What do Aristotle, Socrates, René Descartes, Swami Vivekananda, Bertrand Russell, Immanuel Kant, Confucius, Dostoevsky, Jean-Jacques Rosseau, and Ravichandran Ashwin have in common?
These are the names of some of the greatest thinkers and philosophers of all time.
They didn’t just exist! They thought outside the box. Questioned the status quo. Changed the world.
And yes, you may have noticed that I subtly slipped in Ravichandran Ashwin’s name in there. Why, you may ask?
Because Ravichandran Ashwin is more than your average cricketer. He is different. He is also a thinker and has transformed into one of the most influential cricketers of this generation.
As Ashwin gets closer to his monumental 500th wicket, we look at 11 Moments which illustrates how Ravichandran Ashwin has changed the way YOU think about cricket.
Key Takeaways
Ashwin has taken 496 wickets at a bowling average of 23.79 and 51.4 strike rate. This includes 24 4-fers, 34 5-fers, and 8 10-wicket hauls in a match.
He has scored 3222 Test runs at 26.66 batting average. This includes 5 Test hundreds and 14 fifties.
His best figures are 7/59 (innings), 13/140 (match), and the highest score of 124.
Across formats, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 724 international wickets and scored more than 4000 runs.
He is currently ranked at #2 for the Best All-Rounder in Men’s Test Cricket.
1. Desensitizing the Non-Strikers Run-Out
Let’s start with the elephant in the room—The non-strikers run-out or ‘Mankad’ as it was known in the pre-Ashwin era.
The most infamous moment was Ashwin vs Buttler. Watch the video below.
Ashwin’s involvement about the non-strikers run-out opened a conversation in cricket that was long overdue.
What do the laws of cricket say? Why does ‘Spirit of Cricket’ get selectively applied in this case? What can the bowlers do to gain advantage just like the batters when backing up?
There is still some way to go to desensitize the non-strikers run-out completely, but the bowlers are at least warning the batters more often (also a little bit of tension during the game is always fun).
2. Scoring Hundreds and Finishing Tense Chases in Test Cricket
These are significant scores. Ashwin has scored plenty of hundreds against the West Indies (both home & away) and also has had key contributions in South Africa, Australia, England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. That is serious pedigree.
“I call him a scientist. He keeps discovering new things about himself. Be it bowling or batting. That is very nice for a cricketer. And that is why – the talent he has, he has maximized it over the years.”
My Favorite Ashwin Innings
My favorite Ashwin batting innings was the chase in the 2nd Test against Bangladesh in 2022. Chasing a target of 145, India had collapsed to 74/7 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz bamboozling the Indian batting.
Then came in the duo of Shreyas Iyer & Ravichandran Ashwin, constructing a counterattacking rearguard effort. By the end of it, Ashwin had scored the highest score in a fourth innings chase by a batter at #9 or below (42*) and stitched together the highest 8th wicket partnership in a successful fourth innings chase (71*) with Iyer.
3. Opening the Bowling in T20 Cricket Way Back in 2010
It was the 2010 IPL that brought Ashwin into the national contention.
Playing under captain MS Dhoni, Ashwin began opening the bowling and keeping things tight in the Powerplays.
Remember in those days, spinners opening the bowling was still a rare instance. Even Sunil Narine would debut a year later.
Ashwin ended up with the best economy (6.10) in the competition (for anyone bowling more than 6 overs in the whole IPL), CSK won the IPL for the first time, which started what would become a famed legacy, the Dhoni-Ashwin partnership began, and Ashwin (and India) was on his way to a glorious golden eighteen months.
4. Bowling that Final Ball with the Iconic Stop in the 2013 Champions Trophy Final
The golden age of Indian cricket in recent memory between 2007-2013 from the 2007 T20 World Cup to the 2013 Champions Trophy Final.
Oh yeah and there was the 2011 World Cup Final as well.
A six to win, four to tie. Wet conditions. Ashwin does a mini-pause, Tredwell starts to move, Ashwin spins the ball prodigiously.
