Matthew Short has quietly become one of Australian cricket’s most versatile white-ball performers — and his bank account is beginning to reflect that.
Matthew Short’s net worth is estimated at $2 million USD, built through Cricket Australia contracts, Big Bash League (BBL) deals, IPL appearances, and Major League Cricket (MLC) stints.
This article covers everything you need to know about Matthew Short’s finances, career, and life off the pitch.
Matthew Short’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew William Short |
| Date of Birth | 8 November 1995 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Birthplace | Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 187 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Playing Role | Batting All-Rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Top-Order Batter |
| Bowling Style | Right-Arm Off-Spin |
| Current Teams | Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2026), Adelaide Strikers (BBL) |
| Turned Professional | 2013–14 (Melbourne Renegades, BBL) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 Million USD |
| IPL 2026 Salary | ₹1.50 Crore (CSK) |
| Monthly Income (Est.) | ~$10,000 USD |
| @mattshort_ |
Early Life & Youth Career
Matthew William Short was born on 8 November 1995 in Ballarat, Victoria — a regional city with a long history of producing tough, grounded athletes.
Growing up, Short was actually more drawn to Australian Rules Football than cricket. It was the countless backyard games with his elder and younger brother that slowly pulled him toward the sport that would define his career.
He made the move from Ballarat to Melbourne after signing with Cricket Victoria, entering one of the country’s most competitive domestic cricket systems.
His raw talent was obvious from early on. In the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup, Short lit up the tournament with 237 runs across six matches, finishing as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer in the competition behind Jake Doran.
That tournament signalled that a genuine talent had arrived.
Short’s first-class debut came on 29 October 2015 for the Cricket Australia XI in a three-day tour match against New Zealand.
He was still developing his game but already showing the dual-threat potential — aggressive top-order batting combined with useful off-spin — that would eventually earn him a national call-up nearly a decade later.
Professional Career
Short’s path to international cricket was not a straight line.
He spent years grinding through Sheffield Shield cricket and the Big Bash League before his name became a fixture in national selection conversations.
His BBL career with the Adelaide Strikers has been his most consistent platform, where he has developed into one of the format’s most reliable batting all-rounders.
A pivotal early milestone came in November 2017 when Short scored an unbeaten 134 and took 4/103 for the Cricket Australia XI against England in a tour match at Townsville — announcing himself on the radar of selectors at the highest level.
He made his international debut in 2023, and in October 2025, he made history by becoming the first player ever to open the batting and take a five-wicket haul in the same T20 International against a full-member nation — a stunning fifer against England.
Beyond Australia’s shores, Short has played in the Major League Cricket (MLC) for the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom, and earned his first IPL deal with the Punjab Kings in 2023 at a base price of ₹20 lakh.
Ahead of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings secured his services for ₹1.5 crore, reflecting his growing reputation as a versatile overseas option.
However, in a significant development, Cricket Australia did not renew Short’s central contract for the 2026-27 season — a setback that makes his franchise cricket earnings all the more critical going forward.
Matthew Short Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matthew Short has an estimated net worth of $2 million USD.
He built this wealth through his Cricket Australia central contracts, consistent BBL seasons, IPL franchise earnings, and appearances in the Major League Cricket competition in the United States.
His income streams span multiple countries and formats, making him a genuinely global cricket professional.
Contract
Short held a Cricket Australia central contract for the 2025-26 season, which placed him among the top 23 contracted players in the country.
This contract covers domestic and international match fees, training support, and tour payments.
However, Cricket Australia confirmed in March 2026 that Short was among a group of players — including Glenn Maxwell, Sam Konstas, Lance Morris, and Jhye Richardson — who were not renewed for the 2026-27 contract cycle.
This means Short will need to rely more heavily on franchise cricket income going forward.
In the IPL, Short was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for ₹1.5 crore at the IPL 2026 auction — up from his previous ₹20 lakh deal with Punjab Kings in 2023.
CSK’s investment reflects the team’s recognition of his ability to contribute in multiple phases, both as an aggressive top-order batter and a part-time off-spin option.
Salary
Short’s monthly income is estimated at approximately $10,000 USD, drawn primarily from cricket match fees, domestic contracts, and tournament appearances.
During his time on the Cricket Australia central contract list, he would have earned a base retainer in line with lower-tier contracted players — typically in the range of $150,000–$250,000 AUD annually before match fees according to industry reporting on Australian cricket player salary structures.
His BBL salary with Adelaide Strikers adds meaningful income each season, with capped overseas and elite domestic players earning up to $140,000 AUD per BBL season.
His MLC stint with the San Francisco Unicorns, where he scored 675 runs in 17 matches at an average of 39.70 with a best score of 91, also contributes to his annual earnings.
Career Earnings Estimate by Year
| Year | Primary Income Source | Est. Annual Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | BBL (Adelaide Strikers) | ~$80,000 |
| 2022–23 | BBL + Sheffield Shield | ~$120,000 |
| 2023 | IPL (Punjab Kings ₹20L) + BBL + CA Contract | ~$200,000 |
| 2023–24 | CA Contract + BBL + MLC | ~$280,000 |
| 2024–25 | CA Contract + BBL + MLC + T20I fees | ~$350,000 |
| 2025–26 | IPL CSK (₹1.5 Cr) + BBL + MLC | ~$350,000+ |
Career Statistics
International & Franchise Batting
| Format | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | HS | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 2023– | 18 | 16 | 392 | 74 | 24.5 | 93.1 | 0 | 3 |
| T20I | 2023– | 24 | 22 | 416 | 66 | 20.8 | 150.2 | 0 | 1 |
| First-Class | 2015– | 60 | 97 | 3,111 | 134* | 35.0 | 53.3 | 4 | 20 |
| BBL | 2013– | 87 | 84 | 2,257 | 109 | 29.31 | 142.84 | 0 | 15 |
| MLC | 2023– | 19 | 19 | 682 | 91 | 35.89 | 157.14 | 0 | 8 |
| IPL | 2023– | 7 | 7 | 119 | 36 | 17.00 | 127.17 | 0 | 0 |
International Bowling
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 18 | 2 | 1/39 | 5.77 | 161.5 |
| T20I | 24 | 9 | 5/22 | 11.44 | 22.9 |
| First-Class | 60 | 46 | 4/57 | 3.05 | 36.3 |
FAQs
What is Matthew Short’s net worth?
Matthew Short’s estimated net worth in 2026 is $2 million USD. He earned this through Cricket Australia contracts, BBL seasons, IPL deals, and MLC appearances across multiple countries.
How much did Chennai Super Kings pay for Matthew Short in IPL?
CSK bought Matthew Short for his base price of ₹1.5 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. His all-round ability — aggressive top-order batting and off-spin bowling — made him a smart value pick for CSK.
Did Matthew Short get a Cricket Australia contract for 2026-27?
No, Cricket Australia did not renew Matthew Short’s contract for the 2026-27 season. He was among six players, including Glenn Maxwell and Sam Konstas, dropped from the national contract list in March 2026.
What is Matthew Short’s monthly salary?
Matthew Short earns an estimated $10,000 USD per month from match fees and cricket contracts. His annual income rises significantly during IPL and MLC seasons, which add substantial franchise earnings on top.
What is Matthew Short’s biggest career achievement?
Short became the first player in history to open the batting and take a five-wicket haul in the same T20 International against a full-member nation. He took 5/22 against England in that historic match.
