Cricket is more than just a sport in Bangladesh — it's a passion that unites millions. At the heart of this passion lies the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country’s flagship T20 tournament, which not only showcases local talent but also attracts international superstars. Over the years, BPL has grown significantly in popularity and financial scope, with the top players commanding impressive salaries. But how much do the best cricketers in Bangladesh actually earn from BPL contracts ? Let's elonbet casino dive into the world of cricketing salaries in Bangladesh.
Understanding the Salary Structure in BPL
The Bangladesh Premier League categorizes players into several tiers for the purposes of salary and auction selection. While local players are contracted based on prior agreements with teams or centrally with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), overseas players often enter through an auction or draft system with fixed price brackets. The most common salary categories are:
Platinum Category
Category A, B, C (for both local and foreign players)
Emerging Players
The highest-paid cricketers are those in the Platinum and A categories. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers look like in actual monetary terms.
Top Earnings in the Platinum Category
As of the latest editions of BPL, Platinum category players — both local and foreign — can earn up to $100,000 to $150,000 USD for the tournament, which usually lasts around 4–6 weeks.
Among the local superstars, here are some key names and their approximate BPL earnings:
1. Shakib Al Hasan – $100,000 to $130,000
Shakib is undoubtedly the biggest name in Bangladeshi cricket history. The all-rounder is not only a match-winner but also a major crowd-puller. Teams are willing to invest heavily in him because of his dual abilities with both bat and ball. Shakib usually signs a pre-determined contract with a franchise, bypassing the draft.
2. Tamim Iqbal – $75,000 to $100,000
The stylish left-handed opener and former captain remains one of the most respected figures in the country’s cricketing circles. While his form has been inconsistent, his brand value and experience still place him in the top salary bracket.
3. Mushfiqur Rahim – $70,000 to $90,000
One of the most dependable middle-order batsmen Bangladesh has ever produced, Mushfiqur’s consistency and leadership qualities keep him in high demand every season.
4. Mahmudullah Riyad – $60,000 to $80,000
Though aging, Mahmudullah’s calm presence and experience in finishing games still earn him a significant paycheck.
What About Foreign Players?
Foreign players are a huge attraction for fans and a major strategic asset for teams. BPL often sees international stars from the West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, and England. Some big international names and their estimated BPL earnings:
1. Andre Russell (West Indies) – $100,000 to $150,000
Known for his explosive batting and effective death bowling, Russell is often one of the most expensive foreign signings.
2. Alex Hales (England) – $90,000 to $110,000
Hales has featured in multiple editions and, depending on availability, commands a high price thanks to his aggressive top-order batting.
3. Mohammad Amir (Pakistan) – $70,000 to $100,000
Amir’s BPL salary varies from season to season, but as a marquee fast bowler, he has fetched top-tier contracts in recent years.
4. Sunil Narine (West Indies) – $100,000 to $120,000
As a mystery spinner and a useful pinch-hitter, Narine is a popular pick for teams looking for versatility.
Mid-Tier Salaries: A Stepping Stone for Rising Stars
While the superstars enjoy six-figure contracts, a significant number of players earn in the $20,000 to $50,000 range, especially younger local players in Category B or C. These include rising stars like:
Towhid Hridoy – ~$40,000
Afif Hossain – ~$30,000
Nasum Ahmed – ~$25,000
These players are often seen as the future of Bangladesh cricket and use BPL as a platform to showcase their skills to national selectors and overseas leagues.
Central Contracts vs. BPL Income
It’s important to distinguish between BPL earnings and central contracts provided by the BCB. Top-tier centrally contracted players like Shakib, Mushfiqur, and Litton Das receive monthly salaries of around $7,000 to $10,000 USD, excluding match fees and bonuses.
However, BPL offers them a bulk earning opportunity in a short span. For some players, BPL incomes exceed their annual central contracts, making it a critical part of their financial stability.
Prize Money and Bonuses
In addition to salaries, players can earn additional money through:
Match performance bonuses (e.g., Man of the Match, Most Sixes, etc.)
Winning bonuses for players in the championship team
Brand endorsements during the BPL window
Top players like Shakib and Tamim often earn separate endorsement deals during the BPL that add tens of thousands of dollars to their overall income.
Gender Pay Gap in Cricket: Where Do Women Stand?
Although this article focuses on the men’s BPL, it’s worth mentioning that Bangladesh women's cricket has not yet reached similar financial levels. Most women players rely on central contracts from the BCB, with far lower annual salaries — often under $15,000 USD annually.
There have been discussions about launching a women’s version of BPL, but financial backing and broadcast interest are still developing.
Conclusion: Cricket as a Career in Bangladesh
In recent years, cricket has become a viable and lucrative career option for Bangladeshi youth. Thanks to the BPL, even domestic players now have a chance to earn internationally competitive salaries. The top cricketers in Bangladesh enjoy six-figure incomes during the tournament season, on par with many players in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
As the BPL continues to evolve, with better sponsorship deals and higher broadcasting revenues, the salary cap may further increase — making cricket not only a national pride but a financially rewarding profession as well.