A magnificent spell of 4-0-15-2 to drive India home in a famous victory.
5. Saving the Test at Sydney and Putting His Body on the Line
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. We are never forgetting this, are we?
Third Test Day 5. Series in the balance. Rahane departs early.
Rishabh Pant & Cheteshwar Pujara are full flow. Pant departs on 97, Hazlewood bowls a jaffa to Pujara, Vihari suffers a hamstring injury.
Surely Australia is cruising to victory here? Think again.
Ashwin & Vihari come together to put together one of the greatest rearguard actions in recent Test history.
Ashwin had already been suffering back pains. Now the fast bowlers were bowling bouncers and targeted his rib cage. He suffered but stayed in the game. By the end of the day, he was pulling short balls for four.
6. Inventing New Deliveries and Experimenting with Bowling Action
“Methods, madness, and courage” are characteristics that drive Ashwin. In his own words,
“There is a method to my madness. People ask, ‘What is he doing? Why is he trying so many different things. It is a matter of perception.”
Method in the Madness
One of the things that sets him apart is the ability to take risks and always try out something new.
He began his career as an off-spinner and when T20 cricket demanded, he opened the bowling.
As leg spinners gained prominence in the 2010s and Ashwin was dropped from the limited overs side in 2017, he knew he had to do something different.
He changed his action, experimented with delivery strides, added the carrom ball in his arsenal of weapons, and even developed the leg spinner.
Ashwin has received a new lease of life with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. It jumpstarted his comeback into the Indian T20I side, but more than that, it is the manner in which has gone about his cricket at RR which is heartening to see.
This provided specialist finishers, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer, the extra few balls to finish off the innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin has become such a cult figure for out-of-the-box tactics that after Rohit Sharma retired himself during the double Super Over against Afghanistan, coach Rahul Dravid said, “Rohit retiring himself out was Ashwin-level thinking.”
9. Presence of Mind in the T20 World Cup Match Against Pakistan
Now let’s come to one of the most iconic moments in recent memory.
An India vs Pakistan match to cherish. In the 19th over, Virat Kohli played the shot heard around the world against Haris Rauf.
India were getting closer, but Hardik Pandya departed. A few balls later, Virat Kohli was on the non-strikers end.
Then came time for the finisher from the Nidahas trophy final, Dinesh Karthik. His comeback story and career revamp as a finisher had led to this one moment. But he was stumped when Nawaz bowled a wide one near outside his leg.
The Iconic Moment
Next ball, Ravichandran Ashwin is in. Nawaz attempts a similar delivery.
What does Ashwin do? HE LEAVES IT. I repeat, he leaves it! The audacity, brilliant! Wide ball called. Scores leveled.
Next ball, he just lifts the ball straight past the bowler for a four.
Calm, collected, champion. That is Ravi Ashwin for you.
The world is changing every day due to the internet and social media.
Cricket is also changing and players have to ensure they are planning for the future during their careers. We can already see the likes of Stuart Broad and Dinesh Karthik commentating before retirement. Others have put their hats into the coaching baskets.
Ashwin in his usual self, has done something slightly differently. He has started a YouTube channel! And not just any channel – the thoughtful interviews and Kutti stories have already garnered him 1.34 Million YouTube subscribers!
What is neat about this experience is the insights we are gaining from Ashwin about what happens inside the dressing room. The media is known for speculation and controversies, but Ashwin brings a more human, deeper side to the Indian cricket team. I hope more cricketers follow this path in the future.
Here is an interview series with Harsha Bhogle on India’s stories during ODI World Cups.
11. Never Backing Down
One characteristic I admire about Ravichandran Ashwin is his honesty and the ability to speak his mind regardless of the pressure.
We have already seen from a strategic point of view that he never backs down and keeps improving his skills.
Off the field as well, he doubles down on this personality trait. We can see from the press conference below (where he questions why journalists have a pre-determined view about Indian pitches) or the memorable sledge against Tim Paine that Ashwin will always be up for a fight.
