Cricket Australia is one of the biggest cricket boards in the world, responsible for organizing and funding the Australian national cricket team, as well as domestic cricket tournaments. The board has been known to compensate its players handsomely, with contract salaries that are among the highest in the cricketing world.
The contracts awarded by Cricket Australia are divided into three tiers: Test, One-Day International (ODI), and T20 International. In the 2020-2021 season, the governing body awarded contracts to 20 male players and 15 female players.
For the men`s team, the top tier of the contract is the Test contract, which is awarded to players who have established themselves as regulars in the Australian Test side. This contract is worth AUD 1.2 million ($864,000) per year. In the 2020-2021 season, only seven players were awarded Test contracts, including the likes of Pat Cummins, David Warner, and Steve Smith.
The second tier of the contract is the ODI contract, which is awarded to players who play regular cricket for the Australian ODI side. This contract is worth AUD 816,000 ($588,000) per year. In the 2020-2021 season, nine players were awarded ODI contracts.
The third tier of the contract is the T20 International contract, which is awarded to players who play regular cricket for the Australian T20I side. This contract is worth AUD 616,000 ($443,000) per year. In the 2020-2021 season, four players were awarded T20I contracts.
In addition to the three tiers of contracts, Cricket Australia also awards some players with Development Contracts. These contracts are given to players who are considered to be on the cusp of breaking into the national side. These contracts are worth AUD 299,000 ($215,000) per year.
For the women`s team, the contracts are divided into two tiers. The top tier is the National Performance Contract, which is awarded to players who are regulars in the Australian women`s cricket team. This contract is worth AUD 206,000 ($148,000) per year. The second tier is the Development Contract, which is awarded to players who have the potential to move up to the national side. This contract is worth AUD 50,000 ($36,000) per year.
In summary, Cricket Australia continues to offer its players some of the most lucrative contract salaries in the cricketing world. The board recognizes the value of its players and compensates them accordingly, providing them with the financial security to focus on their game and achieve success on the field.