Cricket Namibia pays centrally contracted players $30,000-$75,000 annually with captain Gerhard Erasmus commanding top-tier $75,000 retainer recognizing his ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year status.
David Wiese accumulated ₹40 crore ($4.8M) net worth through IPL deals totaling ₹6.6 crore career earnings before retiring from international cricket in 2024, establishing Namibia’s wealth ceiling through franchise participation.
The Eagles maintain approximately 20 centrally contracted players earning $1,000-$2,500 match fees supplementing annual retainers.
Three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications (2021, 2022, 2024) created commercial opportunities unavailable to most Associate nations while domestic Namibian T20 Franchise League launched July 2025 provides local earning pathways.
Explore comprehensive player biography and net worth data for Namibia’s cricket roster.
| Player Name | Positions Name |
| Gerhard Erasmus | All-rounder |
| JJ Smit | All-rounder |
| Jan Frylinck | All-rounder |
| David Wiese | All-rounder |
| Dylan Leicher | All-rounder |
| Alexander Volschenk | All-rounder |
| Jan Balt | All-rounder |
| Michael van Lingen | Batsman |
| Malan Kruger | Batsman |
| Nikolaas Davin | Batsman |
| Shaun Fouche | Batsman |
| Peter-Daniel Blignaut | Batsman |
| JP Kotze | Wicket-keeper |
| Zane Green | Wicket-keeper |
| Lohan Louwrens | Wicket-keeper |
| Bernard Scholtz | Bowler |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Bowler |
| Tangeni Lungameni | Bowler |
| Ben Shikongo | Bowler |
| Jack Brassell | Bowler |
Top 10 Highest-Paid Namibia Cricketers
Cricket Namibia’s contract structure rewards consistent multi-format performers while T20 franchise participation transforms $50,000 retainers into $200,000+ annual incomes. Erasmus’ captaincy premium supplements his $75,000 base recognizing leadership across three World Cups.
| Player | Role | Annual Retainer | Match Fees | Franchise Income | Total Est. Earnings |
| Gerhard Erasmus (c) | All-rounder | $75,000 | $1,000 (T20I), $2,500 (ODI) | $20,000-$30,000 | $100,000-$110,000 |
| David Wiese (retired 2024) | All-rounder | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | ₹1Cr IPL 2024 | $180,000+ |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Fast bowler | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $15,000-$25,000 | $70,000-$80,000 |
| Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | All-rounder | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $15,000-$20,000 | $70,000-$75,000 |
| Zane Green | Wicketkeeper | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $10,000-$15,000 | $65,000-$70,000 |
| Michael van Lingen | Batsman | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $10,000-$15,000 | $65,000-$70,000 |
| Bernard Scholtz | Spinner | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $10,000-$15,000 | $65,000-$70,000 |
| JJ Smit | All-rounder | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $10,000-$15,000 | $65,000-$70,000 |
| Karl Birkenstock | Bowler | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $8,000-$12,000 | $60,000-$65,000 |
| Jan Frylinck | All-rounder | $50,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $8,000-$12,000 | $60,000-$65,000 |
Erasmus earned $100,000+ in 2024 combining $75,000 Cricket Namibia retainer, $15,000 match fees across 25 internationals, and estimated $20,000-$30,000 from domestic tournaments.
His ICC Associate Cricketer of Year 2024 award recognized 727 runs and 36 wickets across 25 matches creating commercial appeal beyond typical Associate cricketers.
Wiese’s final international year generated $180,000+ combining $50,000 Namibia retainer, ₹1 crore KKR IPL 2024 contract, and T20 World Cup bonuses. His retirement at 39 ended 11-year Namibia career spanning three consecutive World Cups after previous South Africa international tenure.
Richest Namibia Cricketers by Net Worth
David Wiese’s IPL participation created Namibia’s wealthiest cricketer at ₹40 crore accumulated through strategic franchise commitments. Current players trail significantly with net worths under $500,000 reflecting limited franchise access compared to Full Member nations.
| Player | Role | Estimated Net Worth | Age | Primary Wealth Source |
| David Wiese (retired) | All-rounder | ₹40Cr ($4.8M) | 40 | IPL + PSL + SA domestic |
| Gerhard Erasmus | All-rounder | $300K-$500K | 30 | Cricket Namibia + Tournaments |
| Craig Williams (retired) | Batsman | $200K-$350K | 41 | Cricket Namibia career |
| Stephan Baard | Batsman | $150K-$250K | 35 | Cricket Namibia + Domestic |
| Bernard Scholtz | Spinner | $120K-$200K | 34 | Cricket Namibia contracts |
Wiese built ₹40 crore through IPL earnings totaling ₹6.6 crore across multiple seasons (RCB ₹70L, SRH ₹1.1Cr, KKR ₹1Cr 2024), PSL contracts worth $200,000+ combined, South African domestic Titans salary generating $1.5 million over 10 years, and Namibia international fees totaling $500,000 since 2021 eligibility switch.