12. From Engineering to Cricket
Not many athletes have dual careers at the beginning of their careers. Ashwin graduated with a BTech degree.
“My dad used to wake me up at 5:30…My mom wanted me to be an engineer. And I did it, because I actually struggled through it. I actually slogged my entire sweat out to actually do engineering and cricket. It used to be extremely hard. And extremely hard is an understatement.”
Along with family pressure, he also suffered a pelvis injury, which kept him out of cricket for a year in his peak high school years.
As a society, we judge and admire individuals after success has been achieved, but it is often the stories behind the scenes that helps us understand the true character of the individual.
13. Playing Cricket All Day Every Day
And finally, where there is cricket, there is Ashwin.
In modern-day cricket, there is barely any space for free time. There is always a World Cup, international cricket, or T20 leagues happening around the world.
But whenever Ashwin finds time, you can see him playing in the TNPL and other local matches.
Here is a hilarious clip of Ashwin reviewing a ball TWICE in the small ball because he was not satisfied with the discussion.
Classic Ashwin!
Final Thoughts – How Did Ravichandran Ashwin Change the Game of Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin pioneered the retired out, made non-strikers run-out cool again, finished clutch matches in Test cricket, opened the batting in T20 cricket, put the body on the line to fight for his country, bowled off spin, leg spin, carrom ball, won World Cup matches on his own, started a YouTube channel, and even took two reviews on the same ball!
Ravichandran Ashwin is not just a cricketer. He transcends human nature. A true genius, thinker, philosopher, and scientist.
I’m glad to have watched Ravichandran Ashwin’s career unfold.
If this is not a story we should all appreciate, I don’t know what is.
Related Content on Some of Cricket’s Most Wonderful Stories
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Today we will discuss the salary of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player in the West Indies.
With the great Bangladesh generation of the Bangladesh comprising of Shakib, Tamim, Mahmudullah, Liton, and more—the BPL has generated lots of hype over the years.
However, there’s one question on every cricket fan’s mind: just how much do these players make?
BPL Salary – By the Numbers
The average salary range of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player is $20,472-$52,969. The estimated maximum salary cap for the entire BPL ranges from $2.6 million-$6.6 Million for about 127 players, divided among 7 teams.
The average salary for a domestic Bangladesh Premier League player is about $17,000-$37,000 (estimated range of $ 1.2 million-$2.6 million for a total of 71 domestic players). The average salary for an overseas BPL cricketer is about $25,000-$71,000 (estimated range of $1.4 million-$4 million for 56 signed overseas players).
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Draft – How Much Was Each Local Draft Pick?
Category
Salary Amounts – $USD (BDT)
Category A
$72,897 (BDT 80 Lakh)
Category B
$45,561 (BDT 50 Lakh)
Category C
$27,337 (BDT 30 Lakh)
Category D
$18,224 (BDT 20 Lakh)
Category E
$13,668 (BDT 15 Lakh)
Category F
$9,112 (BDT 10 Lakh)
Category G
$4,556 (BDT 5 Lakh)
Note: We use the conversion, $1 US Dollar = 109.77 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) as of 1/18/2024.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Overseas Signings
Category
Salary Amounts – $USD
CategoryA
$80,000
CategoryB
$60,000
CategoryC
$40,000
CategoryD
$30,000
CategoryE
$20,000
*The draft salary amounts include tax
BPL Draft Picks – Salary of Bangladesh Premier League Player
Note: We have provided ranges because signings (both local & overseas) and retention/transfer amounts are not disclosed.
However, the minimum and maximum for player signings will align with the category table above. Hence, a local player signing can range from $4,556-$72,897 (5-80 Lakh BDT) and an overseas player signing can range from $20,000-$80,000.
The number of players in the BPL is also highly variable due to the clashes with the BBL, SA20, and ILT20 (so there are lots of replacements/players that will only play for a few games).
