The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 is one of the most star-studded seasons ever.
Cricket Australia has upgraded the overseas draft with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, allowing franchises to sign big international names.
For the 2025–26 season, the Platinum tier offers up to AUD 420,000 for full-season availability — the highest bracket for international players.
However, most publicly reported contracts for 2025–26 show Platinum overseas players receiving around AUD 270,000, depending on availability and draft pick terms.
Among all signings, Babar Azam has grabbed the biggest headlines, becoming the highest-paid star of BBL 2025–26, followed closely by world-class bowlers and all-rounders.
Among all signings, Babar Azam has grabbed the biggest headlines, becoming the highest-paid star of BBL 2025–26, followed closely by world-class bowlers and all-rounders.
Based on latest consistent public reporting, these are the confirmed highest-paid players of BBL 2025–26:
BBL 2025–26 Salary Structure
| Tier | Salary (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum (Full Availability) | Up to $420,000 | Highest-paying category |
| Platinum – Draft Pick | $270,000 | Most overseas players fall in this bracket |
| Gold | ~$200,000 | Top domestic + some overseas |
| Silver | ~$120,000 | Reliable domestic players |
| Bronze | ~$70,000 | Young/depth players |
Why Babar Azam Is the Costliest Player in BBL 2025–26
Even though several Platinum overseas players receive AUD 270,000, Babar Azam is ranked No.1 because:
- He is signed in the highest-possible category (Platinum – Full Availability)
- His final payout can reach the top bracket
- His signing brings the maximum global visibility
- He is the marquee international face of BBL 2025–26
- Media and draft reports position him as the headline most expensive pick
This is why Babar is counted as the costliest overseas star of BBL 2025–26.
Top 10 Most Expensive BBL Players (2025–2026 Season)
1. Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000 – 320,000
Babar Azam is the costliest and most talked-about signing of the BBL 2025–26 season.
His world-class T20 consistency, global fanbase, and full-season availability put him right at the top of the Platinum bracket. His contract, touching AUD 300k+, makes him the most expensive overseas player this season.
Like to know? Why Babar Azam Is the No.1 Highest-Paid Player in BBL 2025–26
2. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Melbourne Stars
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
One of cricket’s deadliest left-arm fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi commands the maximum Platinum fee. His pace, swing, yorkers, and star presence make him a massive crowd-puller and match-winner.
3. Mohammad Rizwan – Adelaide Strikers
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A calm, consistent T20 opener and wicketkeeper, Rizwan offers double value. His finishing ability, strike rotation, and fitness ensure a premium contract at the top salary level.
4. Sam Curran – Hobart Hurricanes
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A true T20 all-rounder, Curran bowls in powerplay & death overs and plays impactful cameos. His multi-role ability makes him one of the highest-paid Platinum signings.
5. Chris Jordan – Perth Scorchers
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A specialist in death bowling and athletic fielding, Jordan is valued for experience and pressure-handling. His global T20 profile keeps him in the top earning group.
6. Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
Haris Rauf’s raw pace, sharp bouncers, and fan following — especially since his BBL breakout years earlier — make him one of the most expensive bowlers of the league.
7. Lockie Ferguson – Brisbane Heat
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
One of the quickest bowlers in world cricket, Ferguson delivers 150+ km/h consistently. His pace and death-overs skill bring him a maximum-category deal.
8. Finn Allen – Hobart Hurricanes
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A powerplay beast, Finn Allen’s explosive hitting makes him a Platinum-level opener. His fearless approach is exactly what BBL franchises demand.
9. Colin Munro – Brisbane Heat
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A veteran T20 hitter, Munro brings years of global franchise experience. His aggressive middle-order role keeps him highly paid in the top bracket.
10. Jamie Overton – Sydney Thunder
Approx Salary: AUD 270,000
A rising T20 all-rounder with pace and lower-order hitting, Overton offers two-dimensional value. His performances place him among the highest-paid players this season.
Most Expensive Player for Each BBL Team (2025–26)
| Team | Highest-Paid Player | 2nd Highest | 3rd Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Sixers | Babar Azam | Sam Curran | Steve Smith |
| Brisbane Heat | Shaheen Afridi | Colin Munro | Marnus Labuschagne |
| Hobart Hurricanes | Chris Jordan | Ben McDermott | Nathan Ellis |
| Melbourne Stars | Haris Rauf | Glenn Maxwell | Tom Curran |
| Perth Scorchers | Finn Allen | Jhye Richardson | Andrew Tye |
| Adelaide Strikers | Jamie Overton | Rashid Khan* | Matt Short |
| Sydney Thunder | Lockie Ferguson | David Warner | Ravi Ashwin |
| Melbourne Renegades | Tim Seifert | Nic Maddinson | Adam Zampa |
Why BBL Salaries Have Increased in 2025–26
1. Higher global broadcast revenue
More countries watching BBL → bigger budget for franchises.
2. Competition from IPL, PSL, SA20
BBL increased pay to attract world-class overseas players.
3. Updated Cricket Australia player agreements
Improved structure raises Platinum earnings.
4. Strong fan attendance across Australia
Big crowds encourage teams to invest in marquee stars.
5. Asian audience boost
Signings like Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen expand BBL’s global footprint.
Read more? SA20 Most Expensive Player: Top 5 Expensive Stars
Conclusion
The BBL 2025–26 season is shaping up as one of the biggest in league history.
With Babar Azam leading the list of most expensive players, and top international names like Shaheen Afridi, Rizwan, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Haris Rauf, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Colin Munro, and Jamie Overton, the tournament promises quality cricket and global excitement.
The rise in salaries shows that the BBL is growing fast and becoming a powerful force in world T20 leagues.
