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, and Shakib Al Hasan have been judged as the Top 3 greatest cricketers in cricket-history.
England (6), South Africa (5), India (5), Pakistan (5), Australia (4), West Indies (2), Sri Lanka (1), New Zealand (1), and Bangladesh (1) make up the list of the Top 30 all-rounders of all-time.
List of the Greatest Cricket All Rounders of All-Time (RANKED)
Honorable Mentions: Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Angelo Mathews, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Glenn Maxwell, Hardik Pandya, Shoaib Malik, Trevor Goddard, Ravi Shastri, Bill Eldrich, Learie Constantine, Wally Hammond, Jack Gregory, Maurice Tate, Hugh Trumble, Jason Holder, Johnny Briggs, George Giffen, Billy Barnes, Billy Bates, Mohammad Hafeez, Carl Hooper, Hansie Cronje, Greg Chappell, Chris Old, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Gayle, Steve Waugh
Note: Impact in Tests, World Cups, quality of opposition & era, first-class statistics, 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).
Let’s begin.
30. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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. A true modern-day all-rounder.
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.
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!
All-Round Stats
Matches: 233 (FC), 44 (Tests)
Runs: 11591 (FC), 2109 (Tests)
Wickets: 782 (FC), 162 (Tests)
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.
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.
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, earning him recognition as one of the most complete players of his era, and his exceptional ability in every aspect of the game – not to mention his distinguished captaincy – 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 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.
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.
All-Round Stats
Matches: 259 (FC), 63 (Tests)
Runs: 11719 (FC), 2201 (Tests)
Wickets: 945 (FC), 248 (Tests)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, with his dynamic batting and bowling skills, tops my list. But let’s not forget Sir Garfield Sobers, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, and more – their talent was just off the charts!
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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 $133,000AUD ($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 Picks
Salary 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.
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).
*will miss the first part of the tournament. Sarah Glenn will replace her.
2. Gold Draft Pick ($90,000 AUD($56,826 USD))
Player
Country
Team
Danni Wyatt*
England
Perth Scorchers
Maia Bouchier
England
Melbourne Stars
Bryony Smith
England
Hobart Hurricanes
*withdrawn
3. Silver Draft Pick ($65,000 AUD($41,041 USD))
Player
Country
Team
Dani Gibson
England
Adelaide Strikers
Lauren Bell
England
Sydney Thunder
Bess Heath
England
Brisbane Heat
4. Bronze Draft Pick ($40,000 AUD ($25,256 USD))
Player
Country
Team
Jess Kerr
New Zealand
Sydney Sixers
5. Direct Nomination Pick ($61,750 AUD($38,988 USD)) – Maximum
Player
Country
Team
Tammy Beamont
England
Melbourne Renegades
Amy Jones
England
Perth Scorchers
Sophia Dunkley
England
Melbourne Stars
Mignon du Preez
South Africa
Brisbane Heat
Lizelle Lee
South Africa
Hobart Hurricanes
Georgia Adams
England
Adelaide Striker
Chamari Athapaththu (Replacement)
Sri Lanka
Sydney 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
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 $133,000AUD ($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.
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?
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.
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.”
“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.
“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.
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
Player
Role
Age
Dimuth Karunaratne
Batter
35
Kusal Mendis
Batter/Wicketkeeper
28
Pathum Nissanka
Batter
25
Kusal Perera
Batter/Wicketkeeper
33
Sadeera Samawickrama
Batter/Wicketkeeper
28
Dasun Shanaka
All-Rounder/Right Arm Pace
32
Charith Asalanka
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
26
Dhananjaya de Silva
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
32
Dushan Hemantha
All-Rounder/Right Arm Leg Spin
29
Lahiru Kumara
Right Arm Pace
26
Dilshan Madushanka
Left Arm Pace
23
Matheesha Pathirana
Right Arm Pace
20
Kasun Rajitha
Right Arm Pace
30
Mahesh Theekshana
Right Arm Mystery Spin
23
Dunith Wellalage
Left Arm Spin
20
*Chamika Kauranatne
Right Arm Fast
27
*Traveling Reserve
Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI
Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis (WK)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asakalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka (C)
Dunith Wellalage
Mahesh Theekshana
Matheesha Pathirana
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)
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.