Overseas Signings: Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Rizwan, Moeen Ali, Rakheem Cornwall, Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Andre Russell, Matthew Forde, Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Zaman Khan
Local Signed/Retained Players: Liton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanvir Islam
Overseas Signings: Dushan Hemantha, Samit Patel, Richard Ngarava, George Scrimshaw
Local Signings/Retentions: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Zakir Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Sylhet Strikers Draft Salaries – Overseas Players
Player
Category
Salary
Ryan Burl
B
$60,000
Harry Tector
E
$20,000
Ben Cutting
D
$30,000
Sylhet Strikers Draft Salaries – Local Players
Player
Category
Salary
Mohammad Mithun
C
$27,337 (BDT 30 Lakh)
Yasir Ali
C
$27,337 (BDT 30 Lakh)
Ariful Haque
D
$18,224 (BDT 20 Lakh)
Nayeem Hasan
C
$27,337 (BDT 30 Lakh)
Rejaur Rahman Raja
D
$18,224 (BDT 20 Lakh)
Shafiqul Islam
D
$18,224 (BDT 20 Lakh)
Jawad Mohammad Royen
E
$13,668 (BDT 15 Lakh)
Final Thoughts
The theory of evolution by Charles Darwin revolves around the idea of ‘Survival of the Fittest.’
A decade ago, the Bangladesh Premier League was a decent league that attracted some talent from around the world.
Fast forward to 2024 with ILT20 & SA20 pairing with the IPL and paying their players loads of money, the BPL is not thriving. The mismanagement of the league, lack of DRS, discipline issues, and lack of availability does not help either.
Will the BPL survive? What do you think?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Salary of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player
What is the average salary for a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player in Bangladesh?
The average salary range of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player is $20,472-$52,969. The estimated maximum salary cap for the entire BPL ranges from $2.6 million-$6.6 Million for about 127 players, divided among 7 teams.
Is Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) the richest cricket league in the world?
No, the BPL is the 9th richest league in the world by player salaries (or the third poorest league) with the IPL still standing at #1.
Who was the most expensive player in the BPL 2024 draft?
Mushfiqur Rahim was the most expensive player in the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft. He was the only category A player priced at 80 Lakh BDT ($72,897).
Today we will discuss the salary of International League T20 (ILT20) player in the UAE.
The league has generated enormous hype due to the salary they pay their players. Will this threaten to collapse the international cricket calendar.
How much do these players make? Can the ILT20 compete with the IPL?
ILT20 Salary – By the Numbers
The average salary of an International League T20 (ILT20) player is $138,888 (maximum 18 players in the squad with a maximum purse of $2.5 million). Hence, the maximum salary cap for the entire ILT20 was $15 million for a maximum of 108 players, divided among 6 teams.
Each team has allocated a purse ranging from $1.5 million (minimum wage bill) up to $2.5 million (maximum wage bill) to acquire their 18 players (maximum 12 overseas players). The maximum wage bill includes a $500,000 loyalty or signing-on bonus as well as a $500,000 bid purse per team that can be distributed among the players on top of their wage slots.
The maximum an ILT20 player can earn is up to $450,000 ($340,000 is the maximum wage and another $110,000 can come from the signing on bonus).
Zee Entertainment Enterprises signed a ten-year $100-$120 million deal with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for the media broadcasting rights.
The International League T20 (ILT20) – How Much Was Each Wage Slot?
The second season of the ILT20 will run from 19 January-17 February 2024 in the UAE. This time around, these matches have been granted official List A status. In any case, here are the wage slots for the 18-men squad in the ILT20 league.
Wage Slots
Salary Amounts (Minimum)
Slot 1
$340,000
Slot 2
$260,000
Slot 3
$220,000
Slots 4-5
$140,000
Slot 6
$100,000
Slots 7-8
$60,000
Slots 9-10
$40,000
Slots 11-12
$20,000
Slots 13-18
$10,000
ILT20 Retained Players and Squads – Salary of International League T20 Player
Another reason the ILT20 has garnered interest is because of its overseas player limit. The ILT20 has instilled a limit of nine overseas players in the XI. This is much more extreme than the 4-5 we see in the other teams.
