The Big Bash League (BBL) has firmly established itself as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world, captivating fans all over the world with its electrifying brand of big-hitting, stump-smashing cricket.
But as the league continues to grow in popularity, so does the financial allure for players. As a result, the top cricketers are earning more this year than ever before. But who are the superstars that make the most dollars?
We reveal all in this list of the ten highest-paid Big Bash League players of 2023.
When is the 2023/34 Big Bash Season?
The Big Bash Season for 2023/24 kicks off on Thursday 7th, December, when last year’s beaten finalists, the Brisbane Heat, take on the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba. Overall, 44 games will take place over a seven-week period, with the Perth Scorchers hoping to take out the trophy for the third year in a row.
A total of eight teams compete in the league comprising of the following:
Adelaide Strikers
Brisbane Heat
Hobart Hurricanes
Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Stars
Perth Scorchers
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Thunder
The tournament consists of double round-robin matches, play-offs and a final, which takes place on 24th January at a venue to be decided.
You will be able to watch live games on Channel 7 and Fox Cricket.
Previous Winners
There have been 12 previous seasons of the Big Bash League, with the Perth Scorchers being the most successful team, having won the tournament five times, including two on the bounce.
Here is a full list of winners in the history of the competition.
2011-12 Sydney Sixers beat Perth Scorchers by 7 wickets
2012-13 Brisbane Heat beach Perth Scorchers by 34 runs
2013-14 Perth Scorchers beat Hobart Hurricanes by 39 runs
2014-15 Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by 4 wickets
2015-16 Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Stars by 3 wickets
2016-17 Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by 9 wickets
2017-18 Adelaide Strikers beat Hobart Hurricanes by 25 runs
2018-19 Melbourne Renegades beach Melbourne Stars by 13 runs
2019-20 Sydney Sixers beach Melbourne Stars by 19 runs
2020-21 Sydney Sixers beach Perth Scorchers by 27 runs
2021-22 Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by 79 runs
2022-23 Perth Scorchers beach Brisbane Heat by 5 wickets
Highest Played Big Bash League Players
Over 130 players are contracted to the eight Big Bash teams for this season. The figures for how much the top earners will make have not been released yet. However, here is what the top earners made in last season’s competition.
10. Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers) – $195,600
The young and dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe has been making waves in the Big Bash League for a few seasons now. His impressive performances for the Sydney Sixers have earned him a justified standing among the ranks of the highest-paid players in the Big Bash League.
Philippe’s ability to score quickly and keep wickets tidily makes him a crucial player for the franchise.
9. Dan Christian (Sydney Sixers) – $197,900
All-Rounder, Dan Christian is a T20 specialist who boasts an impressive Big Bash League (BBL) career. For many years, Christian has been a sought-after player for various BBL franchises, thanks to his dynamic skills with both bat and ball.
Known for his powerful hitting and effective medium-fast bowling, he has played for multiple teams, including the Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Sixers.
As well as being one of the most decorated T20 players on the circuit, Christian’s experience, leadership qualities, and all-round capabilities were worth his weight in gold. He retired from the game after the 2022/23 season.
8. Ashton Agar (Perth Scorchers) – $197,900
For several years, Ashton Agar has been an integral part of the Perth Scorchers’ success. The Australian left-arm spinner and lower-order batsman has consistently delivered impactful performances with both bat and ball that have gone a long way to winning games for his team.
He is best known for his reliability, which manifests itself in economical bowling, his ability to pick up crucial wickets and handy contributions with the bat down the order. Additionally, he is a firm fan favourite due to his affable nature and the way he interacts with fans.
7. Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers) – $198,800
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spin superstar, has established himself as a formidable force in the Big Bash League (BBL). A key player for the Adelaide Strikers, Rashid’s crafty leg-spin and explosive batting have made him a top pick in the fantasy league.
As a bowler, Khan is not only a constant wicket-taking threat but also very hard to get away, making him a crucial part of the team’s ability to restrict targets and defend run chases. Additionally, Rashid’s dynamic cameos with the bat and motivational influence on his teammates underscore his value as one of the premier T20 players around the world.
6. Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers) – $199,600
Alex Carey, the current test match Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a stalwart in the Big Bash League (BBL) for many years. His explosive batting, agile glovework, and captaincy will again be integral to the Adelaide Strikers’ chances in 2023/24.
In addition, Carey’s dynamic presence adds flair, X-factor and competitiveness to the league.
5. Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars) – $200,000
Known for his audacious strokes and exceptional fielding skills, Glenn Maxwell is a crowd favourite in the Big Bash League. In 2023, the Melbourne Stars broke the bank to retain his services, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
His ability to change the course of a game with both bat and ball – as evidenced by that extraordinary innings against Afghanistan in the recent ODI 50 over Cricket World Cup) adds immense value to the Stars’ lineup.
4. Chris Lynn (Adelaide Strikers) – $202,000
Chris Lynn is one of the most explosive batsmen in the Big Bash League. Popularly known as ‘Lynnsanity’ due to his powerful hitting and aggressive style of play, he was a key player for the Brisbane Heat for many years as their captain and regular top run-scorer.
Now plying his trade at the Adelaide Strikers, his ability to hit boundaries effortlessly and provide quick starts continues to make him one of the most electrifying and high-octane performers in the competition.
3. Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) – $227,900
Marcus Stoinis, the dynamic Australian T20 all-rounder, is a key player for the Melbourne Stars thanks to his explosive batting, effective medium-pace bowling, and electric fielding.
His ability to anchor the innings and finish matches with powerful strokes makes him a vital asset. Indeed, Stoinis is regularly among the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in the BBL – earning him a nice big contract in 2022/23.
Moreover, as a reliable all-rounder, he adds balance to the Stars’ lineup while embodying the versatile and competitive spirit of the BBL with his impactful contributions in both departments.
2. Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers) – $246,800
Fast bowler Andrew Tye has made a significant impact in the BBL over the course of his career.
What makes him such a tricky proposition is his mastery of variations, which has helped him consistently take wickets for the Perth Scorchers. His ability to execute yorkers and deceptive slower balls under extreme pressure from the batsmen has made him a reliable specialist in the death overs.
Over the years, Tye has enjoyed standout performances, including memorable hat-tricks. As one of the Scorchers’ leading wicket-takers, he has played a pivotal role in their successful dynasty.
1. D’arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes) – $258,900
Given his destructive batting, D’Arcy Short deserved to be the highest-paid player in the Big Bash League in 2023.
Playing for the Hobart Hurricanes, Short consistently set up or turned games with his aggressive yet effective batting style, which saw him regularly clear the ropes.
His BBL credentials include a record-breaking innings of 122 not out, as well as being his team and the tournament’s leading run-scorer in previous seasons.
Overall, Short’s dynamic batting and flair in the field make him one of the most prized assets in the competition.