The Big Bash League (BBL) has entered a new financial phase, and franchises are ready to pay high rates for global superstars. Babar Azam has now been officially named the highest-priced player in the history of the BBL, a significant shift in Australian teams’ perception of the value of marquee international talent.
Not only does his signing make the league more visible on the world stage, but it also rekindled the salary expectations of overseas players.
Most Expensive Player in BBL
| Rank | Player | Team | Salary (AUD) / Category* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam | Sydney Sixers | A$ 420,000 (Platinum) |
| 2 | Shaheen Afridi | Brisbane Heat | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 3 | Mohammad Rizwan | Melbourne Renegades | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 4 | Chris Jordan | Hobart Hurricanes | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 5 | Sam Curran | Sydney Sixers | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 6 | Haris Rauf | Melbourne Stars | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 7 | Lockie Ferguson | Sydney Thunder | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 8 | Finn Allen | Perth Scorchers | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 9 | Colin Munro | Brisbane Heat | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
| 10 | Jamie Overton | Adelaide Strikers | A$ 270,000 (Platinum) |
Babar Azam: International Great to the Big Money Winner of BBL
(Approx: AUD 300,000 = INR 1.65 crore)
In 2025, the Sydney Sixers signed a high-profile BBL contract with Babar Azam, which generated significant publicity across major cricket news media. It is estimated at AUD 300,000, making him the highest-paid player in BBL 15. This contract has Babar at the top of the BBL salary list, beating former marquee signings.
What is Special about the Contract of Babar
The deal that Babar made is not only extraordinary given its value, but it also represents what is to come to the league:
- Record-breaking pay: There is no BBL overseas signing during recent seasons that has come anywhere close to this amount.
- Elite talent value on the market: His worldwide fan base and T20 consistency provide value in performance and in the marketplace.
- Planned investment in franchise: The Sixers are also relying on Babar to rebrand their batting power and increase their international presence.
- Change in the spending trend of BBL: On the one hand, a shift from controlled budgets to more aggressive numbers; on the other hand, a shift toward talent-focused numbers.
The Next Two Highest-Paid BBL Players (2025)
1. Chris Lynn – A Proven Big Bash Powerhouse
Chris Lynn is a veteran of the BBL and one of the all-time leading run-scorers of the tournament. He is still considered one of the highest earners in the league. His salary has been reported to be between AUD 200,000 and 250,000, and can increase according to bonuses and match availability. He is valuable because of his explosive batting, deep BBL experience, and marketability with Australian crowds.
2. Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s T20 Megastar
Rashid Khan earns a salary in the AUD 200,000+ range. His international engagements usually restrict his involvement, but his contribution as a match-winning leg-spinner keeps him in the high bracket. Rashid is always one of the most costly BBL draft picks, and this is his elite status in the global T20.
Implications for BBL and Overseas Players
The increasing pay cap has broader implications for the league:
1. Stronger Global Competition
It has now brought BBL closer to the financial capabilities of other leagues, such as the PSL and CPL, making it more appealing to high-profile international players.
2. Increased Franchise Pressure
The teams might be under pressure to acquire bigger names, which could increase total budgets in subsequent drafts.
3. Enhanced Audience Reach
Big stars bring big markets. The signing of Babar is a major growth factor among the South Asians, which is a major objective of BBL broadcasters.
4. More Value to International Rivals.
BBL has become an appealing financial opportunity to international players rather than a more lifestyle-friendly, shorter-scheduled league.
5. Salary Structure Reassessment
With the growth in marquee signings, players in the mid-range tier on the international and domestic front might demand new forms of compensation.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Big Bash League recorded a record when Babar Azam was sold to the league at the highest price of about AUD300,000 (USD198K | INR1.65 crore). This historic agreement underscores the league’s efforts to secure the best world-class cricket talent. The BBL financial environment is developing at a fast pace, and the top-earning stars such as Chris Lynn and Rashid Khan are already present. We will see even more intense bidding wars for world-class performers in the near future.
FAQs
1. Which is the most expensive player in BBL 2025?
Bablar Azam is the highest-paid player in the 2025 BBL season and has his contract estimated at approximately AUD -300,000.
2. How Much do Top-Tier BBL players earn?
Top-paid athletes generally receive AUD 200,000-300,000, depending on draft category, availability, and franchise deals.
3. How does BBL salary compare to IPL salaries?
Even the highest BBL salaries are lower. IPL players will get INR 15-25 crore+, and the top BBL salary is about INR 1.5-1.7 crore. The BBL has a small yet stable salary structure.