This is how the teams stack up:
1. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Retained Players: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Joe Clarke, Charith Asalanka, Sabir Ali, Ali Khan, Matiullah Khan, Marchant de Lange
Squad: Laurie Evans, Sam Hain, Michael Pepper, Alishan Sharafu, Ravi Bopara, Brandon McMullen, David Willey, Adhitya Shetty, Josh Little, Sabir Ali, Matiullah Khan, Jake Lintott
2. Desert Vipers
Retained Players: Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Colin Munro, Sherfane Rutherford, Luke Wood, Matheesha Pathirana, Rohan Mustafa, Sheldon Cottrell, Dinesh Chandimal, Gus Atkinson* (withdrawn), Ali Naseer
Squad: Azam Khan, Adam Hose, Michael Jones, Bas de Leede, Shadab Khan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Tymal Mills, Shaheen Shah Afridi
3. Dubai Capitals
Retained Players: Joe Root, Sikandar Raza, Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Raja Akifullah Khan
Squad: Vritya Aravind, Sam Billings, Rahul Chopra, Max Holden, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sadeera Samarawickrama, David Warner, Mohammad Mohsin, Dasun Shanaka, Roelof van der Merwe, Akif Raja, Nuwan Thurshara, Andrew Tye, Mark Wood, Haider Ali
4. Gulf Giants
Retained Players: Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, James Vince, Jamie Overton, Chris Lynn, Aayan Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Richard Gleeson, Carlos Brathwaite, Rehan Ahmed, Gerhard Erasmus
Squad: Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, Usman Khan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Dominic Drakes, Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman*, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sanchit Sharma, Zuhaib Zubair
*Mujeeb is banned from ILT20 for a season or two due to a breach in contract
5. MI Emirates
Retained Players: Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Muhammad Waseem, Daniel Mousley, Trent Boult, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Will Smeed, McKenny Clarke, Andre Fletcher
Retained Players: Chris Woakes, Junaid Siddique, Mark Deyal, Joe Denly, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Muhammad Jawadullah
Squad: Basil Hameed, Johnson Charles, Martin Guptill, Kusal Mendis, Sean Williams, James Fuller, Lewis Gregory, Nilansh Keswani, Daniel Sams, Dilshan Madushanka, Qais Ahmad, Chris Sole, Mahesh Theekshana, Mark Watt
Cricket is at a breaking point. We have said this time and time again.
We are now at an extremely crucial juncture in cricket’s history. Not only is international cricket competing with franchise leagues for a spot in the calendar, the T20 leagues themselves are at odds with each other.
The SA20, ILT20, BBL, BPL, and New Zealand’s Super Smash are all competing for top talent between December and February, after which the PSL and IPL take over. Which leagues will survive?
We do not know, but international cricket may not. Test cricket (outside of the Big 3), definitely, will not.
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Today we will discuss the salary of a SA20 player in South Africa.
After years of failing to develop a T20 league, it looks like South Africa finally have a competition that will survive (with the help of the IPL franchises, of course).
The average salary of a South Africa T20 League (SA20) player is $110,000 (maximum 19 players in the squad with a maximum purse of 39.1 million South African Rands or $2.09 Million USD). The salary cap in the 2024 SA20 season increased from R. 34 million to R. 39.1 million.
The maximum salary cap for the entire SA20 was $12.55 Million, for a maximum of 114 players, divided among 6 teams.
The South Africa T20 League (SA20) – What is the Average SA20 Salary?
*Note: The amounts shown below are average auction prices. Since pre-auction signing salaries are undisclosed, some of those players are probably earning much higher amounts since the average salary of a SA20 player is $110,000.
Also, the wildcard picks have a minimum salary of R. 175,000, but this can be outside the salary purse.
