The Highest-Paid Cricket Players in the World

When it comes to the highest-paid cricket players in the world, they all play in the IPL (Indian Premier League). The IPL’s rising popularity and injection of cash mean players like Mitchell Starc get to sign big-time contracts. 

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc is the highest-paid cricket player of 2024. His contract for $2.92 million broke the previous record by more than $500,000. Kolkata Knight Riders were the lucky club to secure his services. 

Starc was in high demand due to his adept skill and ability to swing the ball both ways. Starc hadn’t played in the IPL since 2015, electing to play only for his national team, Australia. Starc’s return marked a big splash in spending by IPL clubs. 

Pat Cummins is second on the list with his contract of $2.47 million. Cummins, a bowler also from Australia, was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2023 IPL auction. Cummins had set the record for the most expensive IPL player until Starc broke the record hours later. 

Third on the list is batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell. The New Zealander signed with the Chennai Super Kings for $1.69 million in the IPL auction. 

Mitchell was fought for by three different clubs, with the starting bid at $119,767. The Super Kings eventually won their man with a massive bid that puts him as the third highest-paid cricket player of 2024. 

The first Indian on the list, Harshal Patel, comes in fourth. Patel signed with the Punjab Kings for $1.4 million. A fast bowler with a knack for delivering in the clutch, Patel is getting his big payday after a breakout season in 2021.

West Indian Alzarri Joseph rounds out the list’s top five highest-paid cricket players. Joseph inspired a bidding war for his services, with four teams battling for his signature. The 27-year-old bowler, known for his speed, eventually signed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.3 million. 

The IPL stands head and shoulders above all other cricket boards. Their estimated $2.25 billion net worth is almost thirty times more than Cricket Australia’s $79 million net worth. 

The top-notch cricket and its popularity allow IPL clubs to continue pouring money into quality cricket players.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Cricket Players

Here is the list of the highest-paid cricket players of 2024. The list is compiled with data from ESPNCricInfo and Forbes India.

• Updated: May 20, 2024