The financial structure of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has changed significantly over time. Player salaries have mainly been influenced by the 2012 inaugural auction and the 2026 mega auction (held in late 2025), both of which shaped the list of the highest paid players in BPL.
While modern domestic cricketers such as Naim Sheikh have secured record deals, legendary names like Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle still dominate the earnings chart. Below is the ranking of the top 10 highest paid players in BPL history.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Highest Paid Players in BPL History
10. Naim Sheikh – Chattogram Royals
Naim Sheikh represents the modern phase of BPL contracts, where local players are finally earning strong financial rewards. His 2026 mega auction deal marked a historic milestone, making him the first Bangladeshi domestic cricketer to cross the 1 crore BDT barrier among the highest paid players in BPL. This contract also reflects the league’s growing trust in local talent and its long-term development strategy, especially as franchises now prioritize building competitive squads around domestic cores.
Although his earnings remain lower compared to earlier international icons, his rise highlights a major shift in salary trends and opens doors for future domestic stars who aim to reach similar financial success in the league.
| Team | Chattogram Royals |
| Price | $90,300 (1.1 Crore BDT) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Role | Batter |
ALSO READ: Top 10 Oldest Players in Bangladesh Premier League History
9. Alex Hales – Various Teams
Alex Hales has consistently proven himself as a dependable T20 batter across leagues worldwide. His aggressive top-order batting and ability to dominate powerplays helped him secure multiple strong contracts, placing him among the highest paid players in BPL. Teams have repeatedly invested in him due to his experience, adaptability to different conditions, and proven match-winning potential in high-pressure games.
His consistency and attacking mindset make him a reliable option for franchises aiming for quick starts and scoreboard pressure, which is crucial in the fast-paced T20 format.
| Team | Various |
| Price | $110,000 |
| Year | Multiple |
| Role | Batter |
8. Sunil Narine – Comilla Victorians
Sunil Narine is widely known as one of the most effective T20 bowlers in the world. His mystery spin, combined with his ability to contribute with the bat, significantly increased his value in franchise cricket, making him one of the highest paid players in BPL. His presence alone often forces opposition teams to rethink their strategy and approach against him.
Beyond numbers, Narine’s match impact and versatility have made him a long-term asset for teams in multiple seasons, as he can influence the game in both bowling and batting departments when needed.
| Team | Comilla Victorians |
| Price | $120,000 |
| Year | Multiple |
| Role | All-rounder |
7. Shakib Al Hasan – Various Teams
Shakib Al Hasan has been one of the most consistent performers in BPL history. As one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, his all-round abilities with both bat and ball ensure his regular inclusion among the highest paid players in BPL. His leadership qualities and vast experience in international cricket further enhance his importance within any squad.
Even without topping the list, his long-standing presence and performance stability have guaranteed him repeated high-value contracts over the years, proving his reliability as a complete T20 package.
| Team | Various |
| Price | $130,000 |
| Year | Multiple |
| Role | All-rounder |
6. Andre Russell – Various Teams
Andre Russell is one of the most explosive all-rounders in T20 cricket history. Known for his powerful hitting and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, he has become a premium player across leagues, including the BPL, earning his place among the highest paid players in BPL. His ability to turn matches in just a few overs makes him one of the most dangerous players in the format.
Russell’s global reputation, combined with his consistent match-winning performances and strong physical presence, fully justifies the significant financial investment teams make in him every season.
| Team | Various |
| Price | $150,000 |
| Year | Multiple |
| Role | All-rounder |
5. Nasir Hossain – Khulna Royal Bengals
Nasir Hossain was one of the most prominent local cricketers during the early BPL seasons. His 2012 contract placed him among the highest paid players in BPL, at a time when domestic players rarely received such high-value deals. This highlighted his importance and popularity during the league’s early growth phase.
His inclusion in this list shows how early performances, fan following, and versatility played a key role in shaping player earnings in the initial years of the competition.
| Team | Khulna Royal Bengals |
| Price | $200,000 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Role | All-rounder |
4. Kieron Pollard – Dhaka Gladiators
Kieron Pollard brought immense power and leadership to the BPL during its inaugural phase. His ability to finish games under pressure made him one of the most in-demand T20 players globally and secured his place among the highest paid players in BPL. His contract in 2012 reflected his elite reputation and proven track record in franchise cricket.
Pollard’s influence extended beyond batting, as his leadership, fielding ability, and experience added balance and depth to any squad he represented.
| Team | Dhaka Gladiators |
| Price | $300,000 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Role | All-rounder |
3. Marlon Samuels – Duronto Rajshahi
Marlon Samuels was one of the biggest signings in the 2012 BPL auction. His ability to handle pressure situations and deliver in major matches made him a highly valuable player, placing him among the highest paid players in BPL. At that time, his deal was considered one of the most lucrative in franchise cricket.
His performances, experience, and calm approach under pressure justified the significant investment made by his franchise during the early years of the league.
| Team | Duronto Rajshahi |
| Price | $360,000 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Role | Batter |
2. Chris Gayle – Barisal Burners
Chris Gayle, famously known as the “Universe Boss,” was one of the biggest attractions in the BPL. His destructive batting style and ability to single-handedly dominate bowlers made him one of the highest paid players in BPL. His massive contract was fully justified by his unmatched power-hitting and entertainment value.
Gayle’s presence also played a key role in boosting the global recognition of the league, attracting fans and increasing its popularity worldwide.
| Team | Barisal Burners |
| Price | $551,000 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Role | Batter |
1. Shahid Afridi – Dhaka Gladiator
At the top of the highest paid players in BPL list is Shahid Afridi, whose record-breaking contract still stands unmatched. Signed in the 2012 inaugural auction, his deal set the financial benchmark for the league and influenced future player valuations significantly.
Afridi’s global popularity, aggressive playing style, and all-round performances made him one of the most marketable cricketers in the world, ultimately securing his position as the most expensive player in BPL history.
| Team | Dhaka Gladiators |
| Price | $700,000 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Role | All-rounder |
FAQs
1. Who is the highest paid player in BPL history?
Shahid Afridi is the highest paid player in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) history, earning around $700,000 in the 2012 inaugural auction.
2. Which Bangladeshi player has the highest salary in BPL?
Naim Sheikh holds the record for the highest-paid Bangladeshi domestic player in BPL, with a 2026 contract worth approximately 1.1 Crore BDT.
3. How did the 2012 BPL auction impact player salaries?
The 2012 Bangladesh Premier League auction introduced massive contracts for international stars, setting high salary benchmarks that still influence BPL earnings today.
4. Which foreign players earned the most money in BPL?
Top विदेशी earners include Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, and Kieron Pollard, who secured some of the biggest deals in BPL history.
5. What is the role of the 2026 BPL mega auction in player salaries?
The 2026 BPL mega auction significantly increased salaries for local players, marking a shift toward rewarding domestic talent alongside international stars.