16. Vanburn Holder – 128 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1969-1979
  • Matches: 40 (Test), 12 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 109/19
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/28 (Test), 5/50 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/3 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Vanburn holder bowling

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15. Winston Benjamin – 161 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1986-1995
  • Matches: 21 (Test), 85 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 61/100
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/46 (Test), 5/22 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: WINSTON BENJAMIN | 3/12 @ Lancaster Park | 3rd ODI | WEST INDIES tour of NEW ZEALAND 1995

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14. Patrick Patterson – 183 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1986-1993
  • Matches: 28 (Test), 59 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 93/90
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/24 (Test), 6/29 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/5 (Test), 1/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: From the Vault: Patrick Patterson’s MCG playground

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13. Jason Holder – 375 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-
  • Matches: 64 (Test), 138 (ODI), 58 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 157/159/60
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/42 (Test), 5/27 (ODI), 5/27
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/8 (Test), 5/2 (ODI), 2/1 (T20I)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Jason Holder 4/7 Magical Spell

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12. Charlie Griffith – 94 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1960-1969
  • Matches: 28 (Test)
  • Wickets: 94
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/36
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/5

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Charlie Griffith Brutal bowling

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11. Dwayne Bravo – 263 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2004-2021
  • Matches: 40 (Test), 164 (ODI), 91 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 86/199/78
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/55 (Test), 6/43 (ODI), 4/19 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/2 (Test), 6/1 (ODI), 3/0 (T20I)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Dwayne Bravo’s BEST Wickets | All Time Leading T20 Wicket Taker

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10. Ian Bishop – 279 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1988-1998
  • Matches: 43 (Test), 84 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 161/118
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/40 (Test), 5/25 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/6 (Test), 7/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Ian Bishop unleashes hell on Robin Smith – PACE LIKE FIRE

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9. Kemar Roach – 400 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-
  • Matches: 79 (Test), 95 (ODI), 11 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 265/125/10
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/48 (Test), 6/27 (ODI), 2/25 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 14/11 (Test), 3/3 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Kemar Roach – One of the best fast bowlers in the world | Best Wickets

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8. Colin Croft – 155 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1977-1982
  • Matches: 27 (Test), 19 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 125/30
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/29 (Test), 6/15 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 7/3 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Guyana

Watch: Colin Croft Jaffer to Kim Hughes 1979 West Indies In Australia

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7. Wes Hall – 192 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1958-1969
  • Matches: 48 (Test)
  • Wickets: 192
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/69
  • 4w/5w hauls: 11/9

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Wes Hall bowling in England 1963

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6. Andy Roberts – 289 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1974-1983
  • Matches: 47 (Test), 56 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 202/87
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/54 (Test), 5/22 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 8/11 (Test), 2/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: Meet the ICC Hall of Famers: Andy Roberts | ‘Not only was he quick, he was skilfull’

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5. Joel Garner – 405 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1977-1987
  • Matches: 58 (Test), 98 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 259/146
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/56 (Test), 5/31 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 18/7 (Test), 2/3 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Mix Tape: The best of Big Bird

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4. Michael Holding – 391 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1975-1987
  • Matches: 60 (Test), 102 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 249/142
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/92 (Test), 5/26 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 11/13 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: Very fast bowling – Michael Holding at Brisbane 1979

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3. Curtly Ambrose – 630 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1988-2000
  • Matches: 98 (Test), 176 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 405/225
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/45 (Test), 5/17 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 21/22 (Test), 6/4 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: From the Vault: Insane spell of 7-1 as Ambrose wreaks havoc

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2. Malcolm Marshall – 533 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1978-1992
  • Matches: 81 (Test), 136 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 376/157
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/22 (Test), 4/18 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 19/22 (Test), 6/0 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: The Greatest Quick of All Time? Marshall Blows England Away in Classic! | Eng v WI 1984 | Lord’s

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1. Courtney Walsh – 746 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1984-2001
  • Matches: 132 (Test), 205 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 519/227
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/37 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 32/22 (Test), 6/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: First Ever Bowler to take 500 Wickets: Walsh vs Kallis, Ambrose & Walsh Combine For Incredible 15 Wickets at Lord’s! | England v West Indies 2000, Courtney Walsh 5/1 Vs Sri Lanka

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West Indies Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup

ODI World Cup

  • 1975 ODI WC: Andy Roberts, Vanburn Holder, Keith Boyce, Collis King
  • 1979 ODI WC: Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Faoud Bacchus
  • 1983 ODI WC: Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts
  • 1987 ODI WC: Eldine Baptiste, Winston Benjamin, Patrick Patterson, Phil Simmons, Courtney Walsh
  • 1992 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, Patrick Patterson, Phil Simmons, Winston Benjamin, Anderson Cummins
  • 1996 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Phil Simmons, Ian Bishop, Ottis Gibson, Cameron Cuffy
  • 1999 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Phil Simmons, Mervyn Dillon, Reon King
  • 2003 ODI WC: Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Jermaine Lawson, Nixon McLean
  • 2007 ODI WC: Jerome Taylor, Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Corey Collymore, Kieron Pollard, Daren Powell, Dwayne Smith
  • 2011 ODI WC: Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo* (Withdrawn)
  • 2015 ODI WC: Jason Holder, Jerome Taylor, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith
  • 2019 ODI WC: Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell

T20 World Cup

  • 2007 T20 WC: Dwayne Bravo, Pedro Collins, Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell, Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith
  • 2009 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Lionel Baker, Dave Bernard Jr., Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Kieron Pollard, Daren Sammy
  • 2010 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Wavell Hinds, Kieron Pollard
  • 2012 T20 WC: Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Fidel Edwards, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Smith
  • 2014 T20 WC: Dwayne Bravo, Daren Sammy, Sheldon Cottrell, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Krishmar Santokie, Dwayne Smith
  • 2016 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Jason Holder, Daren Sammy, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell
  • 2021 T20 WC: Jason Holder, Ravi Rampaul, Oshane Thomas, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell* (Reserve), Obed McCoy* (Withdrawn)
  • 2022 T20 WC: Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Rovman Powell
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Final Thoughts

When West Indies cricket does well, the world becomes a happy place.

Every cricket fan loves watching highlights of the pace bowlers from the 80s or the T20 World Cup teams of the 2010s. From the fierce five (Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding) to the duo of Ambrose-Walsh to the current era of Roach-Gabriel-Holder, it has been wonderful to watch.

I hope future generations of West Indian fast bowlers continue the legacy of the giants that came before them.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers

Why does West Indies cricket produce so many fast bowlers?

West Indies cricket continues to produce so many fast bowlers due to their fast-bowling culture, physical attributes (tall & strong), and domestic pitches that historically have produced pitches with pace and bounce.

Who are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies?

Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, and Wes Hall are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies.West Indian Fast Bowlers: List of the greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers of All-Time. Pictured here - Top (from left to right): Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft. Bottom (From left to right) Malcolm Marshall, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Wes Hall

Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history?

Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 12/16/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 36 Most Expensive IPL Auction Players (Salaries in US Dollars): Who are the Most Expensive IPL Auction Buys of All Time? (Updated 2024)

Who are the most expensive IPL auction players of All-Time?

It is that time of the year again—Yep, you guessed it—The IPL Auction!

With the IPL 2024 Auction here, we bring to you the most expensive IPL auction players of all-time with a twist. Along with the auction prices, we also consider the dollar to rupee conversion at every IPL auction.

Key Takeaways – Most Expensive IPL Auction Players

  • Yuvraj Singh – 2015 ($2.56 Million), Gautam Gambhir – 2011 ($2.4 Million), Chris Morris – 2021 ($2.24 Million), Yuvraj Singh – 2014 ($2.24 Million), and Sam Curran – 2023 ($2.23 Million) are the most expensive IPL auction players of all-time.
  • In 2008, $1 = 39.25 INR. In 2023, $1 = 82.81 INR.
  • The Top 36 IPL auction buys ranged from $1.5 million (MS Dhoni, Mahela Jayawardene) to $2.56 Million (Yuvraj Singh). In Indian Rupees, the player salaries ranged from 5.88 Crore (MS Dhoni) to 18.5 Crore (Sam Curran).
  • Yuvraj Singh & Ben Stokes (3 times each) as well as Glenn Maxwell & Dinesh Karthik (twice each) feature on this list multiple times.
  • India (18), England (9), Australia (5), West Indies (1), New Zealand (1), South Africa (1), and Sri Lanka (1) make up the most expensive IPL players of all-time ($1.5 million or above).
  • The franchises that have spent the most money regularly in IPL auctions are: RCB (7), CSK, KKR, PBKS/KXIP (5), MI, DD (3), RR, SRH (2), and LSG, KTK, PWI, RPS (1).

Table of Contents

By the Numbers: Who are the Most Expensive IPL Auction Players?

PlayerIPL Auction Price US$ (INR)Team (Year)
Yuvraj Singh$2.56 Million (16 Crore)DD (2015)
Gautam Gambhir $2.4 Million (10.88 Crore)KKR (2011)
Chris Morris$2.24 Million (16.25 Crore)RR (2021)
Yuvraj Singh$2.24 Million (14 Crore)RCB (2014)
Sam Curran$2.23 Million (18.5 Crore)PBKS (2023)
Pat Cummins$2.18 Million (15.5 Crore)KKR (2020)
Ben Stokes$2.17 Million (14.5 Crore)RPS (2017)
Cameron Green$2.1 Million (17.5 Crore)MI (2023)
Yusuf Pathan$2.1 Million (9.5 Crore)KKR (2011)
Robin Uthappa$2.1 Million (9.5 Crore)KKR (2011)
Kyle Jamieson$2.07 Million (15 Crore)RCB (2021)
Ishan Kishan$2.02 Million (15.25 Crore)MI (2022)
Dinesh Karthik$2 Million (12.5 Crore)DD (2014)
Ravindra Jadeja$2 Million (9.72 Crore)CSK (2012)
Rohit Sharma$2 Million (9.07 Crore)MI (2011)
Ben Stokes$1.97 Million (12.5 Crore)RR (2018)
Ben Stokes$1.96 Million (16.25 Crore)CSK (2017)
Glenn Maxwell$1.96 Million (14.25 Crore)RCB (2021)
Nicholas Pooran$1.93 Million (16 Crore)LSG (2023)
Jhye Richardson$1.93 Million (14 Crore)PBKS (2021)
Irfan Pathan$1.9 Million (8.62 Crore)DD (2011)
Deepak Chahar$1.85 Million (14 Crore)CSK (2022)
Yuvraj Singh$1.8 Million (8.16 Crore)PWI (2011)
Tymal Mills$1.79 Million (12 Crore)RCB (2017)
Manish Pandey$1.73 Million (11 Crore)SRH (2018)
KL Rahul$1.73 Million (11 Crore)PBKS (2018)
Dinesh Karthik$1.69 Million (10.5 Crore)RCB (2015)
Shreyas Iyer$1.62 Million (12.25 Crore)KKR (2022)
Harry Brook$1.6 Million (13.25 Crore)SRH (2023)
Saurabh Tiwary$1.6 Million (7.26 Crore)RCB (2011)
Kevin Pietersen$1.55 Million (7.54 Crore)RCB (2009)
Andrew Flintoff$1.55 Million (7.54 Crore)CSK (2009)
Liam Livingstone$1.52 Million (11.5 Crore)PBKS (2022)
Glenn Maxwell$1.51 Million (10.75 Crore)KXIP (2020)
MS Dhoni$1.5 Million (5.88 Crore)CSK (2008)
Mahela Jayawardene$1.5 Million (6.8 Crore)KTK (2011)

Most Expensive IPL Players from Each Season (2008-2023)

IPL Auction (2008-2013)

Between 2008-2013, the IPL Auction happened in US dollars. The most expensive players in each of those early auction years were as follows:

  • IPL 2008: MS Dhoni ($1.5 Million), Andrew Symonds ($1.35 Million), Sanath Jayasuriya ($975,000)
  • IPL 2009: Kevin Pietersen ($1.55 Million), Andrew Flintoff ($1.55 Million), JP Duminy ($950,000)
  • IPL 2010: Shane Bond ($750,000), Kieron Pollard ($750,000), Wayne Parnell ($610,000)
  • IPL 2011: Gautam Gambhir ($2.4 Million), Yusuf Pathan ($2.1 Million), Robin Uthappa ($2.1 Million), Rohit Sharma ($2 Million), Irfan Pathan ($1.9 Million), Yuvraj Singh ($1.8 Million), Saurabh Tiwary ($1.6 Million), Mahela Jayawardene ($1.5 Million), David Hussey ($1.4 Million), Dale Steyn ($1.2 Million), Muttiah Muralitharan, Cameron White, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers ($1.1 Million), Ross Taylor ($1 Million)
  • IPL 2012: Ravindra Jadeja ($2 Million), Mahela Jayawardene ($1.4 Million), Vinay Kumar ($1 Million)
  • IPL 2013: Glenn Maxwell ($1 Million), Ajantha Mendis ($725,000), Kane Richardson ($700,000)

IPL Auction (2014-2023)

After 2013, the IPL Auction happened in Indian Rupee (INR). The most expensive players in this phase of the IPL auction was as follows:

  • IPL 2014: Yuvraj Singh (14 Crore INR), Dinesh Karthik (12.5 Crore INR), Kevin Pietersen (9 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2015: Yuvraj Singh (16 Crore INR), Dinesh Karthik (10.5 Crore INR), Angelo Mathews (7.5 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2016: Shane Watson (9.5 Crore INR), Yuvraj Singh (7 Crore INR), Chris Morris (7 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2017: Ben Stokes (14.5 Crore INR), Tymal Mills (12 Crore INR), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult (5 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2018: Ben Stokes (12.5 Crore INR), Manish Pandey (11 Crore INR), KL Rahul (11 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2019: Jaydev Unadkat (8.4 Crore INR), Varun Chakravarthy (8.4 Crore INR), Sam Curran (7.2 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2020: Pat Cummins (15.5 Crore INR), Glenn Maxwell (10.75 Crore INR), Chris Morris (10 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2021: Chris Morris (16.25 Crore INR), Kyle Jamieson (15 Crore INR), Glenn Maxwell (14.25 Crore INR), Jhye Richardson (14 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2022: Ishan Kishan (15.25 Crore INR), Deepak Chahar (14 Crore INR), Shreyas Iyer (12.25 Crore INR), Liam Livingstone (11.5 Crore INR), Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nicholas Pooran, Shardul Thakur (10.75 Crore INR), Prasidh Krishna, Lockie Ferguson, Avesh Khan (10 Crore INR)
  • IPL 2023: Sam Curran (18.5 Crore INR), Cameron Green (17.5 Crore INR), Ben Stokes (16.25 Crore INR), Nicholas Pooran (16 Crore INR), Harry Brook (13.25 Crore INR)

USD to INR Conversion Rates (2008-2023)

It is important to consider the US$ to INR conversion year at the start of each year from 2008 to 2023.