SA20 Team
Average Auction Salary Amounts
Durban Super Giants
$86,550
Joburg Super Kings
$98,640
MI Cape Town
$63,270
Paarl Royals
$71,620
Pretoria Capitals
$95,200
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
$106,030
We use the conversion, $1 USD = 18.69 South African Rand (as of 1/7/2024)
SA20 Auction Picks – Salary of South Africa League T20
Now we summarize the salaries for each team based on both the 2023 SA20 Auction as well as the 2024 mini-auction.
2024 is the year where international cricket calendar might finally crash.
The inaugural seasons of SA20, ILT20, and MLC were all a huge season. Now, there is virtually no open space in the international calendar.
The SA20, with its backing from the IPL franchises, will ensure South African cricketers make a decent living, but it may come at the expense of international cricket.
Is it worth it? Can the leagues and international cricket co-exist? What is the solution?
So many questions. What do you say? Comment Below! For now, we can go and enjoy good cricket in the SA20.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Salary of South Africa T20 League (SA20) player
What is the average salary for a South Africa T20 League (SA20) player in South Africa?
The average salary for a SA20 player is about $110,000. Teams had a salary purse of 39.1 Million Rands or $2.09 Million for a maximum of 19 players in their squads.
Is the South Africa T20 League (SAT20) the richest cricket league in the world?
No, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world. The SA20 (South African T20 League) is the 3rd richest league by average player salaries.
Who was the most expensive player in the 2024 SA20 Competition?
Tristan Stubbs (R. 9,200,000 or $492,000) is the most expensive player in the SA20 competition.
Today we will discuss the salary of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) player in Pakistan.
The PSL has finally become profitable over the last couple of years, and big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf make this a T20 competition to behold.
However, there’s one question on every cricket fan’s mind: just how much do these players make?
PSL Salary – By the Numbers
The average salary of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) player is $66,667 or about 1.89 Crore PKR (maximum 18 players in the squad with a salary cap of $1.2 million or 33.6 Crore PKR). Hence, the maximum amount spent in the entire PSL draft was $7.2 million for a maximum of 108 players, divided among 6 teams.
The average salary for a domestic Pakistan Super League player is $61,824 or 1.72 Crore PKR ($4.575 million spent for a total of 74 domestic players). The average salary for an overseas PSL cricketer is $77,206 or 2.16 Crore PKR ($2.625 million spent for 34 signed overseas players).
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) – How Much Was Each Draft Pick?
Draft Picks
Average Salary Amounts
Platinum
$150,000 (4,19,58,000 PKR)
Diamond
$72,500 (2,02,79,700 PKR)
Gold
$45,000 (1,25,87,400 PKR)
Silver
$20,000 (55,94,400 PKR)
Emerging
$7,500 (20,97,900 PKR)
Supplementary
$50,000 (1,39,86,000 PKR)
Conversion Rate: As of 12/18/2023, $1 United States Dollar (USD) = 279.72 Pakistan Rupee (PKR)
PSL 2024 Draft Picks – Salary of Pakistan Super League Player
According to The Cricketer in PSL (2021), here were the price ranges for each of the different categories. In the last three years, there has not been any changes to this structure. In addition, a range has been provided for each category. However, the exact amounts for a particular player are unknown.
Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Jordan Cox (Islamabad United), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz (Karachi Kings), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen (Lahore Qalandars), Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey (Multan Sultans), Babar Azam, Rovman Powell, Noor Ahmad (Peshawar Zalmi), Rilee Rossouw, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Amir (Quetta Gladiators)
Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills (Islamabad United), Tim Seifert, James Vince, Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings), Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Sahibzada Farhan (Lahore Qalandars), Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, Dawid Malan (Multan Sultans), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Asif Ali (Peshawar Zalmi), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Jason Roy, Wanindu Hasaranga (Quetta Gladiators)
Rumman Raees, Matthew Forde, Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan (Islamabad United), Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, M Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas (Karachi Kings), Mirza Tahir Baig, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Dan Lawrence, Ahsan Bhatti (Lahore Qalandars), Ihsanullah, Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Ali, Usman Khan (Multan Sultans), Khurram Shahzad, Salman Irshad, Arif Yaqoob, Umair Afridi, Daniel Mousley (Peshawar Zalmi), Will Smeed, Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali Jnr, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousaf (Quetta Gladiators)
5. Emerging Round Draft Pick ($7,500/21 Lakh PKR)
Price: $7,500 (20,97,900 PKR)
Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah (Islamabad United), Sirajuddin, M Irfan Khan (Karachi Kings), Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun (Lahore Qalands), Faisal Akram, Yasir Khan (Multan Sultans), Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Zeeshan (Peshawar Zalmi), Adil Naz, Khawaja Nafay (Quetta Gladiators)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Salary of Pakistan Super League (PSL) player
What is the average salary for a Pakistan Super League (PSL) player in Pakistan?
