How are the Australian Cricketers Paid?
This year, controversy erupted when a pay dispute between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association threatened to derail the domestic summer. It was resolved quickly but led to a far more critical question is bubbling beneath the surface – “who pays our Australian cricketers?”
Cricket Australia pays the 25 top players in the team a gross annual salary of $2.7 million. While the players themselves earn this, the real money comes from sponsors.
It is cricketing folklore that our Board of Control pays players only “peanuts.” So how much can Australia’s top cricketers expect to earn at the peak of their careers? We give you an overview, but our focus is on the income streams that matter – Cricket Australia’s sponsorship agreements.
Alinta Energy
Alinta Energy supplies electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses across eastern Australia. They’re a natural gas retailer of choice for small and medium-sized enterprises, government agencies, large corporations, key industries, and the military. Alinta Energy is delighted to commit to a partnership at the elite level with Cricket Australia.
Alinta Energy has been a part of the Australian cricketing community for over 20 years. Apart from its sponsorship of the Australian Cricket Team, Alinta Energy is also a sponsor of the Big Bash League. This sponsorship has granted Alinta Energy an exclusive subsidy on four BBL matches, all home games for Adelaide Strikers and the right to retract the license from any BBL club should it breach a key clause in their agreement.
In addition to supporting teams through sponsorship, Alinta Energy also invests in grassroots cricket programs through work with Cricket Australia.
Vodafone
This global communications company provides services in 21 countries and delivers continuous innovation.
Vodafone, a leading UK-based telecommunications company, has acquired a sponsorship deal with Cricket Australia for the naming rights of the Australian Men’s cricket team. Vodafone has announced it will become the naming rights partner for the Australian Men’s cricket team. The three-year deal is worth $60m, with $10m per season across grassroots cricket.
Vodafone and Cricket Australia have partnered to bring you the next generation of sports coverage. With 4G coverage live streaming, no matter where you are in the country, you’ll get all the action just moments after it happens.
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Asics
As one of the world’s leading sporting brands, ASICS implements the best sports technology to ensure that top athletes are always at their best.
Known for its innovative design and quality, ASICS has been designing the world’s top performance sports shoes since 1949. The company has partnered with Cricket Australia since 2011; during this time, its equipment has helped the team win multiple championships, including the 2012 and 2016 World T20 finals and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. ASICS’ support extends beyond the field to a range of other initiatives, including ‘The Turn,’ a new campaign to educate high school students about the importance of developing the right mindset in sport and life. By partnering with the Australian Cricket Association, ASICS provides players with high-performance training equipment and footwear to act on their competitive ambitions. This partnership enables players of all levels to train to reach their full potential.
Bet 365
Bet365 is an online sports betting company that provides various online sports betting services for all people. As of 2013, this digital betting company became the official sponsoring partner for Australian gamers, and one of Bet 365’s largest cricket markets is Australian men’s and women’s Test matches.
Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank has been honouring its promise to support community sport since 1991. They have given more than 8 million dollars to the sport through sponsorship of the Australian Cricket Team. Committed to inspiring everyone in Australia to be involved in cricket, Commonwealth Bank supports the game at every level. From junior T20 matches to interstate classics, CommBank Cricket is your place for all things cricket.
The Commonwealth Bank Cricket Club Sponsorships were designed to strengthen Australian communities through healthy lifestyles, healthy individuals united by a love of cricket, and promoting financial literacy to young people.
HCL
HCL Technologies Ltd, a leading global technology solutions provider, will serve as Cricket Australia’s Official Technology Partner across all platforms for three years.
HCL Australia has been the IT partner of Cricket Australia (CA) for over 20 years, and as such, is deeply invested in the growth and prosperity of AUSI cricket sport.
As the company that helps many of Australia’s biggest brands transform their businesses, HCL will harness its software, cloud, and digital expertise to deliver the world’s best digital experience to fans and players at games and on devices and platforms across the globe.
Qantas
From international to domestic destinations, Qantas has a world of travel options. They’re the largest domestic and international airline in Australia, offering a selection of scheduled and value-added services. Getting there has never been easier!
Qantas has become more than just an airline. It has supported many of the communities around the country, including the home city of Brisbane; they’re proud to sponsor Cricket Australia’s Big Bash League and the Wallabies rugby team and support essential charities including Beyond Blue and United Way.
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Fox Sports
In a six-year deal, Fox Sports has announced it as the broadcasting partner of Cricket Australia. Their team will broadcast every sports event from Australia on its official channels.
Toyota
Toyota has extended its agreement with Cricket Australia for another five years, making it the official automobile sponsor of Australian cricket. Toyota Australia is showing its commitment to cricket in a way that matches its Australian roots with a large donation to the Cricket Foundation of around 100 vehicles. The majority of the cars will be local-built Camry Hybrid sedans.
Marsh
Discover the Marsh difference. One of Australia’s top 10 insurance brokers, Marsh has more than 5,000 employees in over 300 offices across 51 countries. As one of the country’s leading risk management and insurance companies, we provide solutions that protect our client’s businesses and assets.
Marsh is the world’s leading risk advisor and is an essential part of any risk strategy. Then they have provided valuable services to all major professional sports leagues, associations, clubs, and players for more than 100 years. With the threat of terrorism on the rise, Marsh’s insurance advisors are considered experts in terrorist risk insurance.
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