We do this for two reasons: (1) The Indian economy has vastly changed in the last 15 years and the Rupee has taken a nosedive and (2) to compare IPL auction price across the different years.

Take for example, Ben Stokes.

  • In IPL 2017, he was sold for 14.5 Crore INR, when $1 = 66.91 INR.
  • A year later, his price was 12.5 Crore INR, when $1 = 63.6 INR.
  • Finally, in IPL 2023, Stokes was sold for 16.25 Crore INR, when $1 = 82.81 INR.

On the face of it, the 16.25 Crore INR looks like the ‘most expensive’ price Stokes was bought at. However, IPL 2017 was actually the better deal for Stokes.

IPL Auction Year1 US$ to INR Conversion (IPL Auction Date)
200839.25 INR (01/24/2008)
200948.63 INR (02/06/2009)
201045.76 INR (01/19/2010)
201145.35 INR (01/08/2011)
201248.60 INR (02/04/2012)
201353.16 INR (02/03/2013)
201462.43 INR (02/13/2014)
201562.11 INR (02/16/2015)
201667.80 INR (02/06/2016)
201766.91 INR (02/20/2017)
201863.60 INR (01/27/2018)
201970.62 INR (12/18/2018)
202071.18 INR (12/19/2019)
202172.59 INR (02/18/2021)
202275.65 INR (02/12/2022)
202382.81 INR (12/23/2022)

Top 20 Most Expensive IPL Auction Buys of All-Time

Some of these players were let go of their franchises frequently and fetched a high-price on multiple occasions. Also, this list does not include retentions, transfers, drafts, and any undisclosed fees. These are the most expensive IPL auction players as per the IPL auction only.

*Note: The Base Price is shown as the amount used during the auction. Hence, for IPL 2008-2013, it will be in US $, while it will be displayed as INR for IPL 2014 and later.

1. Yuvraj Singh – $2.56 Million (16 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2015
  • IPL Team: Delhi Daredevils (DD)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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2. Gautam Gambhir – $2.4 Million (10.88 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $200,000
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3. Chris Morris – $2.24 Million (16.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
  • IPL Team: IPL 2021
  • Country: South Africa
  • Base Price: 75 Lakhs INR
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4. Yuvraj Singh – $2.24 Million (14 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2014
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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5. Sam Curran – $2.23 Million (18.50 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2023
  • IPL Team: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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6. Pat Cummins – $2.18 Million (15.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2020
  • IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
  • Country: Australia
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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7. Ben Stokes – $2.17 Million (14.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2017
  • IPL Team: Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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8. Cameron Green – $2.1 Million (17.50 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2023
  • IPL Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
  • Country: Australia
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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9. Yusuf Pathan – $2.1 Million (9.50 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $300,000
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10. Robin Uthappa – $2.1 Million (9.50 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $200,000
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11. Kyle Jamieson – $2.07 Million (15 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2021
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: New Zealand
  • Base Price: 75 Lakhs INR
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12. Ishan Kishan – $2.02 Million (15.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2022
  • IPL Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 1.5 Crore INR
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13. Dinesh Karthik – $2 Million (12.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2014
  • IPL Team: Delhi Daredevils (DD)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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14. Ravindra Jadeja – $2 Million (9.07 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2012
  • IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $100,000
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15. Rohit Sharma – $2 Million (9.07 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $200,000
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16. Ben Stokes – $1.97 Million (12.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2018
  • IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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17. Ben Stokes – $1.96 Million (16.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2023
  • IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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18. Glenn Maxwell – $1.96 Million (14.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2021
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: Australia
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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19. Nicholas Pooran – $1.93 Million (16 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2023
  • IPL Team: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
  • Country/Team: West Indies
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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20. Jhye Richardson – $1.93 Million (14 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2021
  • IPL Team: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
  • Country: Australia
  • Base Price: 1.5 Crore INR
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21. Irfan Pathan – $1.9 Million (8.62 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Delhi Daredevils
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $200,000
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22. Deepak Chahar – $1.85 Million (14 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2022
  • IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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23. Yuvraj Singh – $1.8 Million (8.16 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Pune Warriors India (PWI)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $400,000
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24. Tymal Mills – $1.79 Million (12 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2017
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 50 Lakhs INR
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25. Manish Pandey – $1.73 Million (11 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2018
  • IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 1 Crore INR
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26. KL Rahul – $1.73 Million (11 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2018
  • IPL Team: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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27. Dinesh Karthik – $1.69 Million (10.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2015
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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28. Shreyas Iyer – $1.62 Million (12.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2022
  • IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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29. Harry Brook – $1.6 Million (13.25 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2023
  • IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 1.5 Crore INR
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30. Saurabh Tiwary – $1.6 Million (7.26 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $100,000
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31. Kevin Pietersen – $1.55 Million (7.54 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2009
  • IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: $1.35 Million
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32. Andrew Flintoff – $1.55 Million (7.54 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2009
  • IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: $950,000
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33. Liam Livingstone – $1.52 Million (11.5 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2022
  • IPL Team: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
  • Country: England
  • Base Price: 1 Crore INR
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34. Glenn Maxwell – $1.51 Million (10.75 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2020
  • IPL Team: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
  • Country: Australia
  • Base Price: 2 Crore INR
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35. MS Dhoni – $1.5 Million (5.88 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2008
  • IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  • Country: India
  • Base Price: $400,000
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36. Mahela Jayawardene – $1.5 Million (6.8 Crore INR)

  • Season: IPL 2011
  • IPL Team: Kochi Tuskers Kerela (KTK)
  • Country: Sri Lanka
  • Base Price: $400,000
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Final Thoughts

The Indian Premier League is known for its extravagant spending. The IPL auction has now become a yearly phenomenon on its own.

The top 36 most expensive IPL buys of all time includes some of the most iconic players in the world, such as Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, and Sam Curran.

The money spent on these players shows that there is always going to be a high demand for talent in the IPL, and that it will continue to be one of the most exciting sporting events.

How high do you think IPL salaries can go? Will they match the NBA or NFL?

Source: Conversion Rate – Historical Data, Exchange Rates Data

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Most Expensive IPL Auction Players

Who is the most expensive player in IPL auction history?

Yuvraj Singh – 2015 ($2.56 Million), Gautam Gambhir – 2011 ($2.4 Million), Chris Morris – 2021 ($2.24 Million), Yuvraj Singh – 2014 ($2.24 Million), and Sam Curran – 2023 ($2.23 Million) are the most expensive IPL auction players of all-time. Most Expensive IPL Auction Players: (From Left to Right) Chris Morris, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Sam Curran

Who is the highest paid cricketer in IPL history?

Yuvraj Singh in the IPL 2015 auction was the highest paid cricketer in IPL history (auction only) at 16 Crore INR ($2.56 Million). There were other players that may have been retained, transferred, etc. at a higher, undisclosed rate.

How much was $1 worth in Indian Rupee (INR) in 2008?

$1 was worth 39.25 INR in 2008 and has risen up to 83.3 INR in 2023.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 12/13/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest All-Rounders of All Time (Updated 2023)

Today, we rank the greatest all-rounders in cricket history across formats and generations.

The importance of all-rounders can never be underestimated. Just look at Australia—Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis helped them win the 2023 ODI World Cup…yet again.

Recently, Ben Stokes joined the illustrious duo of Garfield Sobers & Jacques Kallis with 6000+ Test runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches.

With some of the modern-day all-rounders in the mix, who are the greatest all-rounders in cricket history?

Key Takeaways

  • Jacques Kallis, Sir Garfield Sobers, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Mike Procter, Sir Richard Hadlee, Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock, Daniel Vettori, Sanath Jayasuriya, Wilfred Rhodes, Frank Woolley, Aubrey Faulkner, Clive Rice, and George Hirst have been judged as the Top 20 greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
  • India (10), England (9), South Africa (9), Pakistan (7), Australia (7), West Indies (4), New Zealand (3), Zimbabwe (2), Sri Lanka (2), Netherlands (1), and Bangladesh (1) make up our list of the Top 55 all-rounders of all-time.

Also Read:

By the Numbers: Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History Across Formats

Here is a list of cricketers with more than 5000 runs and 200 wickets across formats in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket combined.

The results are sorted by most wickets.

PlayerRunsWickets
Wasim Akram6615916
Shaun Pollock7386829
Chaminda Vaas5147761
Daniel Vettori6989705
Shakib Al Hasan14406690
Kapil Dev9031687
Jacques Kallis25534577
Ravindra Jadeja6017546
Imran Khan7516544
Shahid Afridi11196541
Ian Botham7313528
Sanath Jayasuriya21032440
Chris Cairns8273420
Andrew Flintoff7315400
Abdul Razzaq7419389
Jason Holder5441373
Dwayne Bravo6423363
Moeen Ali6558358
Carl Hooper11523307
Ben Stokes10165297
Shane Watson10950291
Steve Waugh18496287
Ravi Shastri6938280
Lance Klusener5482272
Chris Gayle19593260
Mohammad Nabi5066257
Mohammad Hafeez12780253
Gary Sobers8032236
Chris Harris5156219
Shoaib Malik11867218
Sachin Tendulkar34357201

First-Class Cricket All-Round Records

We also consider first-class cricket records, especially for players who played before the 1960s and South African legends who were barred from playing international cricket for over two decades.

This list contains players who have scored over 20,000 first class runs and taken over 2000 wickets.

  1. Wilfred Rhodes – 39969 runs, 4204 wickets
  2. Fred Titmus – 21588 runs, 2830 wickets
  3. WG Grace – 54211 runs, 2809 wickets
  4. Maurice Tate – 21717 runs, 2784 wickets
  5. George Hirst – 36356 runs, 2742 wickets
  6. Ewart Astill – 22735 runs, 2432 wickets
  7. Trevor Bailey – 28641 runs, 2082 wickets
  8. Ray Illingworth – 24134 runs, 2072 wickets
  9. Frank Woolley – 58959 runs, 2066 wickets

List of the Greatest Cricket All Rounders of All-Time (RANKED)

Over a 100 cricketers were considered for this list.

Impact in Tests, World Cups, quality of opposition & era, impact as a match-winner for a team, first-class statistics, anecdotes (especially for earlier eras), performance in different formats (if applicable), and achievements/awards were all used to determine these rankings. Some of these were very close (and hence, may have a tinge of subjectiveness).

Honorable Mentions: Carl Hooper, Mohammad Hafeez, Bart King, Chaminda Vaas, Trevor Bailey, Wally Hammond, Polly Umrigar, WG Grace, Aravinda de Silva, Sir Vivian Richards, Steve Waugh, Thomas Odoyo, Neil Johnson, Angelo Mathews, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell, Hardik Pandya, Mudassar Nazar, Learie Constantine, Jack Gregory, Maurice Tate, Hugh Trumble, Jason Holder, Johnny Briggs, George Giffen, Billy Barnes, Billy Bates, Hansie Cronje, Andy Bichel, Greg Chappell, Chris Old, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Gayle, Frank Worrell, Sean Williams, Mike Watkinson, Vernon Philander, JP Duminy, Sachin Tendulkar, Roelof van der Merwe, Kevin O’Brien, David Hussey, Scott Styris, Elton Chigumbura, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar, Tim Southee

Let’s begin.