His power-hitting and death-bowling specialty created T20 franchise demand unavailable to most Associate players.
Erasmus accumulated $300K-$500K through Cricket Namibia contracts averaging $60,000-$75,000 annually since 2015, match fees exceeding $100,000 over 140+ internationals, World Cup prize money distributions totaling $50,000-$75,000, and emerging commercial partnerships recognizing his captaincy success.
His law degree from University of Stellenbosch provides career security beyond cricket.
Williams’ $200K-$350K stems entirely from Cricket Namibia salary totaling $250,000 over 15-year international career (2006-2021) plus domestic Namibian cricket participation.
His retirement before T20 franchise explosion limited wealth accumulation compared to younger teammates accessing global leagues.
Cricket Namibia Contract Structure and Match Fees
Namibia operates tiered retainer system paying $30,000-$75,000 annually across 20 centrally contracted players with three-tier grading based on multi-format availability and performance. Match fees supplement retainers creating total annual earnings $40,000-$110,000 for regular internationals.
Retainer Bands: Top tier $75,000 (Erasmus), Mid tier $50,000 (10-12 players), Lower tier $30,000 (7-8 players).
Match Fees: T20I $1,000 per game, ODI $2,500 per match, creating $10,000-$25,000 additional annual income for consistent selections.
Ireland’s €70,000 ($76,300) maximum contract exceeds Namibia’s $75,000 top tier despite similar Associate status.
Afghanistan’s $12,000 ACB maximum trails significantly, demonstrating Namibia’s competitive Associate compensation structure funded through ICC grants and World Cup qualification bonuses.
Franchise Cricket and Tournament Earnings
Limited global T20 franchise access restricts Namibian earning potential. Wiese’s IPL success represents anomaly with most players earning $8,000-$25,000 annually from regional African leagues and domestic tournaments.
Namibian T20 Franchise League (Launched July 2025): Six-team domestic competition providing $5,000-$15,000 player payments supplementing international contracts.
African Regional Tournaments: CSA Provincial T20 (South African residents), Zim Afro T10 ($8,000-$15,000), African Games ($2,000-$5,000).
Limited IPL/BBL/PSL Access: Only Wiese secured consistent franchise deals. Current players face restricted eligibility creating dependency on Cricket Namibia contracts versus franchise income.
Combined domestic and regional tournaments generate $15,000-$35,000 supplementary income for Namibia’s top 10 players. Erasmus, Trumpelmann, and Green’s tournament participation creates $80,000-$110,000 total annual earnings ranking among Associate cricket’s highest-paid active players.
Tournament Bonuses and World Cup Earnings
ICC tournament progression bonuses reward Namibia’s consistent World Cup qualification. T20 World Cup 2024 participation distributed estimated $30,000-$50,000 per squad member through ICC prize money and Cricket Namibia bonuses.
World Cup Bonuses: T20 WC qualification $20,000-$30,000, group stage wins vs Full Members $5,000-$10,000 per victory, Super 12 progression $10,000-$20,000 additional.
ICC Prize Money Distribution: 2024 T20 World Cup $225,000 total team prize shared among 15-player squad creating $15,000 per player.
Bilateral Series: Series victories vs Associates $3,000-$8,000, wins against Full Members $10,000-$15,000.
Namibia’s three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications (2021, 2022, 2024) generated estimated $150,000-$250,000 combined prize money distributions. Squad members earned $40,000-$70,000 each across tournaments representing career-defining windfalls for Associate cricketers averaging $60,000-$80,000 annually.
FAQs
Who is Namibia’s highest-paid cricketer?
Gerhard Erasmus earns $100,000-$110,000 annually combining $75,000 Cricket Namibia top-tier retainer, $15,000-$20,000 match fees across 25+ internationals, and $20,000-$30,000 domestic tournament participation. His captaincy premium and ICC Associate Cricketer of Year status justify highest compensation.
How much does Cricket Namibia pay contracted players?
Cricket Namibia pays 20 centrally contracted players $30,000-$75,000 annual retainers across three tiers plus $1,000-$2,500 match fees creating total compensation $40,000-$110,000 yearly. Top-tier players earn $75,000 retainer while lower-tier specialists receive $30,000 base.
What is David Wiese’s total net worth?
David Wiese’s net worth stands at ₹40 crore ($4.8 million) accumulated through IPL earnings totaling ₹6.6 crore across multiple seasons, PSL contracts worth $200,000+, South African domestic Titans career generating $1.5 million over 10 years, and Namibia international fees since 2021.
Why do Namibian cricketers earn more than some Associate nations?
Namibia’s three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications created ICC prize money distributions and increased funding allocations. Strong governance, consistent performance, and strategic player development justify higher contract values compared to struggling Associate boards like Kenya or Uganda.
Can Namibian cricketers survive on cricket income alone?
Top-tier players earning $80,000-$110,000 annually sustain professional cricket careers. Lower-tier players on $40,000-$60,000 often maintain part-time employment or university studies balancing cricket commitments, particularly during off-season periods without international fixtures.
