The highest paid players in BBL 2026 are generating massive excitement as the Big Bash League prepares for another action-packed season. With the updated overseas draft system and increased salary caps, the upcoming BBL 2025–26 edition is attracting some of the biggest names in world cricket. International stars from Pakistan, England, Australia, and other major cricketing nations are set to feature in the league, making this season more competitive and entertaining than ever.
Cricket Australia has upgraded the overseas draft system, creating four salary tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Platinum category offers the highest salary, reaching up to AUD 420,000 for players who are fully available throughout the season. This new approach has made it easier for franchises to sign elite cricketers from around the world.
This article focuses on the highest paid players in BBL 2026, highlighting the five biggest signings of the upcoming season. These players have landed major contracts and are expected to make a strong impact for their teams.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Highest Paid Players in BBL 2026
5. Chris Jordan – Approx. AUD 270,000
Chris Jordan begins the list of the highest paid players in BBL 2026, ranking at number five. The English fast bowler has been selected in the Platinum tier, which includes the highest-earning international players available for the league. Jordan has built a reputation as one of the best death-over specialists in T20 cricket, making him a dependable choice for any team.
Jordan’s calm nature under pressure, especially in the final overs, is one of his biggest strengths. He brings both experience and consistent performance to the bowling attack. Along with his bowling skills, he is also known for his outstanding athletic fielding, often taking spectacular catches and saving crucial runs. His all-round value makes him a strong signing for the season.
| Category | Details |
| Nationality | England |
| Role | Fast Bowler |
| Special Skill | Death Over Bowling |
| BBL Salary 2025–26 | Approx. AUD 270,000 |
| Strengths | Accuracy, Experience, Fielding |
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4. Sam Curran – Approx. AUD 270,000
Sam Curran stands at number four among the highest paid players in BBL 2026. Signed by the Hobart Hurricanes, Curran is considered one of the most complete T20 all-rounders today. His versatility in both batting and bowling makes him extremely valuable to his team.
Curran can bowl with the new ball during the powerplay and return to bowl in the death overs—both roles that require high skill and control. With the bat, he can score quick runs, finish innings, or rebuild when needed. His adaptability gives the Hurricanes more strategic options in their team combinations. These abilities justify his selection in the Platinum salary category.
| Category | Details |
| Nationality | England |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-Arm Medium Fast |
| BBL Salary 2025–26 | Approx. AUD 270,000 |
| Strengths | Powerplay Bowling, Death Overs, Impact Batting |
3. Mohammad Rizwan – Approx. AUD 270,000
Mohammad Rizwan takes the third position among the highest paid players in BBL 2026. The Adelaide Strikers have selected Rizwan under the Platinum category due to his consistency and dual-role value. Rizwan is known for his reliable wicketkeeping and dependable batting, making him a key addition to the squad.
Rizwan’s ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike makes him a stable top-order batter. His disciplined approach, work ethic, and match awareness make him stand out in T20 leagues worldwide. As a wicketkeeper, he ensures sharp glovework and tactical awareness behind the stumps. His combined roles add major value to the team.
| Category | Details |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed |
| BBL Salary 2025–26 | Approx. AUD 270,000 |
| Strengths | Consistency, Anchoring, Safe Wicketkeeping |
2. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Approx. AUD 270,000
Shaheen Shah Afridi ranks second on the list of the highest paid players in BBL 2026. The Melbourne Stars have signed one of the world’s most dangerous fast bowlers. Shaheen brings pace, swing, sharp yorkers, and immense match-winning ability, making him a top-tier international signing.
He can dominate both early in the innings and during the closing overs. His ability to take wickets inside the powerplay often puts his team in strong positions. Shaheen also carries leadership experience from international cricket, adding another layer of value to his role. His Platinum contract reflects both his skill level and global popularity.
| Category | Details |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Role | Fast Bowler |
| Bowling Style | Left-Arm Fast |
| BBL Salary 2025–26 | Approx. AUD 270,000 |
| Strengths | Swing, Yorkers, Match-Winning Abilities |
1. Babar Azam – Approx. AUD 270,000 to 320,000
Babar Azam leads the list of the highest paid players in BBL 2026, making him the top-earning cricketer of the season. Signed by the Sydney Sixers, Babar commands the highest value in the Platinum category due to his global popularity, consistent performance, and full-season availability.
Babar is widely known for his elegant batting style and exceptional ability to score runs in all conditions. His presence strengthens the Sixers’ top order and brings stability to their batting lineup. Beyond cricketing ability, his massive worldwide fan following adds commercial value to the franchise. With his strong technique and calm presence, Babar is expected to be the centerpiece of the Sixers’ campaign.
| Category | Details |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Role | Top-Order Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed |
| BBL Salary 2025–26 | Approx. AUD 270,000–320,000 |
| Strengths | Consistency, Technique, Global Popularity |
FAQs
1. Who are the highest paid players in BBL 2026?
The highest paid players in BBL 2026 include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Sam Curran, and Chris Jordan. All of them were selected in the Platinum category of the BBL overseas draft.
2. Why do some players earn more in the BBL?
Players earn higher salaries in the BBL based on their availability, skill level, international experience, and category placement. The Platinum tier offers the biggest contracts, which is why top international stars often fall into this group.
3. How does the BBL overseas draft work?
The BBL overseas draft divides players into four salary levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Teams select players based on their needs, while higher-tier players—especially those in the Platinum tier—receive bigger contracts.
4. Which factors decide the highest paid players in BBL 2026?
The highest paid players in BBL 2026 are chosen based on full-season availability, past performance, global popularity, and the impact they can bring to a team. Franchises invest more in players who can play throughout the tournament and significantly influence results.