55. Sunil Narine (West Indies, 2011-)

A late bloomer as an all-rounder. Mainly a mystery spinner that reinvented the role of the pinch hitter later in his T20 cricket. One of the pioneers of T20 cricket.

Sunil Narine All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 6 (Tests), 65 (ODIs), 51 (T20Is), 483 (T20s)
  • Runs: 40 (Tests), 363 (ODIs), 155 (T20Is), 3692 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 21 (Tests), 92 (ODIs), 52 (T20Is), 525 (T20s)
Sunil Narine Achievements
  • Completed the double of 3500 T20 runs and 500 wickets
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54. Yuvraj Singh (India, 2000-2017)

Yuvraj Singh, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket during the 2000s, significantly impacted the game as an all-rounder with his aggressive batting, useful slow left-arm orthodox bowling, and exceptional fielding skills. He was instrumental in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup victories and is celebrated for his ability to change the course of a match single-handedly, leaving a lasting legacy. Provided India the balance they needed.

Yuvraj Singh All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 40 (Tests), 304 (ODIs), 58 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 1900 (Tests), 8701 (ODIs), 1177 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 9 (Tests), 111 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is)
Yuvraj Singh Achievements
  • Arjuna Award: Received in 2012 for his outstanding contributions to cricket.
  • Padma Shri: Awarded in 2014, one of the highest civilian honors in India.
  • Instrumental in India’s 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and 2011 Cricket World Cup victories, winning the Player of the Tournament in both events.
  • Achieved the historic feat of hitting six consecutive sixes in an over during the 2007 World Twenty20.
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53. Dattu Phadkar (India, 1947-1959)

Dattu Phadkar was an all-rounder that takes you back to the golden era of Indian cricket in the 1940s and 1950s.

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 133 (FC), 31 (Tests)
  • Runs: 5377 (FC), 1229 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 466 (FC), 62 (Tests)
Achievements
  • Scored 8 hundreds in first-class cricket to go along with his 31 5-fers.

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52. Andre Russell (West Indies, 2010-2021)

Russell’s impact as an all-rounder is characterized by his explosive power-hitting, accurate yorkers at the death, and instrumental contributions to T20 franchises globally, establishing him as a dynamic force in limited-overs cricket.

Andre Russell All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 56 (ODIs), 67 (T20Is), 461 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1034 (ODIs), 741 (T20Is), 7694 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 70 (ODIs), 39 (T20Is), 408 (T20s)
Andre Russell Achievements
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51. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe, 2013-)

The heart and soul of Zimbabwe. His purple patch after Zimbabwe’s snub in the 2019 ODI World Cup has been heartening to see. A true matchwinner for Zimbabwe.

Sikandar Raza All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 17 (Tests), 136 (ODIs), 78 (T20Is), 201 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1187 (Tests), 4089 (ODIs), 1774 (T20Is), 4141 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 34 (Tests), 85 (ODIs), 55 (T20Is), 114 (T20s)
Sikandar Raza Achievements
  • Raza has already won 9 player of the match awards in T20Is alone in 2023, the most by any cricketer this year.
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50. Ryan Ten Doeschate (Netherlands, 2006-2021)

Ryan ten Doeschate’s impact as a Dutch all-rounder is distinguished by his rare achievement of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets in ODIs, coupled with his exemplary leadership, making him a key figure in the Netherlands’ cricketing success. Oh yeah, and don’t forget his ODI average of 67.00.

Ryan Ten Doeschate All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 203 (FC), 33 (ODIs), 24 (T20Is), 382 (T20s)
  • Runs: 11298 (FC), 1541 (ODIs), 533 (T20Is), 7597 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 214 (FC), 55 (ODIs), 13 (T20Is), 114 (T20s)
Ryan Ten Doeschate Achievements
  • ICC Associate & Affiliate Player (3 times)
  • Achieved the milestone of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets in One Day Internationals.

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49. Mohinder Amarnath (India, 1969-1989)

Amarnath’s impact as an Indian all-rounder is immortalized by his crucial role in the historic 1983 World Cup triumph and his valuable contributions to Indian cricket.

Mohinder Amarnath All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 248 (FC), 69 (Tests), 85 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 13747 (FC), 4378 (Tests), 1924 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 277 (FC), 32 (Tests), 46 (ODIs)
Mohinder Amarnath Achievements
  • Won the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009
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48. Irfan Pathan (India, 2003-2012)

Even though it was only for a short period of time, India finally had an all-rounder worthy of creating Kapil Dev’s impact. Hat-trick, batting at #3, the yorker to Adam Gilchrist, the banana swing, and the ability to adapt—he had it all. Unfortunately, injuries, drop in pace, and change in action meant he was never the same again.

Irfan Pathan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 29 (Tests), 120 (ODIs), 24 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 1105 (Tests), 1544 (ODIs), 172 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 100 (Tests), 173 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is)
Irfan Pathan Achievements
  • Achieved the historic feat of a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match against Pakistan in 2006.
  • Played a crucial role in India’s victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007
  • Part of the Indian team that won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2003-04, playing a vital role with both bat and ball.
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47. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka, 1999-2016)

Inventor of the Dilscoop, Dilshan was the spark that energized the golden generation of Sri Lanka between 2007 & 2015. Completely turned his career around when he was promoted as an opener. Handy off-spinner and the heart & soul of Sri Lanka’s fielding efforts.

Tillakaratne Dilshan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 87 (Tests), 330 (ODIs), 80 (T20Is), 221 (T20s)
  • Runs: 5492 (Tests), 10290 (ODIs), 1889 (T20Is), 5193 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 39 (Tests), 106 (ODIs), 9 (T20Is), 64 (T20s)
Tillakaratne Dilshan Achievements
  • Achieved the milestone of 10,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs
  • Player of the Tournament in the 2009 T20 World Cup

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46. Ravichandran Ashwin (India, 2010-)

Ravichandran Ashwin – what a game changer he has been! Not just any off-spinner, he’s hit a remarkable milestone – quickest Indian bowler to take 450 Test wickets. But there’s more to Ashwin than his lethal spin. He steps up with the bat too, scoring Test centuries when it matters most. And guess what? He’s taking us behind the scenes on his YouTube channel, offering a fresh, personal view of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 94 (Tests), 116 (ODIs), 65 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3185 (Tests), 707 (ODIs), 184 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 489 (Test), 156 (ODIs), 72 (T20Is)
Ravichandran Ashwin Achievements
  • Achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets
  • ICC Cricketer of the Year (2016)
  • Has scored 5 Test Centuries
  • Ranked #1 ICC Test all-rounders (2013, 2015, 2016)
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45. Andrew Symonds (Australia, 1998-2009)

One of the most destructive all-round ODI players of all-time. The cog in the Australia machine that made them ruthless. Cricket has lost a great soul.

Andrew Symonds All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 26 (Tests), 198 (ODIs), 14 (T20Is), 93 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1462 (Tests), 5088 (ODIs), 337 (T20Is), 2141 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 24 (Tests), 133 (ODIs), 8 (T20Is), 52 (T20s)
Andrew Symonds Achievements
  • Known for his aggressive batting style and off-spin bowling, he achieved the rare milestone of 5,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs.
  • Holder of the fastest T20 century for almost a decade (34-ball hundred in 2004).
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44. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan, 1999-2021)

An all-rounder that aged like fine wine. With the advent of T20 cricket, his value as an all-rounder increased. Could steady an ODI innings, slow down the runs as an off-spinners, and finish it off with a few big sixes.

Shoaib Malik All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 35 (Tests), 287 (ODIs), 124 (T20Is), 524 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1898 (Tests), 7534 (ODIs), 2435 (T20Is), 12929 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 32 (Tests), 158 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is), 177 (T20s)
Shoaib Malik Achievements
  • Played a key role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup
  • Completed the double of 7000 ODI runs & 150 wickets
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43. Lala Amarnath (India, 1933-1952)

The senior Amarnath. A pioneer of Indian cricket, Lala Amarnath was the first Indian cricketer to score a Test century, and one of India’s early captains.

Lala Amarnath All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 186 (FC), 24 (Tests)
  • Runs: 10426 (FC), 878 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 463 (FC), 45 (Tests)
Lala Amarnath Achievements
  • Part of the historic Indian team that won its first Test series in 1952, laying the foundation for future successes.
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42. Trevor Goddard (South Africa, 1955-1970)

Goddard’s impact as a South African all-rounder is highlighted by his contributions to the team’s early successes and his legacy as a pioneering figure in South African cricket.

Trevor Goddard All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 179 (FC), 41 (Tests)
  • Runs: 11289 (FC), 2516 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 534 (FC), 123 (Tests)
Trevor Goddard Achievements
  • Achieved the notable all-rounder milestone of 2500 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket.
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41. Heath Streak (Zimbabwe, 1993-2005)

One of the great icons of Zimbabwe’s golden generations. 455 international wickets and 4000 international runs, he provided fans with some great memories.

Heath Streak All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 175 (FC), 65 (Tests), 190 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 5684 (FC), 2943 (Tests), 1990 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 499 (FC), 216 (Tests), 239 (ODIs)
Heath Streak Achievements
  • Completed the double of 2500 Test runs and 200 wickets.
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40. Bill Eldrich (England, 1939-1955)

36965 first class runs. 479 wickets. 527 catches. If that is not an all-rounder, I just don’t know what is.

Bill Eldrich All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 571 (FC), 39 (Tests)
  • Runs: 36965 (FC), 2440 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 479 (FC), 41 (Tests)
Bill Eldrich Achievements
  • Opened the batting and bowling in the same match
  • Scored 86 hundreds and 197 fifties
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39. Warwick Armstrong (Australia, 1902-1921)

An Australian cricketer and one of the greatest all-rounders of the early 20th century, Warwick Armstrong left an enduring legacy in the sport.

Warwick Armstrong All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 269 (FC), 50 (Tests)
  • Runs: 16158 (FC), 2863 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 832 (FC), 87 (Tests)
Warwick Armstrong Achievements
  • Led Australia to eight victories against England
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38. Ravi Shastri (India, 1981-1992)

A larger-than-life character. Shastri’s impact as an Indian all-rounder is characterized by his contributions to team victories, leadership roles, commentary spells, and his continued influence in Indian cricket as a coach and administrator.

Ravi Shastri All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 245 (FC), 80 (Tests), 150 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 13202 (FC), 3830 (Tests), 3108 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 509 (FC), 151 (Tests), 129 (ODIs)
Ravi Shastri Achievements
  • Completed the double of 6500 runs and 275 wickets
  • Averaged 77.75 against Australia
  • Key contributor in India’s World Championship of Cricket win in 1985
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37. Wasim Raja (Pakistan, 1973-1985)

Raja’s impact as a Pakistani cricketer is remembered for his stylish batting, contributions to team successes, and his influence on the field during an era of competitive cricket.

Wasim Raja All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 250 (FC), 57 (Tests), 54 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 11434 (FC), 2821 (Tests), 782 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 558 (FC), 51 (Tests), 21 (ODIs)
Wasim Raja Achievements
  • Completed the double of 2500 Test runs & 50 wickets
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36. Lance Klusener (South Africa, 1996-2004)

Lance Klusener, that South African cricket dynamo of the late 90s and early 2000s, was an absolute game-changer. His left-handed batting? Ferocious. His right-arm fast-medium bowling? Terrifyingly accurate. And his game sense? Ice cool under pressure. Remember the ’99 World Cup? Klusener owned it, bagging the Player of the Tournament with a jaw-dropping average of 140.50 runs and snagging 17 wickets to boot. Not to mention his one-day magic: over 3500 runs at a solid average of 41.10, and 192 wickets. Now that’s what I call redefining the all-rounder role!

Lance Klusener All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 49 (Tests), 171 (ODIs), 53 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1906 (Tests), 3576 (ODIs), 1014 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 80 (Tests), 171 (ODIs), 29 (T20s)
Lance Klusener Achievements
  • Named Player of the Tournament in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his exceptional performances and impact on the global stage.
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35. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan, 1996-2013)

Despite never quite reaching the heights of the great Imran Khan, Razzaq remains etched in Pakistan fans’ memories as one of the most effective and versatile players. A pioneer in lower-order power hitting, Razzaq & Afridi provided the balance and flexibility to the great Pakistan generation of the 90s.

Abdul Razzaq All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 46 (Tests), 265 (ODIs), 32 (T20Is), 142 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1946 (Tests), 5080 (ODIs), 393 (T20Is), 2578 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 100 (Tests), 269 (ODIs), 20 (T20Is), 135 (T20s)
Abdul Razzaq Achievements
  • Completed the double of 5000 Runs and 250 Wickets in ODI Cricket

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34. Chris Cairns (New Zealand, 1989-2006)

With over 8000 international runs and 400 wickets, Chris Cairns is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s greatest all-rounders. Among a team of dibbly dobblers, Cairns actually had some pace in him. A big hitter down the order as well.