The average salary of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) player is $66,667. Each PSL team has a purse of $1.2 million for 18 total players.
Is Pakistan Super League (PSL) the richest cricket league in the world?
No, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world. The PSL is the sixth richest cricket league in the world (based on average player salary).
Who was the most expensive player in the PSL 2024 draft?
The most expensive players in the PSL 2024 draft were as follows: Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Jordan Cox (Islamabad United), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz (Karachi Kings), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen (Lahore Qalandars), Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey (Multan Sultans), Babar Azam, Rovman Powell, Noor Ahmad (Peshawar Zalmi), Rilee Rossouw, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Amir (Quetta Gladiators). They all were the Platinum Draft Pick for their respective teams.
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 who the greatest South African fast bowler of all-time was, including the era of 1970-1992, the lost generation due to South Africa’s global isolation.
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
Player
Wickets
Shaun Pollock
829
Dale Steyn
699
Makhaya Ntini
662
Allan Donald
602
Jacques Kallis
577
Morne Morkel
544
Kagiso Rabada
495
Lance Klusener
272
Vernon Philander
269
Andre Nel
231
Lungi Ngidi
199
Fanie de Villiers
180
Wayne Parnell
173
Hansie Cronje
157
Andile Phehlukwayo
146
Brian McMillian
145
Anrich Nortje
144
Andrew Hall
143
Charles Langeveldt
133
Craig Matthews
131
Trevor Goddard
123
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
121
Peter Pollock
116
Neil Adcock
104
Kyle Abbott
99
Ryan McLaren
97
Chris Morris
94
Marco Jansen
85
Dwaine Pretorius
77
Nantie Hayward
75
Albie Morkel
74
Jimmy Sinclair
63
Richard Snell
63
Duanne Olivier
62
Jimmy Blanckenberg
60
Peter Heine
58
Roger Telemachus
58
Buster Nupen
50
Others: Gerald Coetzee (46), Eddie Barlow (40)
*Note: This includes wickets taken for World XI teams as well.
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) Test wickets, (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). We also considered one day internationals and T20Is for more recent players.
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
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 Makhaya Ntini’s action, and the tireless nature of Morne Morkel hitting the deck. The Australia Test series wins in recent times were largely based on the back of these bowlers.
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 was your favorite South Africa fast bowler?
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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.
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.
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?
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
Player
Wickets
Courtney Walsh
746
Curtly Ambrose
630
Malcolm Marshall
533
Joel Garner
405
Kemar Roach
400
Michael Holding
391
Jason Holder
375
Jerome Taylor
291
Andy Roberts
289
Ian Bishop
279
Dwayne Bravo
263
Mervyn Dillon
261
Fidel Edwards
245
Sir Garfield Sobers
236
Alzarri Joseph
225
Daren Sammy
209
Shannon Gabriel
202
Ravi Rampaul
197
Wes Hall
192
Patrick Patterson
183
Corey Collymore
176
Winston Benjamin
161
Daren Powell
158
Colin Croft
155
Pedro Collins
145
Reon King
129
Vanburn Holder
128
Kenny Benjamin
125
Andre Russell
113
Sheldon Cottrell
106
Tino Best
97
Kieron Pollard
97
Charlie Griffith
94
Nixon McLean
90
Ian Bradshaw
87
Phil Simmons
87
Anderson Cummins
86
Cameron Cuffy
84
Winston Davis
84
Vasbert Drakes
84
Franklyn Rose
82
Carlos Brathwaite
75
Dwayne Smith
75
Keith Boyce
73
Frank Worrell
69
Bernard Julien
68
Jermaine Lawson
68
Tony Gray
66
Keemo Paul
65
Wayne Daniel
59
Learie Constantine
58
Gerry Gomez
58
Romario Shepherd
58
Roy Gilchrist
57
Sylvester Clarke
55
Eldine Baptiste
52
Oshane Thomas
50
Kesrick Williams
50
Others: Kyle Mayers (48), Jomel Warrican (46), Obed McCoy (46), Herman Griffith (44), Jayden Seales (43), Manny Martindale (37), George Francis (23)
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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 asGlenn 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 ($1.5 million or above).
