South Africa Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
South Africa, also known to you all as the Portias, is one of the most competitive cricket teams in the world. Despite being a full member of the ICC since 1909, they are still chasing their first ICC title in the ODI, T20I and Test arenas. The Proteas are admired for their talent, their spirit and of course, their professionalism. Cricket South Africa (CSA) continues to reward players through annual central contracts and match fees. They ensure that players who perform well are also well compensated for their efforts. In this detailed blog, we will break down everything about the salaries and central contracts of South African cricket players.
Overview of South African Cricket
The South Africa national cricket team, managed by Cricket South Africa (CSA), is one of the most consistent teams in world cricket. The Proteas are nicknamed after the national flower Protea cynaroids or the “King Protea”. The team has produced countless cricketing legends over the decades. While they are yet to win the ICC World Cup, the Proteas have had their moments of glory. They won the 1998 ICC Champions Trophy and won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Financially, Cricket South Africa has a net worth of around USD 47 million. And that is a very modest figure compared to a rich board like the BCCI.
Match fees of South African cricket players (men and women)
| Format | Match Fee (Men & Women) |
|---|---|
| Test | USD 4,500 per match |
| ODI | USD 1,200 per match |
| T20I | USD 800 per match |
Cricket South Africa or you can say, CSA has made a policy of equal pay. It makes both male and female players earn the same match fee for international games. This progressive step aligns CSA with cricket boards like New Zealand and India, who have also adopted pay parity.
South African male cricketers’ salaries and central contracts (2025-26)
Cricket South Africa announced the central contracts for 2025-26 on 7th, 2025 and they will come into effect from 1st May, 2025. A total of 18 players have received central contracts. However, two contracts were offered to players who participated in all formats. Notably, Henrich, Bjorn Fortuyn, Andil Phehlukwayo and Tabraiz Shamsi were not retained for this cycle. Shamsi voluntarily decided to stay out, while Klaasen is still a highly sought-after T20 freelancer. Meanwhile, Mafaka and Williams have received their first central contracts.
South Africa Men’s Central Contract List (2025–26)
| Player Name | Contract Type |
|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | Full Contract |
| David Bedingham | Full Contract |
| Nandre Burger | Full Contract |
| Gerald Coetzee | Full Contract |
| Tony de Zorzi | Full Contract |
| Reeza Hendricks | Full Contract |
| Marco Jansen | Full Contract |
| Keshav Maharaj | Full Contract |
| Kwena Maphaka | Full Contract |
| Aiden Markram | Full Contract |
| Wiaan Mulder | Full Contract |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Full Contract |
| Lungi Ngidi | Full Contract |
| Kagiso Rabada | Full Contract |
| Ryan Rickelton | Full Contract |
| Tristan Stubbs | Full Contract |
| Kyle Verreynne | Full Contract |
| Lizaad Williams | Full Contract |
| David Miller | Hybrid Contract |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Hybrid Contract |
Salary structure for men’s central contracts
CSA players are paid in three main categories. It also includes performance-based bonuses and match fees.
| Category | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | $350,000+ | Senior players like Rabada, Markram, Bavuma |
| Mid Tier | $200,000–$250,000 | Regular internationals |
| Base Tier | $75,000–$145,000 | Emerging/rotational players |
This money is being excluded from match fees and franchise leagues like SA20, IPL, BBL. And there are also all sorts of endorsement deals, which of course, can add up to an impressive increase in a player’s overall income. For example, Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, both regulars in the IPL. Therefore, they can earn more than $1 million per year from CSA and franchise income.
Summary: Salary overview of South African cricketers (2025-26)
| Category | Men’s Salary (USD) | Women’s Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier Contract | $350,000+ | $200,000+ |
| Mid Tier Contract | $200,000–$250,000 | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Base Tier Contract | $75,000–$145,000 | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Test Match Fee | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| ODI Match Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| T20I Match Fee | $800 | $800 |
Conclusion
South Africa’s cricket structure is one of the most professional and fair systems in world cricket. With the equal pay revolution, both male and female players in South Africa receive equal pay and this has also brought financial stability to the country. The 2025-26 central contract list has a healthy mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Be it Rabada’s sublime pace, Bavuma’s leadership or Wolves’ brilliance, South African cricket stands as a model of progress and promise.
Also Read: England Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
FAQs
Q1. Who are the highest-paid South African cricketers in 2025?
The highest-paid players include Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Temba Bavuma. Each earns around $350,000+ per year from the CSA, not even taking into account franchise and endorsement income.
Q2. Are South African women cricketers paid the same as men?
Yes. In August 2023, the CSA introduced equal match fees for both men and women across all formats. This makes South Africa one of the first few countries to ensure pay parity in international cricket.
Q3. How many players have been awarded central contracts for the 2025-26 season?
A total of 18 players have been awarded full or hybrid central contracts for the 2025-26 season. The new players include Kwena Mafaka, Senuran Muthusamy and Lizaad Williams.
Q4. What is the match fee structure for South African players?
The highest South African players, both men and women, earn:
- $4,500 per Test
- $1,200 per ODI
- $800 per T20 International
Under the equal pay system, these fees are equal according to gender.
Q5. How do South African players earn outside of central contracts?
Players supplement their income through:
- Franchise cricket (SA20, IPL, BBL)
- Brand endorsements
- Performance bonuses
- Domestic league contracts
For example, a player like Marco Jensen earns from both CSA and IPL contracts, which significantly increases his annual income.