Chris Cairns All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 217 (FC), 62 (Tests), 215 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 10702 (FC), 3320 (Tests), 4950 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 647 (FC), 218 (Tests), 201 (ODIs)
Chris Cairns Achievements
  • Part of the New Zealand team that reached the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999, showcasing his impact in limited-overs cricket.
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33. Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan, 1959-1979)

In the illustrious line of the Mohammad brothers (think Hanif), Mushtaq boasted the most first-class centuries (72) and most wickets (936).

Mushtaq Mohammad All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 502 (FC), 57 (Tests), 10 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 31091 (FC), 3643 (Tests), 209 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 936 (FC), 79 (Tests), 0 (ODIs)
Mushtaq Mohammad Achievements
  • Achieved the milestone of 3,000 runs and 70 wickets in Test cricket
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32. Ravindra Jadeja (India, 2009-)

Ravindra Jadeja, a versatile all-rounder who rose to prominence during the 2010s, significantly influenced Indian cricket with his exceptional left-arm spin bowling, reliable lower-order batting, and electric fielding; he has consistently delivered match-winning performances. Also has three first-class triple hundreds. A true modern-day all-rounder.

Ravindra Jadeja All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 67 (Tests), 197 (ODIs), 64 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 2804 (Tests), 2756 (ODIs), 457 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 275 (Tests), 220 (ODIs), 51 (T20Is)
Ravindra Jadeja Achievements
  • 2000 Test Runs and 200 Wickets
  • Awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2020
  • #1 ICC Test all-rounder (2022)
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31. Vinoo Mankad (India, 1946-1959)

Before the Ravindra Jadejas & Axar Patels, there was another left arm spin Indian all-rounder. You may have heard of his name for the infamous dismissal, but Vinoo Makad was much more. He would open the batting and bowling in the same innings, would score two double hundreds in the same series, took up captaincy duties, and would take eight wickets in a Test innings twice in his career!

Vinoo Mankad All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 233 (FC), 44 (Tests)
  • Runs: 11591 (FC), 2109 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 782 (FC), 162 (Tests)
Vinoo Mankad Achievements
  • First Indian to complete the double of 100 Test wickets & 1000 Test Runs
  • Set the then world-record opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy in 1956.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1947)
  • Inducted in ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
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30. Monty Noble (Australia, 1898-1909)

At the turn of the 20th century, Monty Noble was an Australian legend who commanded the pitch with his right-hand batting and medium pace bowling, earned him recognition as one of the most complete players of his era. His exceptional ability was evident in every aspect of the game – not to mention his distinguished captaincy, which solidified his status as one of the greatest all-round cricketers ever produced by Australia.

Monty Noble All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 248 (FC), 42 (Tests)
  • Runs: 13975 (FC), 1997 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 624 (FC), 121 (Tests)
Monty Noble Achievements
  • Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the sport.
  • 1000 Runs and 100 Wickets in Test Cricket
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29. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies, 2004-)

Dwayne Bravo, a charismatic all-rounder who dominated the 2010s, revolutionized cricket with his powerful hitting, agile fielding, and captivating leadership. He made significant contributions to T20 cricket with the most wickets of all-time, over 2000 Test runs, 2900 ODI runs – thereby cementing his legacy as one of the game’s early T20 legends and a “trailblazer” of his era.

Dwayne Bravo All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 40 (Tests), 164 (ODIs), 91 (T20Is), 564 (T20s)
  • Runs: 2200 (Tests), 2968 (ODIs), 1255 (T20Is), 6905 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 86 (Tests), 199 (ODIs), 78 (T20Is), 619 (T20s)
Dwayne Bravo Achievements
  • Winning member of two T20 World Cup winning squads
  • Winning member of the 2004 Champions Trophy
  • Highest wicket taker in the 2013 & 2015 IPL, 2015 & 2016 CPL, and 2017-18 BBL.
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28. Wasim Akram (Pakistan, 1984-2003)

In the cricket-packed era of the 90s and early 2000s, Wasim Akram was a game-changer from Pakistan who not only stunned opponents with his incredible left-hand bowling, but also made history by taking 500 wickets in the one-day format. He has four hat-tricks in international cricket to his name and set standards that redefined the role of a left arm fast bowler in the sport. Also scored a 257* in Tests!

Wasim Akram All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 104 (Tests), 356 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 2898 (Tests), 3717 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 414 (Tests), 502 (ODIs)
Wasim Akram Achievements
  • Achieved the rare all-rounder milestone of 3,000 runs and 500 wickets in One Day Internationals.
  • Instrumental in Pakistan’s victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, earning him the Man of the Match award in the final.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1993
  • Member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
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27. Brian McMillan (South Africa, 1991-1998)

Among the most prominent allrounders after South Africa’s readmission. According to ESPNCricinfo, McMillan was “rated by many as the best allrounder in the world in the mid-1990s.”

Brian McMillian All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 155 (FC), 38 (Tests), 78 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 7898 (FC), 1968 (Tests), 841 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 310 (FC), 75 (Tests), 70 (ODIs)
Brian McMillan Achievements
  • Achieved the all-rounder milestone of 1000 runs and 75 wickets in Test cricket.
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26. Alan Davidson (Australia, 1953-1963)

First person to score a hundred and take a 10-fer in a Test.

Alan Davidson All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 193 (FC), 44 (Tests)
  • Runs: 6804 (FC), 1328 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 672 (FC), 186 (Tests)
Alan Davidson Achievements
  • Scored four hundreds and took 72 wickets against South Africa in the 1957-58 tour
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25. Eddie Barlow (South Africa, 1961-1970)

Known for his aggressive batting, medium-fast bowling, and exceptional fielding, Barlow played a key role in South Africa’s cricketing endeavors.

Eddie Barlow All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 283 (FC), 30 (Tests)
  • Runs: 18212 (FC), 2516 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 571 (FC), 40 (Tests)
Eddie Barlow Achievements
  • Scored 43 hundreds, 86 fifties, and took 335 catches
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24. Tony Greig (England, 1965-1978)

Apart from being known as one of the voices of cricket, Tony Greig also had an illustrious career as an all-rounder for England. 3599 Test & 16,660 FC runs, 141 Test & 856 FC wickets, and captaincy to top it off.

Tony Greig All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 350 (FC), 58 (Tests), 22 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 16,660 (FC), 3599 (Tests), 269 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 856 (FC), 141 (Tests), 19 (ODIs)
Tony Greig Achievements
  • Awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1975 for his outstanding performances on the field.
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23. Ben Stokes (England, 2011-)

Ben Stokes, the explosive all-rounder from England, is more than just stats and records. With his audacious batting style, airborne catches, dynamite bowling arm, and a mind of steel, he has redefined cricket – his mental strength shone when he led England to triumph in the Ashes Headingly heist, the 2019 World Cup final, and again in the 2022 T20 World Cup, proving that when the pressure is on, Stokes is the man you want at the crease. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be after he un-retired from ODI cricket for the final hurrah in what turned to be a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Ben Stokes All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 97 (Tests), 114 (ODIs), 43 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 6117 (Tests), 3463 (ODIs), 585 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 197 (Tests), 74 (ODIs), 26 (T20Is)
Ben Stokes Achievements
  • Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2019
  • BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 2019
  • 2019 World Cup player of the final
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22. Shane Watson (Australia, 2002-2016)

In the dynamic era of 2000s and early 2010s cricket, Shane Watson was a tour de force for Australia, combining his explosive right-handed batting. Add to that, his reliable medium pace bowling that helped him take over 150 wickets, earning him the distinction of being one of the most successful all-rounders in international cricket, particularly in limited overs. His key achievements include winning the ‘Most Valuable Player’ in several crucial tournaments like the 2007 & 2015 ODI World Cup, 2009 Champions Trophy, the IPL, and 2012 World T20. A template for an ideal modern-day T20 all-rounder.

Shane Watson All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 59 (Tests), 190 (ODIs), 58 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3731 (Tests), 5757 (ODIs), 1462 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 75 (Tests), 168 (ODIs), 48 (T20Is)
Shane Watson Achievements
  • Allan Border Medal: Won in 2010 and 2011 for outstanding performances in Australian cricket.
  • ICC Player of the Year Recipient (2010)
  • Achieved the rare feat of scoring over 10,000 runs and over 250 wickets in international cricket.
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21. Ray Illingworth (England, 1958-1973)

24134 first class runs. 2072 wickets. Now those are some numbers.

Ray Illingworth All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 787 (FC), 61 (Tests)
  • Runs: 24134 (FC), 1836 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 2072 (FC), 122 (Tests)
Ray Illingworth Achievements
  • Led England to an Ashes win in 1970-71
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20. George Hirst (England, 1897-1909)

An English all-rounder, George Hirst was one of the leading cricketers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

George Hirst All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 826 (FC), 24 (Tests)
  • Runs: 36356 (FC), 790 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 2742 (FC), 59 (Tests)
George Hirst Achievements
  • 36000 first class runs, 2700 wickets, 60 hundreds, 201 fifties, 605 catches, 184 5-fers, and 40 10-fers
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19. Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa, 1906-1924)

Generally regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all-time and certainly the greatest international all-rounder during his era. Also fought in a couple of wars, started a school, and wrote a book.

Aubrey Faulkner All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 118 (FC), 25 (Tests)
  • Runs: 6366 (FC), 1754 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 449 (FC), 82 (Tests)
Aubrey Faulkner Achievements
  • Took 6/17 in just eleven overs against England in 1907
  • Scored 1288 runs & 73 wickets in the 107 season in 1907 and 1075 runs & 163 wickets in 1912.
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18. Clive Rice (South Africa, 1969-1993)

Yet another great South African cricketer that missed out on international cricket stardom. His first-class numbers speak volumes with over 26,000 first class runs & 930 wickets.

Clive Rice All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 482 (FC), 479 (List A)
  • Runs: 26331 (FC), 13474 (List A)
  • Wickets: 930 (FC), 517 (List A)
Clive Rice Achievements
  • Completed the triple of 48 hundreds, 137 wickets, 401 catches
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17. Frank Woolley (England, 1909-1934)

In the golden age of cricket, from the early 1900s to the late 1930s, Frank Woolley was a titan on the pitch for England, dazzling spectators with his graceful left-handed batting that amassed a staggering 58,959 runs in his career, while his formidable left-arm spin bowling claimed 2,503 first-class wickets and a 100 in Test matches; achieving the rare double feat of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in multiple seasons, his immense contributions helped shape the very essence of the all-rounder role in cricket.

Frank Woolley All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 978 (FC), 64 (Tests)
  • Runs: 58959 (FC), 3283 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 2066 (FC), 83 (Tests)
Frank Woolley Achievements
  • Awarded Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1911
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16. Wilfred Rhodes (England, 1899-1930)

Longest FC career of all-time (30 years), 39,969 FC runs, 58 hundreds, 4204 wickets, 287 5-wicket hauls, and 765 catches. The numbers say it all. One of the early pioneers of the game, dominating from 1899 to 1930.

Wilfred Rhodes All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 1110 (FC), 58 (Tests)
  • Runs: 39969 (FC), 2325 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 4204 (FC), 127 (Tests)
Wilfred Rhodes Achievements
  • Over 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket
  • Over 30,000 FC runs and 4000 FC wickets
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15. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka, 1989-2011)

Sanath Jayasuriya, a cricketing powerhouse of the 1990s, revolutionized the concept of an all-rounder. His cunning bowling skills and explosive batting style made him only cricketer in history to achieve an all-rounder double of scoring 10,000 runs and taking 300 wickets in a single format, thus leaving an unforgettable legacy on the sport.

Sanath Jayasuriya All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 110 (Tests), 445 (ODIs), 31 (T20Is), 111 (T20s)
  • Runs: 6973 (Tests), 13430 (ODIs), 629 (T20Is), 2317 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 98 (Tests), 323 (ODIs), 19 (T20Is), 77 (T20s)
Sanath Jayasuriya Achievements
  • First cricketer to score over 10,000 runs and claim more than 300 wickets in One Day Internationals.
  • Instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup victory, showcasing his dynamic all-round skills.
  • Jayasuriya has won the second most player of the match awards after Sachin Tendulkar.
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14. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand, 1997-2015)

Vettori was a mainstay in the New Zealand cricket team for nearly two decades. Although he was the premier left arm spinner in the world for more than a decade, one of his lasting memories was squeezing Dale Steyn for four to take New Zealand to their first World Cup final. Could be trusted with both bat and ball.

Daniel Vettori All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 113 (Tests), 295 (ODIs), 34 (T20Is), 143 (T20s)
  • Runs: 4531 (Tests), 2253 (ODIs), 205 (T20s), 1041 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 362 (Tests), 305 (ODIs), 38 (T20s), 131 (T20s)
Daniel Vettori Achievements
  • Achieved the rare milestone of 4,000 runs and 350 wickets in Test cricket
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13. Shaun Pollock (South Africa, 1995-2008)

Shaun Pollock, a South African cricket legend who made his debut in 1995, redefined the role of an all-rounder with his potent bowling and handy batting, playing a crucial part in 423 international matches, leading as a captain, and leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his strategic thinking and consistent performances, before transitioning to a respected commentator and coach post-retirement. An all-rounder in every aspect of his life.