The franchises that have spent the most money regularly in IPL auctions are: RCB (7), CSK, KKR, PBKS/KXIP (5), MI, DD (3), RR, SRH (2), and LSG, KTK, PWI, RPS (1).
IPL 2023: Sam Curran (18.5 Crore INR), Cameron Green (17.5 Crore INR), Ben Stokes (16.25 Crore INR), Nicholas Pooran (16 Crore INR), Harry Brook (13.25 Crore INR)
USD to INR Conversion Rates (2008-2023)
It is important to consider the US$ 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 $1 = 82.81 INR.
On the face of it, the 16.25 Crore INR looks like the ‘most expensive’ price Stokes was bought at. However, IPL 2017 was actually the better deal for Stokes.
IPL Auction Year
1 US$ to INR Conversion (IPL Auction Date)
2008
39.25 INR (01/24/2008)
2009
48.63 INR (02/06/2009)
2010
45.76 INR (01/19/2010)
2011
45.35 INR (01/08/2011)
2012
48.60 INR (02/04/2012)
2013
53.16 INR (02/03/2013)
2014
62.43 INR (02/13/2014)
2015
62.11 INR (02/16/2015)
2016
67.80 INR (02/06/2016)
2017
66.91 INR (02/20/2017)
2018
63.60 INR (01/27/2018)
2019
70.62 INR (12/18/2018)
2020
71.18 INR (12/19/2019)
2021
72.59 INR (02/18/2021)
2022
75.65 INR (02/12/2022)
2023
82.81 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Player
Runs
Wickets
Wasim Akram
6615
916
Shaun Pollock
7386
829
Chaminda Vaas
5147
761
Daniel Vettori
6989
705
Shakib Al Hasan
14406
690
Kapil Dev
9031
687
Jacques Kallis
25534
577
Ravindra Jadeja
6017
546
Imran Khan
7516
544
Shahid Afridi
11196
541
Ian Botham
7313
528
Sanath Jayasuriya
21032
440
Chris Cairns
8273
420
Andrew Flintoff
7315
400
Abdul Razzaq
7419
389
Jason Holder
5441
373
Dwayne Bravo
6423
363
Moeen Ali
6558
358
Carl Hooper
11523
307
Ben Stokes
10165
297
Shane Watson
10950
291
Steve Waugh
18496
287
Ravi Shastri
6938
280
Lance Klusener
5482
272
Chris Gayle
19593
260
Mohammad Nabi
5066
257
Mohammad Hafeez
12780
253
Gary Sobers
8032
236
Chris Harris
5156
219
Shoaib Malik
11867
218
Sachin Tendulkar
34357
201
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.
Wilfred Rhodes – 39969 runs, 4204 wickets
Fred Titmus – 21588 runs, 2830 wickets
WG Grace – 54211 runs, 2809 wickets
Maurice Tate – 21717 runs, 2784 wickets
George Hirst – 36356 runs, 2742 wickets
Ewart Astill – 22735 runs, 2432 wickets
Trevor Bailey – 28641 runs, 2082 wickets
Ray Illingworth – 24134 runs, 2072 wickets
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anothertalent 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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 Pick
Salary 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)
*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?
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.
