Babar Azam, Pakistan’s cricketing superstar, is not only celebrated for his elegant batting but also for being one of the highest-paid cricketers in the country. As the backbone of Pakistan’s cricket team and a global ambassador for the sport, his earnings include a central contract from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), match fees, endorsements, and other income streams.
This article delves into the components of Babar Azam’s salary, highlighting his earnings from cricket and other ventures, and compares it to players worldwide.
Components of Babar Azam’s Salary
Babar Azam’s salary is divided into several categories:
- Central Contract with PCB The PCB offers graded central contracts to players based on their performance and role in the team. Babar, being the captain and Pakistan’s leading player, is in the Category A bracket, the highest tier.
- Match Fees Apart from his monthly salary, Babar earns match fees for each game he plays, with different amounts for Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.
- Endorsements Babar Azam’s marketability has made him a favorite among brands. He has lucrative deals with companies such as Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, and Oppo, significantly boosting his overall earnings.
- Bonuses and Performance Incentives The PCB provides bonuses for exceptional performances, such as centuries, five-wicket hauls, and series wins.
- Domestic and League Cricket Babar also participates in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he earns additional income as a marquee player.
Breakdown of Babar Azam’s Earnings (Estimated)
The following table provides an approximate breakdown of Babar Azam’s annual earnings:
| Category | Source | Estimated Annual Earnings (PKR) | Estimated Annual Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCB Central Contract | Monthly Salary (Category A) | 13.2 million | ~45,000 |
| Match Fees | Tests (8 matches/year) | 6.4 million | ~22,000 |
| ODIs (15 matches/year) | 3.75 million | ~13,000 | |
| T20Is (20 matches/year) | 3.6 million | ~12,500 | |
| Performance Bonuses | Centuries, Wins, Awards | 5 million | ~17,000 |
| PSL Salary | Multan Sultans | 40 million | ~140,000 |
| Endorsements | Pepsi, Oppo, H&S, etc. | 60 million | ~210,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Appearances, Ads, etc. | 10 million | ~35,000 |
| Total Annual Earnings | All Sources | 141.95 million | ~494,500 |
Central Contract Details
The PCB offers central contracts in three categories: A, B, and C. Babar Azam, being in Category A, receives the highest monthly salary. Here’s a breakdown of the central contract earnings for 2024:
| Category | Monthly Salary (PKR) | Annual Salary (PKR) | Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | 1.1 million | 13.2 million | ~45,000 |
| Category B | 750,000 | 9 million | ~31,000 |
| Category C | 550,000 | 6.6 million | ~23,000 |
Babar’s position in Category A reflects his status as a key player and a captain during his tenure.
Match Fees (Format-Wise)
| Format | Match Fee per Game (PKR) | Estimated Annual Games | Total Match Fees (PKR) | Total Match Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 800,000 | 8 | 6.4 million | ~22,000 |
| ODI | 250,000 | 15 | 3.75 million | ~13,000 |
| T20I | 180,000 | 20 | 3.6 million | ~12,500 |
Endorsements
Babar Azam’s popularity extends beyond the cricket field, making him one of the most sought-after sports personalities in Pakistan. He is endorsed by several major brands:
| Brand | Estimated Annual Deal (PKR) | Estimated Annual Deal (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Pepsi | 25 million | ~87,000 |
| Oppo | 15 million | ~52,000 |
| Head & Shoulders | 10 million | ~35,000 |
| Miscellaneous Brands | 10 million | ~35,000 |
| Total | 60 million | ~210,000 |
These endorsements significantly contribute to Babar’s total income, surpassing his earnings from cricket in some cases.
Comparison with International Cricketers
To put Babar Azam’s earnings in perspective, here’s how his salary compares to other prominent cricketers:
| Player | Country | Annual Earnings (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India | ~4 million | Top Indian cricketer, major endorsements |
| Joe Root | England | ~1.5 million | Central contract and endorsements |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | ~500,000 | Smaller cricket market |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | ~494,500 | Mix of cricket and endorsements |
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s salary, comprising central contracts, match fees, PSL earnings, and endorsements, positions him among the top earners in Pakistan cricket. Despite earning less compared to Indian cricketers due to market dynamics, his value in the global cricketing landscape is undisputed. As his career progresses, Babar’s earnings are expected to grow, solidifying his position as a modern-day cricketing icon.