Shaun Pollock All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 108 (Tests), 303 (ODIs), 12 (T20Is), 46 (T20s)
  • Runs: 3781 (Tests), 3519 (ODIs), 86 (T20Is), 569 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 421 (Tests), 393 (ODIs), 15 (T20Is), 45 (T20s)
Shaun Pollock Achievements
  • Became the first cricketer to achieve the rare milestone of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in One Day Internationals.
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12. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan, 1996-2018)

Shahid Afridi, a cricketing dynamo during the 2000s, redefined the role of an all-rounder with his aggressive right-handed batting, versatile leg-spin bowling, and charismatic leadership. He not only led Pakistan to several memorable victories, but also left a lasting impression on the sport with his record-breaking 37-ball ODI century and a unique distinction as the best power-hitter across three decades, thereby solidifying his status as one of cricket’s most influential figures.

Shahid Afridi All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 27 (Tests), 398 (ODIs), 99 (T20Is), 329 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1716 (Tests), 8064 (ODIs), 1416 (T20Is), 4399 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 48 (Tests), 395 (ODIs), 98 (T20Is), 347 (T20s)
Shahid Afridi Achievements
  • Led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20
  • Named the Player of the Tournament
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11. Andrew Flintoff (England, 1998-2009)

The overs to Ricky Ponting & Jacques Kallis probably summed his career up. Energy and intensity like no other. In the 2000s, a time of fierce competition and fast-paced cricket, Andrew Flintoff was a force to be reckoned with. His powerful batting and aggressive bowling made him one of England’s most formidable all-rounders, taking 169 wickets in ODIs and 226 in Test cricket, ranking him among the greatest English bowlers, while his unforgettable ‘Player of the Series’ performance in the 2005 Ashes cemented his legacy as a game-changer for English cricket.

Andrew Flintoff All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 79 (Tests), 141(ODIs), 7 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3845 (Tests), 3394 (ODIs), 76 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 226 (Tests), 169 (ODIs), 5 (T20Is)
Andrew Flintoff Achievements
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10. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand, 1973-1990)

Sir Richard Hadlee, a true game-changer and Kiwi legend, wasn’t just an all-rounder but a record-breaker too, retiring with the most Test wickets in 1990. Knighted for his unmatched contributions, Hadlee’s 431 Test wickets have made an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Arguably the best bowler of the lot among Botham, Imran, and Kapil.

Richard Hadlee All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 342 (FC), 86 (Tests), 115 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 12052 (FC), 3124 (Tests), 1751 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1490 (FC), 431 (Tests), 158 (ODIs)
Richard Hadlee Achievements
  • Pioneer of New Zealand cricket, holding the record for the most Test wickets by a New Zealand bowler at the time of his retirement.
  • Achieved the remarkable all-rounder milestone of 3,000 runs and 400 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Knighted for his services to cricket, becoming Sir Richard Hadlee in 1990.
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9. Mike Procter (South Africa, 1965-1989)

Another talent lost to international cricket due to the Apartheid ban. Only played seven Tests, but 21,936 first-class runs as well as 1,417 Test wickets are a testament to his abilities.

Mike Procter All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 401 (FC), 7 (Tests)
  • Runs: 21936 (FC), 226 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 1417 (FC), 41 (Tests)
Mike Procter Achievements
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1970)
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8. Richie Benaud (Australia, 1952-1964)

Apart from being one of the greatest commentators of all-time, Richie Benaud had an illustrious career as a leg-spinner, all-rounder, and Australian captain as well.

Richie Benaud All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 259 (FC), 63 (Tests)
  • Runs: 11719 (FC), 2201 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 945 (FC), 248 (Tests)
Richie Benaud Achievements
  • First player to complete the double of 200 wickets and 2000 runs in Test cricket
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1962)
  • Inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame as well as Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
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7. Keith Miller (Australia, 1946-1956)

Keith Miller, a dominant force in Australian cricket during the post-war era, is celebrated as Australia’s greatest all-rounder. His irreverent manner, good looks, and swashbuckling style made him a crowd favorite, and his extraordinary all-round skills etched his name in Australian cricket folklore forever.

Keith Miller All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 226 (FC), 55 (Tests)
  • Runs: 14183 (FC), 2958 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 497 (FC), 170 (Tests)
Keith Miller Achievements
  • Named as one of Wisden Cricketers of the Century in 2000, recognizing his impact on the game.
  • Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for his contributions to Australian cricket.
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6. Imran Khan (Pakistan, 1971-1992)

Imran Khan, a cricketing maestro and one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen, etched his name in global cricket history by leading Pakistan to its first and only World Cup victory in 1992. His leadership, unwavering belief in his team, and personal performance—which included over 3,800 runs and 362 wickets in Test cricket—propelled Pakistan cricket to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

Imran Khan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 382 (FC), 88 (Tests), 175 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 17771 (FC), 3807 (Tests), 3709 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1287 (FC), 362 (Tests), 182 (T20Is)
Imran Khan Achievements
  • Led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup triumph in 1992.
  • Secured the remarkable all-rounder achievement of over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983.
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5. Kapil Dev (India, 1978-1994)

Kapil Dev, the trailblazer of Indian cricket, was a formidable all-rounder who notched up over 5,000 runs and took more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, a feat unmatched by any other cricketer. His leadership guided India to its first ever World Cup victory in 1983, reshaping the landscape of cricket in the country while his fast-bowling prowess earned him respect from batsmen globally, leaving an indelible mark on world cricket.

Kapil Dev All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 275 (FC), 131 (Tests), 225 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 11356 (FC), 5248 (Tests), 3783 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 835 (FC), 434 (Tests), 253 (ODIs)
Kapil Dev Achievements
  • Captained India to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
  • Achieved the rare feat of scoring over 5,000 runs and taking more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Also awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1983).
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4. Sir Ian Botham (England, 1976-1992)

Ian Botham, a charismatic force in the 1980s, revolutionized cricket with his aggressive stroke play, natural flair, and dynamic batting style, becoming one of the greatest all-rounders in history and significantly influencing English cricket. His unique ability to dominate bowlers and score centuries while capturing 5 wickets in a test match on 5 occasions, along with his fastest double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets, makes him an unforgettable phenomenon in the cricket world.

Ian Botham All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 402 (FC), 102 (Tests), 116 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 19399 (FC), 5200 (Tests), 2113 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1172 (FC), 383 (Tests), 145 (ODIs)
Ian Botham Achievements
  • Instrumental in England’s Ashes victories, playing a key role as a dynamic all-rounder.
  • Achieved the historic double of 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1981, reflecting his immense impact on cricket during that period.
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3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh, 2006-)

Shakib Al Hasan, the dynamic all-rounder from Bangladesh, has been a game-changer in cricket since his debut in 2006. With his consistent and canny bowling, aggressive batting style, and leadership skills (kind of), he has become a cornerstone of the Bangladesh national team. His impressive career stats include over 10,000 runs and 500 wickets across all formats, making him a true cricketing icon for the modern era.

Shakib Al Hasan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 66 (Tests), 247 (ODIs), 117 (T20Is), 415 (T20s)
  • Runs: 4454 (Tests), 7570 (ODIs), 2382 (T20Is), 6954 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 233 (Tests), 317 (ODIs), 140 (T20Is), 465 (T20s)
Shakib Al Hasan Achievements
  • Ranked #1 ICC ODI all-rounder (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022)
  • #1 ICC T20I all-rounder (2014, 2015, 2017, 2022)
  • #1 ICC Test all-rounder (2014, 2017, 2018)
  • Played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s success in ICC Cricket World Cups. Scored over 600+ runs and 10+ wickets in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
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2. Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies, 1954-1974)

Sir Garfield Sobers, the West Indian all-rounder, was a game-changer in every sense, amassing 8,032 Test runs and securing 235 wickets with his versatile bowling. His impact goes beyond statistics, as his passion and resilience continue to inspire generations, making him an enduring icon in cricket.

Garfield Sobers All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 383 (FC), 93 (Tests)
  • Runs: 28314 (FC), 8032 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 1043 (FC), 235 (Tests)
Garfield Sobers Achievements
  • First cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket (1968).
  • Captained the West Indies cricket team.
  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Century in 2000.
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1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa, 1995-2014)

Jacques Kallis, the unstoppable South African all-rounder who not only scored a whopping 13,289 Test runs and took 292 Test wickets but also changed the game as we know it. His monumental contributions go beyond stats; they challenge how we view cricket, reminding us that passion, versatility, and sheer skill can indeed redefine a sport.

Also Read: Top 51 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time (Updated 2024)

Jacques Kallis All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 166 (Tests), 328 (ODIs), 25 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 10,289 (Tests), 11,579 (ODIs), 666 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 292 (Tests), 273 (ODIs), 12 (T20Is)
Jacques Kallis Achievements
  • One of only four players with 10,000+ runs and 290+ wickets in Tests.
  • Achieved the ‘double’ of 10,000 runs and 200 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003.
  • ICC Men’s Player of the Year (2005)
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Final Thoughts

All-rounders are some of the most sought-after cricketers in each team, regardless of the formats.

India still has not replaced Kapil Dev, every Hardik Pandya injury shakes the entire line up, and two players were needed to replace the great Jacques Kallis.

In ICC tournaments, players like Yuvraj Singh & Lance Klusener become extremely valuable to World Cup victories. The memories of the original Fab 4—Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, and Sir Richard Hadlee—is still deeply ingrained in every 80s cricket fan’s heart.

From Shahid Afridi to Sir Garfield Sobers, all of these cricketers have made an impact like no other.

Who was your favorite?

****

Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Did you learn something new? Were you provided with a different perspective? Did you become a better person? Ooh, philosophical life questions…

Thanks for reading. Continue reading BCD Cricket Blog articles and follow us on twitter as well.

Frequently Asked Questions – Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History

Who are the best all-rounders in cricket history?

Jacques Kallis, Sir Garfield Sobers, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Sir Richard Hadlee, Shaun Pollock, Shahid Afridi, Andrew Flintoff, Mike Procter, and Sanath Jayasuriya were some of the greatest all-rounders of all time.
Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History Collage: (From Left to Right) Sir Garfield Sobers, Imran Khan, Jacques Kallis, Ian Botham, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, and Sir Richard Hadlee

Why is Jacques Kallis considered one of the greatest all-rounders?

Jacques Kallis – now there’s a name that gets every cricket fan buzzing. With over 22,000 runs and 500 wickets across all formats, Kallis has proven time and again that he’s not only an exceptional batsman but a formidable bowler too. His consistency and versatility are what truly set him apart.

Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History Collage: (From Left to Right) Sir Garfield Sobers, Imran Khan, Jacques Kallis, Ian Botham, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, and Sir Richard Hadlee

What makes a great all-rounder in cricket?

A great all-rounder, like the indomitable Imran Khan or the fiery Kapil Dev, is a player who excels in both batting and bowling. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and contribute significantly to both areas is what makes them so valuable to their team.

Sources: Inspired by Cricinfo’s Greatest All-Rounder Series

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2023. Originally published on 12/02/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

What is the Salary of a Big Bash League player in Australia?

Today we will discuss the salary of a Big Bash League player in Australia.

Australia has won yet another Cricket World Cup. Can this victory inspire the Big Bash League to capture the public’s imagination and become the second-best league again after the IPL?

However, there’s one question on every cricket fan’s mind: just how much do these players make?

BBL Cricketer Salary – By the Numbers

  • The average salary of a Big Bash League player (BBL) is $166,667 AUD or $110,312 USD (maximum 18 players in squad with a purse of $3 million AUD or $1.99 million USD). The salary purse of a BBL team increased from $1.9 million AUD in the 2022-23 season to $3 million AUD in 2023-24.
  • The average salary for a domestic Big Bash League cricketer is $161,544 USD ($19,869,900 USD purse for a total of maximum 123 domestic players). The average salary for an overseas BBL cricketer is $196,667 USD ($4,130,000 USD for 21 overseas players that were picked in the BBL overseas draft).
  • Compared to other leagues, the BBL ranks at #4 in the richest cricket leagues (according to average salaries).
  • The average WBBL player earns about $48,800 AUD or $30,812 USD, which is about 3.5 times less than the men’s BBL counterpart.

Big Bash League (BBL) – How Much Was Each Draft Pick?

The overseas Big Bash League (BBL) draft was announced earlier this year.

The draft picks ranged from $100,000 AUD (Bronze) to $420,000 (Platinum). Teams also had the option to retain one player in the draft (The ‘Rashid Khan’ rule).

Draft PickSalary Amount
Platinum$420,000 AUD ($277,985 USD)
Gold$300,000 AUD ($198,561 USD)
Silver$200,000 AUD ($132,374 USD)
Bronze$100,000 AUD ($66,187 USD)

*Note, the conversion rate we used was as follows: $1 AUD = $0.66 USD as of 11/30/2023.

