Top 10 highest-paid cricketers by national contracts

National central contracts in cricket provide players with steady financial stability and compensation based on their status and performance. These retainers differ significantly between nations depending on the board revenues and cricketing calendars. 

Top ten cricket players based on income from their respective national boards are ranked below. These consist of yearly retainer payments as well as bonuses or match fees based on performance. However, the ranking does not take franchise revenue or sponsorships into account.

Here are top 10 highest-paid cricketers by national contracts:

10. Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam is among the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) centrally contracted Grade A players. He makes PKR 4.5 million a month as of 2024-2025, which adds up to PKR 54 million a year, or roughly USD 190,000. Additionally, he makes PKR 838,530 for Tests, PKR 515,696 for ODIs, and PKR 372,075 for T20Is are match costs offered by PCB.

Babar's total yearly income from the PCB, including bonuses and match appearances, can be close to USD 375,000. Despite PCB's generally low pay range, these numbers put him among the highest-paid employees in the subcontinent's central contracts system.