Australian Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Australia has long been considered a dominant force in world cricket. From the glory days of Bradman to modern greats like Cummins, Australia has consistently set the bar for excellence. Their record speaks for itself! From six ICC Cricket World Cup titles and a T20 World Cup crown in 2021 to two ICC Champions Trophy wins (2006 and 2009). Australia has also ruled the Test field, why? Because they repeatedly occupy the number 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and even won the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023.
Every year, Cricket Australia (CA) introduces central contracts. In them, it guarantees players a fixed retainer along with additional match fees. For 2025-26, CA has awarded contracts to 23 players, who are the backbone of the national team across all three formats.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at Australia’s central contracts and salaries, match fees and the highest-earning players for 2025-26.
Australia’s Centrally Contracted Players List (2025-26)
Cricket Australia has named the following 23 players under central contracts for March 2025 – February 2026:
- Xavier Bartlett
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Constas
- Matthew Kuhneman
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Marsh
- Glenn Maxwell
- Lance Morris
- Jhye Richardson
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
- Adam Zampa
This mix represents Australia’s mix of experience and youth. With names like Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris, alongside legends like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon, the structure ensures continuity as we prepare for the next generation.
How The Central Contract System Works
Cricket Australia’s central contract system is based on performance and expected role in the national team. While only 23 players are contracted, others still have the opportunity to earn a place through a points-based upgrade.
Here’s how it works:
- Test matches: 5 points
- ODI matches: 2 points
- T20I matches: 1 point
If a non-contracted player earns 12 points in a year, they automatically become eligible for an upgrade to the central contract list. This system keeps the competition healthy and ensures that worthy performers are not left behind.
Top Earners in Australia’s 2025-26 Contracts
Among the contracted stars, a few names stand out as the highest-earning cricketers. Their retainer salaries, match fees and bonuses combined make them among the richest cricketers in the world.
| Player Name | Retainer Fees | Test Fees | ODI Fees | T20I Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | $2 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Josh Hazlewood | $1.6 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Mitchell Starc | $1.4 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Steve Smith | $1.3 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | $1.2 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Nathan Lyon | $1.1 million | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
Match Fees Breakdown
In addition to the retainer, players receive match fees based on the format:
- Test match fee: AUD 20,000
- ODI match fee: AUD 15,000
- T20I match fee: AUD 10,000
This ensures that those who play more matches earn proportionally more than players who participate in fewer games.
Earnings Beyond Central Contracts
In addition to retainers and match fees, Australian cricketers supplement their income through:
- Big Bash League (BBL) contracts.
- Overseas T20 franchise leagues (IPL, The Hundred, CPL, etc.).
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships.
- Performance bonuses for ICC events and series wins.
For example, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are major names in the IPL, where they earn millions annually.
Why Central Contracts Matter
The central contract system provides players with financial stability. It also helps CA maintain a core team of committed cricketers. It also reflects the importance of performance across formats:
- Test specialists like Nathan Lyon are rewarded for their consistent red-ball contributions.
- White-ball stars like Maxwell ensure Australia remain competitive in the shorter formats.
- All-rounders like Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh highlight the team’s versatility.
By rewarding both the experienced and the young, Cricket Australia creates a balanced ecosystem.
Read Next: Pakistan Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Conclusion
Australia continues to set the benchmark not only on the field, but also in how they manage and reward their players. The 2025-26 central contract list is a reflection of their cricketing depth.
With structured salaries and performance-based upgrades, the system ensures fairness. Stars like Cummins, Steve and Hazlewood are at the top but the path remains open for emerging cricketers.
As the Men in Yellow prepare for another busy international calendar, these signings show that the team is motivated, rewarded and committed to building its legacy as cricket’s ultimate powerhouse.
FAQs
Q1. How does Cricket Australia decide who gets a central contract?
Cricket Australia uses a points-based system and selectors’ predictions. Selectors identify players who are expected to play a significant role in the coming year and offer them contracts.
Q2. Why are Test match fees higher than ODI and T20I match fees?
The higher Test match fee (AUD 20,000 compared to AUD 15,000 for ODIs and AUD 10,000 for T20Is) reflects the workload and prestige of Test cricket.
Q3. Who is the highest-paid Australian cricketer in 2025-26?
Pat Cummins is the highest-paid Australian cricketer, with a retainer of 2 million AUD (about ₹11 crore). In addition, he receives an additional AUD 200,000 captaincy bonus.
Q4. How much do Australian cricketers earn from franchise leagues like the IPL?
Australian cricketers earn a lot of money from the IPL and other T20 leagues. For example, Pat Cummins was bought for over ₹20 crore in the IPL 2024 auction,
Q5. How does Australia’s central contract system compare to other cricketing nations?
Australia’s central contract system is the most lucrative in world cricket. For reference:
- India: The BCCI pays top players ₹7 crore annually under Grade A+ contracts, along with match fees. However, Indian players cannot participate in foreign leagues because the IPL is exclusive.
- England: ECB contracts are around £800,000 for red-ball players and slightly less for white-ball players.
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka: Their retainers are significantly lower, often less than AUD 200,000 annually.