BBL Draft Picks – Salary of Big Bash League Player

1. Platinum Draft Pick ($277,985 USD)

  • Harry Brook* (Melbourne Stars), Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers), Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes), Quinton de Kock (Melbourne Renegades), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers), Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat)

Note: The Platinum Draft player salary will vary as per the availability of the player as follows:

  • Full Season – $420,000 AUD ($277,985 USD)
  • 10 Matches – $400,000 AUD ($264,748 USD)
  • 9 Matches – $380,000 AUD ($251,511 USD)
  • 8 Matches – $360,000 AUD ($238,273 USD)

*Gold, Silver, Bronze level players do not have a minimum number of matches requirement

2. Gold Draft Pick ($198,561 USD)

  • Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Sam Hain (Hobart Hurricanes), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Melbourne Renegades), Zaman Khan (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Sam Billings (Brisbane Heat), Zak Crawley (Perth Scorchers)

3. Silver Draft Pick ($132,374 USD)

  • Laurie Evans (Perth Scorchers), Paul Walter (Brisbane Heat), Corey Anderson (Hobart Hurricanes)

4. Bronze Draft Pick ($66,187 USD)

  • Usama Mir (Melbourne Stars), Adam Hose (Adelaie Strikers), Rehan Ahmed (Sydney Sixers)

Also Read: What is the Salary of women cricketers in the WBBL in Australia?

*Note: Rashid Khan, Harry Brook, Pooran, Rehan Ahmed are some of the high profile withdrawals from the 2023-24 BBL season.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bash League players in Australia will be making, on average, more money than they have in the years past.

The popularity of the BBL has drastically reduced over the years, and they are trying to make amends by luring the top players with more compensation.

The average salary for a professional cricketer in the BBL now ranges from $66,000 to $280,000 USD. Will this be enough to fend off competition from the SA20 & ILT20 and more importantly, will the crowds come back?

Only time will tell.

Sources: Australia BBL WBBL news – Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars win WBBL and BBL draft lotteries | ESPNcricinfo, BBL|13 Overseas player draft: the full list | cricket.com.au, LIVE – WBBL and BBL overseas player drafts | ESPNcricinfo, Big Bash 2023-24 squads: Full BBL13 player list for all teams | The Cricketer, All you need to know about the BBL and WBBL overseas players draft

Related Cricket Content

If you are interested in the salaries of other such leagues, make sure to check out:

Cricket and Finances Articles

For other content on Finances in Cricket, do read:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Big Bash League (BBL) player in Australia?

The average salary of a Big Bash League (BBL) player is $166,667 AUD or $110,312 USD. Each BBL team has a purse of $3 million AUD for 18 players total.

Is the Big Bash League (BBL) the richest cricket league in the world?

No, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world. The BBL is the fourth richest cricket league in the world (based on average player salary).

Who was the most expensive player in the overseas BBL draft?

Harry Brook* (Melbourne Stars), Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers), Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes), Quinton de Kock (Melbourne Renegades), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers), Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat). They each have the potential to earn up to $420,000 AUD ($277,985 USD) based on their season availability.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 11/30/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

101 Ways How Not to Treat a Professional Athlete Feat David Willey | David Willey Announces Retirement

Fired. Dropped. Left Out. Mismanaged. Ignored. Neglected.

These are some of the worst feelings to have. I’m sure all of us have suffered something similar at one time or another in our lives. As Irish poet Oscar Wilde once reflected,

“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” 

Today we discuss the curious case of David Willey, who announced that he will retire from international cricket at the age of 33. Unlike Quinton de Kock, Naveen-ul-Haq, Alastair Cook, or AB de Villiers, Willey’s case is not dictated by the influx of franchise leagues or overkill of cricket. 

His career is a study in how NOT to treat a cricketer or any professional athlete for that matter.

Ignorance, But Not Bliss 

The retirement call might have been hastened by ECB’s careless choice of announcing new central contracts amidst a tumbling World Cup campaign.

These contracts are said to be worth between £130,000–£800,000. These are multi-year contracts with additional scope of £70,000 for any County commitments. Why did the ECB need to take such drastic actions?

Well, cricket is changing and 2023 has been a watershed moment with SAT20, ILT20, and MLC offering more income and additional options to IPL, BBL, CPL, and PSL. With IPL franchises owning teams around the world, there were murmurs about franchises offering year-long contracts to players, thereby threatening the last remaining bits of international cricket.

The English administration had to act fast. And act they did.

27 England players were offered a central contract. Every member in the World Cup squad except for one was offered a central contact.

And that one was David Willey.

Ignored.

England’s 2023 World Cup Debacle

The decision would have made sense had Willey been out of favor for a few months or had a dip in form or was out of his prime, but let’s look at the facts.

  • In England’s derailing World Cup, who has the best batting average? You guessed it right, David Willey — 42.00 (yes he bats in the bottom and may have not-outs to boost him up but so what…let’s not go in the details here) 
  • Willey is also England’s third highest wicket-taker despite only playing 3 matches so far  — 5 (the only more unfortunate player than Willey is at the top of England’s bowling charts — Reece Topley, who has gone back home with yet another freak injury).
  • 2nd best bowling average — yep Willey again (behind Topley)
  • 3rd most sixes…behind Malan and Mark Wood (which tells you everything you need to know about England’s listless World Cup)

But I know what you must be thinking — these are stats after the contracts were announced, but what about the statistics leading up to the World Cup?

  • Between the 2019–2023 World Cups, David Willey was England’s second highest wicket taker and the highest wicket taker for a pacer (37 wickets in 21 ODIs compared to 41 in 27 for Adil Rashid).
  • 37 wickets, 22.35 Average, 5.2 Economy, best of 5/30, 4/5 fers: 1/2

Those are stellar figures. In the absence of Jofra Archer & Mark Wood, Willey often led the attack alongside Topley & Saqib Mahmood.

In his own words, he was “Upset, angry, disappointed.”

The Horror of 2019 

But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Imagine taking 52 wickets in 45 wickets and being a consistent member of the side for FOUR years before being dropped on the eve of the World Cup (after being initially selected)…for someone who had taken 3 wickets.

Well that happened to Willey. Now of course, it’s another story that the person he was dropped for was none other than Jofra Archer, waiting for his residency period to complete after immigrating from Barbados. Archer would end up playing an instrumental part in the World Cup victory a month later and bowled THAT Super Over.

Anyway, back to Willey.

What’s more depressing is that deep down, Willey predicted that he would be the one to be cut. He said a few days earlier to Archer’s inclusion, 

“It’s an interesting dilemma for the captain, coach, and selectors. It’s a group of players that have been together for three or four years now that have got us to No. 1….Whether someone should just walk in at the drop of a hat because they are available, whether that’s the right thing. I don’t know.”

I am sure Willey would have been crushed. 

What did Ed Smith, England’s selector back then, have to say?

“He deserves to be in the World Cup squad. But that’s sport.”

Broken Cricket Dreams.

The Hope of 2022

When there is disappointment, there is always a glimmer of hope. 

Willey did enjoy some good memories over the years.

In domestic cricket, he gained a reputation of batting in the top order and hitting some gigantic sixes. He was England’s leading wicket taker in the 2016 T20 Final and had a stunning all-round performance of 21*(14) of 4–0–20–3 in the Final (could have been a player of the Final…but unfortunately, Marlon Samuels & Carlos Brathwaite had other plans). 

Then the 2019 World Cup happened.

He made another comeback and was selected in the 2021 & 2022 T20 World Cup squads but would not end up playing a single game (at least he finally lifted the T20 World Cup Trophy with the team). 

Forever on the Sidelines

First there was Archer. Then another player picked out of thin air, Tymal Mills. 

With Topley & Sam Curran around, there was always competition in the left arm pace department. In the all-rounders category, England were blessed with Stokes, Woakes, and Moeen Ali.

Willey had to prove to the selectors every time he took the field in an England jersey because his spot was never confirmed. He was always in the scheme of things but only on the edge. As a substitute, an injury replacement. 

But once another shining player was found or conditions did not favor swing, Willey was the first to be dropped. 

In this case, he was the only one not among 27. 

England lost out on Willey, not the other way around. David Willey — Forever on the sidelines.

Resilience and Determination – David Willey in his Own Words

And here is David Willey’s retirement statement in his own word.

“Winning World Cup with my family around…that medal there…I didn’t play in that World Cup…But that victory signified so much for me…Coming back into the side and being there…that was very special.”

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 11/01/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

What is the Salary of women cricketers in the WBBL in Australia?

Today we will discuss the salary of women cricketers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia.

Although there are some debates on the ideal length of the WBBL, it has certainly helped change the women’s game.

However, there’s one question on every cricket fan’s mind: just how much do these players make?

WBBL Salary – By the Numbers

  • The average salary of a player in the WBBL is $48,800 AUD or $30,812 USD (maximum 15 players in squad with a purse of $732,000 AUD or $462185 USD).
  • The average salary for an overseas WBBL cricketer is $85,891 AUD or $54,232 (maximum of $1,975,500 AUD for 23 overseas players). On the other hand, the average salary for a domestic player in the WBBL is $40,005 AUD or $25,259 USD (3,880,500 AUD or $245,0148 for 97 domestic spots).
  • The maximum a domestic player in the Women’s BBL can earn is $133,000 AUD ($83,976 USD), while the maximum overseas draft price is $110,000 AUD ($69,434 USD).
  • The eight teams of the WBBL team have a combined salary cap of $5,856,000 AUD or $3,697,479 USD ($732,000 AUD or $462,185 for each of the 8 teams).
Draft PicksSalary Amounts
Platinum $110,000 AUD ($69,454 USD)
Gold$90,000 AUD ($56,826 USD)
Silver$65,000 AUD ($41,041 USD)
Bronze$40,000 AUD ($25,256 USD)
Direct Nomination$61,750 AUD ($38,988 USD) Maximum

*Note, the conversion rate we used was as follows: $1 AUD = $0.63 USD as of 10/21/2023.

Also Read: What is the Salary of women cricketers in The Hundred (Women’s) in England?

Women’s Big Bash League 2023 Overseas Draft Picks – Salary of Women Cricket Player in the WBBL

Here were the rules for the direct nomination part of the overseas draft:

  • There was a direct nomination for players who did not want to take part in the draft but could sign directly with a franchise. Note, that if a player chose to go through a direct nomination, then the maximum amount they could earn a maximum of 95% of the Silver draft bracket price or upto $61,750 AUD ($38,988 USD).

1. Platinum Draft Pick ($110,000 AUD ($69,454 USD))

PlayerCountryTeam
Marizanne KappSouth AfricaSydney Thunder
Sophie Devine (Retention Pick)New ZealandPerth Scorchers
Hayley MatthewsWest IndiesMelbourne Renegades
Alice CapseyEnglandMelbourne Stars
Shabnim IsmailSouth AfricaHobart Hurricanes
Amelia Kerr*New ZealandBrisbane Heat
Chloe TryonSouth AfricaSydney Sixers
Heather KnightEnglandSydney Thunder
Harmanpreet KaurIndiaMelbourne Renegades
Laura Wolvaardt (Retention Pick)South AfricaAdelaide Strikers

*will miss the first part of the tournament. Sarah Glenn will replace her.

2. Gold Draft Pick ($90,000 AUD ($56,826 USD))

PlayerCountryTeam
Danni Wyatt*EnglandPerth Scorchers
Maia BouchierEnglandMelbourne Stars
Bryony SmithEnglandHobart Hurricanes

*withdrawn

3. Silver Draft Pick ($65,000 AUD ($41,041 USD))

PlayerCountryTeam
Dani GibsonEnglandAdelaide Strikers
Lauren BellEnglandSydney Thunder
Bess HeathEnglandBrisbane Heat

4. Bronze Draft Pick ($40,000 AUD ($25,256 USD))

PlayerCountryTeam
Jess KerrNew ZealandSydney Sixers

5. Direct Nomination Pick ($61,750 AUD ($38,988 USD)) – Maximum

PlayerCountryTeam
Tammy BeamontEnglandMelbourne Renegades
Amy JonesEnglandPerth Scorchers
Sophia DunkleyEnglandMelbourne Stars
Mignon du PreezSouth AfricaBrisbane Heat
Lizelle LeeSouth AfricaHobart Hurricanes
Georgia AdamsEnglandAdelaide Striker
Chamari Athapaththu (Replacement)Sri LankaSydney Thunder

Final Thoughts

The WBBL is going to be tested in the 2023 season.

We will learn if the overseas draft worked and if the length of the tournament should be reduced. Danni Wyatt withdrew due to fatigue. Other women cricketers are thinking about overkill of cricket and mental health as well.

What do you think? Where do you think will the Weber’s WBBL go on?

Related Cricket Content

Women’s Cricket

For more content on women’s cricket, check this out

Salary of Players in Franchise Leagues

Cricket and Finances Articles

For other content on Finances in Cricket, do read:

Frequently Asked Questions – Salary of Women’s cricketers in the WBBL in Australia

What is the average salary for a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) player?

The average salary of a player in the WBBL is $48,800 AUD or $30,812 USD (maximum 15 players in squad with a purse of $732,000 AUD or $462185 USD).

How much money does Ellyse Perry make in the WBBL?

Although domestic player salaries are not made public, the maximum a domestic player in the Women’s Big Bash League can earn is $133,000 AUD ($83,976 USD). Ellyse Perry will probably be making around this amount.

