The Indian Premier League is the most high end cricket tournament in the world. Players from across the globe play for franchise teams – and earn a lot of money to do so. Here’s a look at the Australian’s currently playing, and how they have performed in the tournament so far.
Mitchell Starc continued his blistering World Cup form, despite being a late starter in this year’s tournament. Having only played three matches, Starc has already taken 7 wickets at a tournament best average of 9.42 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite his late start, the left-armer seems set to earn his $882,000 contract.
Starc is joined by the top earning players from Australia by Glenn Maxwell, whose contract is worth $1.06 million. Despite being one of the top earning players in this year’s IPL, Maxwell has only managed 62 runs from five matches, an average of just 12.40. ‘The Big Show’ may have to improve his form to receive a similar contract in the future.
But Australia’s highest earning player is Mitchell Johnson, on $1.10 million dollars for the Kings XI Punjab. Like Maxwell, Johnson has been below his best in the tournament to date, taking just eight wickets from seven matches, and conceding 9.05 runs an over. And despite not playing international cricket for over two years, Michael Hussey ($310,000) is one the best paid Australians.
Age seems no barrier either, with Brad Hogg continuing to ply his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 44-year olds contract might only be worth $103,000, and despite only having played one match, figures of 1/18 from four overs show he is set to continue his economical craft in the world’s shortest format.
By far Australia’s best IPL contributor to date is David Warner. So far this tournament, the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain has amassed 317 runs from seven matches, at an average of 45.28, and just six runs behind the tournaments leading run scorer. The New South Welshman earns $978,000 for the six-week tournament, and has proven to be worth every cent.
Other Australians and their current contracts in the IPL include:
Steve Smith: $710,000 (Rajasthan Royals)
Aaron Finch: $662,000 (Mumbai Indians)
George Bailey: $577,000 (Kings XI Punjab)
Shaun Marsh: $390,000 (Kings XI Punjab)
Gurinder Sandhu: $352,000 (Delhi Daredevils)
Sean Abbott: $207,000 (Bangalore Royal Challengers)