Who was the most expensive player in the 2023 overseas WBBL draft?

Marizanne Kapp, Sophie Devine, Hayley Matthews, Alice Capsey, Shabnim Ismail, Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Laura Wolvaardt are the most expensive players in the 2023 overseas WBBL draft as a Platinum Draft pick.

Sources: Australian women’s cricketers get new pay deal in five-year MOU – SportsPro (sportspromedia.com), All the names in the inaugural WBBL overseas draft | ESPNcricinfo, WBBL Draft recap: Kapp goes first in inaugural draft | cricket.com.au, Australian women’s cricketers get new pay deal in five-year MOU – SportsPro (sportspromedia.com)

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 10/21/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

How did Harsha Bhogle become Harsha Bhogle?

Have you ever seen Harsha Bhogle hit six sixes like Yuvraj Singh, hit a straight drive like the God of Cricket — Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, or bowl deadly inswinging yorkers like Wasim Akram?

I bet not. 

Then how exactly did Harsha Bhogle become the voice and face of world cricket?

Absence Speaks Louder Than Words

The Cricket World Cup fever is catching on.

Afghanistan just toppled England. The next day, the Dutch scored another World Cup win over in-form South Africa

The tournament’s entertainment value is increasing by the day, but this World Cup is still missing two things — a thriller & Harsha Bhogle’s voice. Unfortunately, Mr. Bhogle has caught another fever, dengue, and has had to subsequently miss a few matches.

It is the days that he is not present that you miss his voice the most.

Note: If you like to read on Medium, you can also read it there.

Where It All Began

Okay okay, I know I am deviating. Anyway, back on topic. Where were we again? 

Oh yes, how did Harsha Bhogle become Harsha Bhogle? 

Did he take voice coaching lessons? Did he get a PhD in phonetics & linguistics? No, no he did not. 

Harsha’s mother and uncle had arrived in India from Lahore on an army train right before the Partition in 1947.

He remarked in The Grade Cricketer’s podcast, “For my father’s generation, survival was important.” Just like many Indians in that generation, he grew up in a middle-class household. Both his parents were professors. So naturally, education was at the forefront of his upbringing.

Bhogle completed his undergraduate in chemical engineering and then went on to graduate from IIM Ahmedabad in 1985. He even worked in advertising for a couple of years after his education.

However, he did not forget his first love, cricket. 

He had played Division A level cricket in Hyderabad along with competing at Osmania Nizam University & company teams. In Hyderabad, he had played with the likes of Arshad Ayub and Mohammad Azharuddin, a cricketer he would later write a biography of. (As an aside, he was once offered the opportunity to bat at #3, but said no. He was eventually picked for the university team but unfortunately did not make the XI).

The Greatest Weapon

Harsha Bhogle’s greatest weapon is his voice. 

He found his voice during elocution & debate contests in high school. The ‘Eureka’ moment in his career came when he realized he could combine this gift with the love of cricket.

His broadcasting journey began with a 15-minute commentary stint during a Hyderabad vs Kerela Ranji Trophy match. Later in 1983, he took part in his first ODI broadcasting assignment on Doordarshan-Hyderabad.

By the time we arrived at the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Bhogle was recognized as the “sexiest voice on radio.” 

During a casual interview with Gaurav Kapur, Bhogle reflected,

“I didn’t look like a model, I didn’t play a 100 Test matches. There was lots of things I wasn’t. So, I didn’t have the option to say ‘No’ to anything…When you say ‘Yes,’ it’s a fantasy world. You don’t know where you will go when you say yes.”

From All India Radio & the BBC to Kutti Stories with Ravichandran Ashwin & Cricbuzz Live, Bhogle’s evolution is his mark of success. Sometimes he is having fun with Gaurav Kapur & Joy Bhattacharya, while at others, he is critically analyzing the state of world cricket with Ian Bishop, Nasser Hussain, and Mike Atherton.

To hone his skills and stay relevant in the broadcasting world, he did anything and everything. He has covered matches in makeshift commentary boxes in Hyderabad, written for several newspapers, transitioned to radio, become the face of cricket during live television, conducted quiz shows, talked about mental health, given inspirational speeches to the next generation, written books, interviewed the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, and has done a heck of a lot more. Bhogle’s multilingual background aided in his evolution as a broadcaster. He wrote magazine columns in Marathi, took broadcasting assignments in English, interviewed in Hindi, and joked in Hyderabadi.

Throughout his career, he has interviewed Sir Garfield Sobers, heard memorable stories from another great Indian commentator, AFS Talyarkhan, and possibly most importantly, covered the career of Sachin Tendulkar.

The Voice That Propelled Sachin Tendulkar

An article on Harsha Bhogle is incomplete without a mention of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. 

Even Ian Bishop took a step aside when Harsha concluded one of the great careers in one of the legendary segments of cricket commentary.

Only someone who had followed Tendulkar’s career since he was 14 years old could have delivered a perfect tribute to the legend.

“This is an indicator what one man meant to a nation. With Tendulkar, it was not just cricket…He’s been a good man, apart from being a great cricketer, Tendulkar…Tendulkar meant to India more than just the numbers. It’s as if Tendulkar was born to be great and everyone just looked after him. Everyone in Indian cricket, in Mumbai cricket, looked after him. Everyone will have their own Tendulkar story to tell…Those 22 yards made that little boy from Bandra the legend that he became.

Without the voice of Bhogle, Sachin’s shots might not have been heard around the world.

What Characteristics Makes Harsha Bhogle Good?

Bhogle often says that for broadcasting metrics, “Chappell is my guru for work ethic.”

He prepares for each interview, writes down notes, talks to Simon Taufel to understand the rulebook, and draws from the wisdom of other cricketers to understand how to analyze techniques and read the pitch conditions.

He continues to learn and innovate. Not many would have the courage to dive into the world of Twitter, YouTube, and podcasts. He keeps on learning. But that’s how he has managed to stay relevant in the industry for over four decades. Two of his own quotes describe him best, 

“The day you think you know everything in life, you’ve descended already. You’re gone.”

“Sometimes, we wait for the big things to happen in life…Be happy with small times….But don’t wait for the big thing to happen.”

Final Thoughts

When things are all said and done, what will I remember the most about Harsha Bhogle?

Along with the voice, came the infectious personality — the expressions, inflections in the voice, historical references, the smile, research into players’ backgrounds, and the contrast between serious bits & humor. He talks mostly about cricket but speaks with an open mind.

As cricket fans, we like to talk about our cricket heroes, the greatest Test match players, and the best World Cup finishes. 

Sometimes, we should sit back and appreciate the people who make the cricket community great — The commentators, the umpires, the ground staff, the security staff, administrators, and many other individuals behind the scenes.

I will leave you all with this quote by American poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

And Harsha Bhogle did exactly that. He provided us with the little moments of joy to live by.

Sources: Biography — Harsha Bhogle

If you like this content, check out some of our other articles on Cricket’s Life Lessons:

Harsha Bhogle – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where was Harsha Bhogle born?

Harsha Bhogle was born in Hyderabad, India.

What is Harsha Bhogle’s age?

Harsha Bhogle was born on 19 July 1961. He is currently 62 years old.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 10/17/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown (The Definitive Guide): Which of these 15-men will make the Sri Lanka 2023 Cricket World Cup Playing XI?

Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown – Everything you need to know.

Since the retirements of the Lankan greats – Dilshan, Jayawardene, Malinga, and Sangakkara, Sri Lanka have been in an elongated transition phase.

Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, a core group has come together that is beginning to bring the island nation some hope.

How will they fare in the 2023 ODI World Cup? Let’s discuss.

Key Takeaways from Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 ODI Squad Announcement

  • The average age of Sri Lanka’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad is 27.33. Sri Lanka have a younger squad ranging from Pathirana (20) & Wellalage (20) to Karunaratne (35).
  • The 15-member Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad has average ODI experience of 43 matches (637 ODIs among 15 players). Hemantha (3), Madushanka (6), and Pathirana (10) are the newer faces on the block, while Kusal Mendis (112) & Kusal Perera (109) are their most experienced players.
  • Sri Lanka’s’ squad composition is as follows: 5 proper batters, 4 all-rounders, and 6 proper bowling options. In total, Sri Lanka has 10 bowling options (2 off spin, 1 mystery spin, 1 left arm spin, 1 leg break, 1 left arm pace, and 4 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
  • Sri Lanka have 4 left-handed batting options (Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Wellalage) and three wicketkeeping options.

Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance

PlayerRoleAge
Dimuth KarunaratneBatter35
Kusal MendisBatter/Wicketkeeper28
Pathum NissankaBatter25
Kusal PereraBatter/Wicketkeeper33
Sadeera SamawickramaBatter/Wicketkeeper28
Dasun ShanakaAll-Rounder/Right Arm Pace32
Charith AsalankaAll-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin26
Dhananjaya de SilvaAll-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin32
Dushan HemanthaAll-Rounder/Right Arm Leg Spin29
Lahiru KumaraRight Arm Pace26
Dilshan MadushankaLeft Arm Pace23
Matheesha PathiranaRight Arm Pace20
Kasun RajithaRight Arm Pace30
Mahesh TheekshanaRight Arm Mystery Spin23
Dunith WellalageLeft Arm Spin20
*Chamika KauranatneRight Arm Fast27

*Traveling Reserve

Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI

  1. Pathum Nissanka
  2. Kusal Perera
  3. Kusal Mendis (WK)
  4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
  5. Charith Asakalanka
  6. Dhananjaya de Silva
  7. Dasun Shanaka (C)
  8. Dunith Wellalage
  9. Mahesh Theekshana
  10. Matheesha Pathirana
  11. Dilshan Madushanka

Injury News

  • Dusmantha Chameera (torn pectoral muscle)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga (thigh strain)
  • Mahesh Theekshana (in the squad, but returning from hamstring injury)
  • Madushanka (coming back from torn oblique)
  • Lahiru Kumara (coming back from side strain)

6 Sri Lankan Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out

  • Hasaranga, Chameera
  • Avishka Fernando
  • Pramod Madhushan, Binura Fernando
  • Bhanuka Rajapakse (retired early, came back, but considered more a T20I player)
Embed from Getty Images

2 Surprise Picks for Sri Lanka’s World Cup Squad

  • Dushan Hemantha, Sadeera Samarawickrama

Sri Lanka Cup 2023 Squad – Complete List of Players

1. Kusal Perera

Role: Right Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 109/104
  • Runs: 3088, Best: 135
  • Average/SR: 31.19/92.51
  • 100/50: 6/15
  • Catches/Stumpings: 47/3

Recent ODI Form: 120, 73, 0, 9, 17, 0

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 33

Also Read: 18 Best Test Matches in the Past 4 Years That Have Revived Test Cricket – Who Said Test Matches Are Boring?

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2. Pathum Nissanka

Role: Right Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 40/40
  • Runs: 1396, Best: 137
  • Average/SR: 37.72/83.64
  • 100/50: 3/9

Recent ODI Form: 41, 40, 6, 29, 2

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 25

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3. Dimuth Karunaratne

Role: Left Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 48/44
  • Runs: 1301, Best: 103
  • Average/SR: 32.52/79.71
  • 100/50: 1/11

Recent ODI Form: 83, 1, 32, 18, 2

Last ODI: September 12, 2023

Age: 35

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4. Kusal Mendis (Vice Captain/WicketKeeper)

Role: Right Hand Bat, Wicketkeeper

  • Matches/Innings: 112/109
  • Runs: 3215, Best: 119
  • Average/SR: 32.15/84.44
  • 100/50: 2/25
  • Catches/Stumpings: 47/75

Recent ODI Form: 43, 5, 92, 50, 15, 91, 17

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 28

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5. Sadeera Samarawickrama

Role: Right Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 23/20
  • Runs: 615, Best: 93
  • Average/SR: 32.36/90.30
  • 100/50: 0/5
  • Catches/Stumpings:

Recent ODI Form: 54, 3, 93, 17, 48, 0

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 28

Embed from Getty Images

6. Charith Asalanka

Role: Left Hand Bat/Right Arm Off-Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 41/36
  • Runs: 1272, Best: 110
  • Average/SR: 41.03/89.26
  • 100/50: 1/9
  • Wickets: 5, Best: 4/18
  • Economy: 4.35

Recent ODI Form: 62*, 36, 10, 22, 49*, 0 & 4/18, 0/1

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 26

Embed from Getty Images

7. Dhananjaya de Silva

Role: Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 82/75
  • Runs: 1725, Best of: 93
  • Average/SR: 26.53/78.80
  • 100/50:0/10, 4w/5w: 0/0
  • Wickets: 44, Best: 3/32
  • Economy: 4.95

Recent ODI Form: 14, 6,41, 5, 4 & 1/35, 2/12, 018, 0/28, 0/28

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 32

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8. Dasun Shanaka (Captain)

Role: Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Pace

  • Matches/Innings: 67/59
  • Runs: 1204, Best of: 108*
  • Average/SR: 22.29/92.04
  • 100/50:2/3, 4w/5w: 0/1
  • Wickets: 27, Best: 5/43
  • Economy: 5.72

Recent ODI Form: 14*, 5, 24, 9, 2, 0 & 1/16, 0/32, 3/28, 0/24, 0/18

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 32

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9. Dushan Hemantha

Role: Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Leg Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 3/2
  • Runs: 35, Best of: 22
  • Average/SR: 35.00/100.00
  • Wickets: 2, Best: 2/49
  • Economy: 5.21

Recent ODI Form: 22, 13* & 0/50, 2/49

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

10. Dunith Wellalage

Role: Left Hand Bat/Left Arm Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 15/14
  • Runs: 195, Best: 42*
  • Wickets: 19, Best: 5/40
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/1
  • Economy: 5.18

Recent ODI Form: 1/30, 2/36, 1/26, 5/40, 1/40, 0/7

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 20

Embed from Getty Images

11. Mahesh Theekshana

Role: Right Arm Mystery Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 27/27
  • Wickets: 44, Best: 4/25
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 4/0
  • Economy: 4.5

Recent ODI Form: 2/19, 1/62, 3/69, 1/41, 1/42

Last ODI: September 14, 2023

Age: 23

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12. Matheesha Pathirana

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 10/10
  • Wickets: 15, Best:4/32
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
  • Economy: 6.56

Recent ODI Form: 4/32, 1/63, 3/58, 0/31, 3/65, 0/21

Last ODI: September 17, 2023

Age: 20

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13. Lahiru Kumara

Role: Left Hand Bat/ Right Arm Pace

  • Matches/Innings: 26/26
  • Wickets: 34, Best:3/22
  • Economy: 6.42

Recent ODI Form: 1/26, 3/22, 1/33, 1/30, 1/17

Last ODI: June 30, 2023

Age: 26

Embed from Getty Images

14. Kasun Rajitha

Role: Right Arm Pace

  • Matches/Innings: 28/28
  • Wickets: 35, Best: 4/79
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
  • Economy: 5.92

Recent ODI Form: 0/29, 4/79, 0/29, 0/30

Last ODI: September 12, 2023

Age: 30

Embed from Getty Images

15. Dilshan Madhushanka

Role: Right Hand Bat/Left Arm Pace

  • Matches/Innings: 6/6
  • Wickets: 10, Best :3/15
  • Economy: 5.202

Recent ODI Form: 1/38, 3/15, 1/49, 3/18

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 23

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Reserve

16. Chamika Karunaratne

Role: Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Pace

  • Matches/Innings: 23/21
  • Runs: 443, Best: 75
  • Wickets: 24, Best: 4/43
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/9
  • Economy: 5.72

Recent ODI Form: 1/14, 17, 1, 11, 24 & 1/54, 2/51, 1/58, 4/43, 0/26

Last ODI: March 31, 2023

Age: 27

Embed from Getty Images

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hasaranga playing for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup?

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has been ruled out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup due to injuries. In case he recovers and another member of the SL squad is injured, he may be brought in.

Which players are in Sri Lanka’s 2023 World Cup squad?

Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Mahesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage are in Sri Lanka’s 2023 World Cup squad.Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 Squad (Pictured from left to right): Mahesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, and Pathirana.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 10/01/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Netherlands World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown (The Definitive Guide): Which of these 15-men will make the Netherlands 2023 Cricket World Cup Playing XI?

Netherlands Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown – Everything you need to know.

The ODI Super League helped Netherlands play ODI matches against the Top teams, which in turn, helped them in the World Cup qualifiers.

Now the County cricketers return to the fold with Roelof van der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, and Paul van Meekeren. What does this mean for the Dutch? How does their squad look like?

All that and more, right here, right now. Let’s dive straight in.

Key Takeaways from Netherlands’ World Cup 2023 ODI Squad Announcement

  • The average age of Netherland’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad is 28.4. Netherlands is going with a healthy mix of youth and experience. They have youngsters like Shariz Ahmad (20), Vikramjit Singh (20), and Aryan Dutt (20) as well as experience in Wesley Barresi (39) and Roelof van der Merwe (38)
  • The 15-member Netherland’s World Cup squad has average ODI experience of 21 matches (The entire 15-men squad have played 313 ODIs combined).
  • Netherlands’ squad composition is as follows: 4 proper batters, 7 all-rounders, and 4 proper bowling options. In total, Netherlands has 11 bowling options (4 off spin, 1 left arm spin, 2 leg break and 4 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed. Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, and even occasional keeper Barresi can bowl some part-time spin/medium pace if needed.
  • South Africa have 1 left-handed batting options (Vikramjit Singh) and two wicketkeeping options.

Netherlands Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance

PlayerRoleAge
Scott EdwardsBatter/Wicketkeeper27
Wesley BarresiBatter/Wicketkeeper39
Max O’DowdBatter29
Vikramjit SinghBatter20
Colin AckermannAll-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin32
Bas de LeedeAll-Rounder/Right Arm Medium Pace23
Teja NidamanuruAll-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin29
Saqib ZulfiqarAll-Rounder/Right Arm Leg Spin26
Roelof van der MerweAll-Rounder/Left Arm Spin38
Aryan DuttRight Arm Off Spin20
Ryan KleinRight Arm Fast26
Shariz AhmadRight Arm Leg Spin/Googly20
Logan Van BeekAll-Rounder/Right Arm Fast33
Paul van MeekerenRight Arm Fast30
Sybrand EngelbrechtAll-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin35
Noah Croes*Right Hand Bat23
Kyle Klein*Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Pace22

*signifies that the player is a traveling reserve and not in the main 15-player squad

Also Read: Netherlands Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup (The Complete Guide): ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Netherlands’ Fixtures

Netherlands Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI

  1. Vikramjit Singh
  2. Max O’Dowd
  3. Wesley Barresi
  4. Bas de Leede
  5. Colin Ackermann/Teja Nidamanuru
  6. Scott Edwards (C/WK)
  7. Roelof van der Merwe
  8. Logan van Beek
  9. Aryan Dutt
  10. Shariz Ahmad
  11. Paul van Meekeren

Injury News

  • Tim Pringle (withdrawn due to niggles), Fred Klaasen (stress fracture)

6 Netherlands Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out

  • Tim Pringle, Fred Klaasen
  • Clayton Floyd, Michael Levitt, and Vivian Kingma played the WC qualifiers but missed out on the WC spot due to the return of Ackermann, van Meekeren, and van der Merwe.
  • Musa Ahmad played few ODIs before the qualifiers, but failed to make the cut after march 2023

Surprise Pick for Netherlands’ World Cup Squad

  • Sybrand Engelbrecht

Netherlands World Cup 2023 Squad – Complete List of Players

1. Scott Edwards (C/WK)

Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper

  • Matches/Innings: 38/35
  • Runs: 1212, Best: 86
  • Average/SR: 40.40/92.73
  • 100/50: 0/86

Recent ODI Form: 67, 67*, 4, 25, 1

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 27

Embed from Getty Images

2. Max O’Dowd

Role: Right Hand Bat, occasional off spin

  • Matches/Innings: 33/33
  • Runs: 1158, Best: 133*
  • Average/SR: 29.98/122.13
  • 100/50: 0/10

Recent ODI Form: 90, 36, 0, 35, 20, 33

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

3. Vikramjit Singh

Role: Left Hand Bat (Opener), Occasional Medium pace

  • Matches/Innings: 25/25
  • Runs: 808, Best: 110
  • Average/SR: 32.32/77.17
  • 100/50: 1/4

Recent ODI Form: 37, 0, 110, 40, 13

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 20

Embed from Getty Images

4. Colin Ackermann

Role: Right Hand Bat, Right arm off spin

  • Matches/Innings: 7/6
  • Runs: 211 , Best: 81
  • Average/SR: 35.16/75.35
  • 100/50: 0/2
  • Wickets: 4, Best: 2/51

Recent ODI Form: 81, 50, 28, 37 & 0/45, 2/51, 0/40

Last ODI: March 25, 2023

Age: 32

Embed from Getty Images

5. Wesley Barresi (Wicketkeeper)

Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper

  • Matches/Innings: 45/44
  • Runs: 1193 , Best: 137*
  • Average/SR: 30.58/78.48
  • 100/50: 1/8
  • Catches/Stumpings: 20/8

Recent ODI Form: 27, 52,97, 11, 0

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 39

Embed from Getty Images

6. Logan van Beek

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 25/25
  • Runs: 337, Best of: 32
  • 4w/5w: 2/0
  • Wickets: 34, Best: 4/24
  • Economy: 5.29

Recent ODI Form: 28, 0, 6*, 1*, 20* & 4/24, 1/77, 3/26, 0/55, 1/49, 2/40

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 33

Embed from Getty Images

7. Shariz Ahmad

Role: Left Hand Bat/ Right Arm Legbreak

  • Matches/Innings: 11/10
  • Wickets: 13,, Best: 5/43
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/1
  • Economy: 6.24

Recent ODI Form: 2/52, 0/11, 0/18

Last ODI: June 30, 2023

Age: 20

Embed from Getty Images

8. Sybrand Engelbrecht

Role: Right Hand Bat/ Right Arm Off Spin

*Yet to debut in international cricket

List A Record:

  • Matches/Innings: 58/46
  • Runs: 1275, Best: 87*
  • Wickets: 41, Best:3/28
  • Economy: 5.1

Age: 35

9. Ryan Klein

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 12/12
  • Wickets: 12, Best:2/31
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/0
  • Economy: 5.02

Recent ODI Form: 0/25, 1/38, 2/34, 2/59, 2/42

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 26

Embed from Getty Images

10. Bas de Leede

Role: Right Arm Fast, Right Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 30/29
  • Runs: 610, Best of: 91*
  • Average/SR: 27.32/66.57
  • 100/50: 1/2, 4w/5w: 0/1
  • Wickets: 24, Best: 5/52
  • Economy: 5.94

Recent ODI Form: 41*, 33, 41, 39, 123 & 2/37, 2/31, 2/72, 3/42, 0/47, 5/52

Last ODI: July 6, 2023

Age: 23

Embed from Getty Images

11. Paul van Meekeren

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 13/13
  • Wickets: 15, Best: 2/28
  • Economy: 5.56

Recent ODI Form: 2/50, 2/66, 0/42, 0/26, 2/79

Last ODI: April 2, 2023

Age: 30

Embed from Getty Images

12. Roelof van der Merwe

Role: Right Hand Bat/Left Arm Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 16/16
  • Runs: 96 ,Best of: 57
  • Average/SR: 19.20/101.05
  • 100/50: 0/1, 4w/5w: 0/0
  • Wickets: 19, Best: 3/27
  • Economy: 4.98

Last ODI: November 26, 2021

Age: 38

*Has played international cricket & WCs for South Africa

Also Read: 62 South African Born Cricketers Who Play for Other Countries: Can You Guess Them All?

Embed from Getty Images

13. Teja Nidamanuru

Role: Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 20/20
  • Runs: 501, Best of: 111
  • Average/SR: 29.47/95.06
  • 100/50:,2/2
  • Wickets: 0, Economy: 8.00 (has only bowled one over)

Recent ODI Form: 111, 0, 2, 10, 0

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

14. Aryan Dutt

Role: Right Arm Off Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 25/25
  • Wickets: 20, Best:3/31
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/0
  • Economy: 5.17

Recent ODI Form: 0/71, 1/34, 3/31, 027, 1/51

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 20

Embed from Getty Images

15. Saqib Zulfiqar

Role: Right Arm Leg Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 13/10
  • Runs: 181, Best of: 34*
  • Average/SR: 16.45/67.53
  • Wickets: 8, Best: 2/43
  • Economy: 6.29

Recent ODI Form: 34*, 3, 2, 33, 33*, 6, 2/43, 2/48, 0/ 26, 0/16, 2/59

Last ODI: July 9, 2023

Age: 26

Embed from Getty Images

Netherlands World Cup Squad – The Traveling Reserves

16. Noah Croes

Role: Right Hand Bat

  • Matches: 1 ODI, Runs: 7

Last ODI (also was his debut): 9 July, 2023

Age: 23

17. Kyle Klein

Role: Right Hand Bat, Right Arm Pace

Age: 22

*Under 19 cricketer, who is yet to debut in first class or international cricket

Final Thoughts

The Netherlands have surpassed all expectations and made it to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

With no bilateral series scheuled the World Cup qualifiers, they have attempted to acclimitize to the conditions by arriving to India early and playing against domestic teams.

Will that be enough? Can they make an impact in the World Cup?

Related ODI World Cup Articles

If you liked this article, be sure to check some of the other World Cup content:

Frequently Asked Questions – Netherlands World Cup 2023 Squad

What is the average age of Netherlands’ 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?

The average age of Netherlands’ World Cup squad is 28.4

Who is selected for Netherlands’ 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?

Scott Edwards, Colin Ackermann, Shariz Ahmed, Wesley Barresi, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Ryan Klein, Bas de Leede, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, and Saqib Zulfiqar made it to Netherland’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Can Netherlands win the 2023 ODI World Cup?

If Netherlands do win the 2023 Cricket World Cup, it will be the story of the century. Can they get there though? I am afraid not. They have the potential of winning 2-4 games, but with the strength of some of the other teams, I do not see them winning in Indian conditions.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 09/18/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).