Emirates Cricket Board awards central contracts to approximately 20 players paying estimated $24,000-$60,000 annually with captain Muhammad Waseem commanding top-tier retainer.
ILT20 franchise participation creates crucial supplementary income of $60,000-$120,000 per season transforming modest ECB contracts into $100,000-$200,000 total earnings for elite performers.
The league’s 20% salary cap reduction to $2 million per team for 2025-26 season impacts player earning potential amid scheduling conflicts with IPL.
Rohan Mustafa and Zahoor Khan maintain consistent selection across formats earning $75,000-$100,000 ECB contracts plus ILT20 deals. Usman Khan’s five-year ECB ban eliminated ILT20 participation after terminating his central contract to pursue Pakistan representation.
Access detailed player biography and net worth data for UAE’s cricket roster.
| Player Name | Positions Name |
| Muhammad Waseem | Batsman |
| Chirag Suri | Batsman |
| Alishan Sharafu | Batsman |
| Asif Khan | Batsman |
| Rahul Chopra | Batsman |
| Sagar Kalyan | Batsman |
| Vriitya Aravind | Wicket-keeper |
| Aryansh Sharma | Wicket-keeper |
| Ethan D’Souza | Wicket-keeper |
| Tanish Suri | Wicket-keeper |
| Rohan Mustafa | All-rounder |
| Basil Hameed | All-rounder |
| Ali Naseer | All-rounder |
| Dhruv Parashar | All-rounder |
| Muhammad Saghir Khan | All-rounder |
| Zahoor Khan | Bowler |
| Junaid Siddique | Bowler |
| Aayan Afzal Khan | Bowler |
| Matiullah Khan | Bowler |
| Sanchit Sharma | Bowler |
Top 10 Highest-Paid UAE Cricketers
ECB contracts range $24,000-$60,000 annually plus match fees ($1,200-$2,500 per game). ILT20 participation doubles income for locally contracted players creating $100,000-$200,000 total compensation.
| Player | Role | ECB Contract | ILT20 Salary | BPL/Other | Total Earnings |
| Muhammad Waseem (c) | Batsman | $50,000-$60,000 | $100,000 (MIE) | $40,000 (BPL) | $190,000-$200,000 |
| Rohan Mustafa | All-rounder | $75,000-$100,000 | $80,000 (MIE) | – | $155,000-$180,000 |
| Zahoor Khan | Fast bowler | $75,000-$100,000 | $75,000 | – | $150,000-$175,000 |
| Basil Hameed | All-rounder | $75,000-$100,000 | $70,000 | – | $145,000-$170,000 |
| Junaid Siddique | Fast bowler | $75,000-$100,000 | $65,000 | – | $140,000-$165,000 |
| Asif Khan | Batsman | $50,000-$75,000 | $60,000 | – | $110,000-$135,000 |
| Vriitya Aravind | Wicketkeeper | $40,000-$50,000 | $55,000 | – | $95,000-$105,000 |
| Aayan Afzal Khan | Spinner | $40,000-$50,000 | $50,000 | – | $90,000-$100,000 |
| Ali Naseer | Bowler | $40,000-$50,000 | $45,000 | – | $85,000-$95,000 |
| Alishan Sharafu | Batsman | $50,000-$75,000 | $40,000 | – | $90,000-$115,000 |
Waseem earned $190,000-$200,000 in 2024 combining $50,000-$60,000 ECB captain contract, $100,000 MI Emirates ILT20 salary, and $40,000 Chattogram Challengers BPL deal.
His T20I captaincy premium adds $5,000-$10,000 annually recognizing leadership responsibilities.
Mustafa’s $155,000-$180,000 income stems from $75,000-$100,000 ECB all-rounder contract plus $80,000 MI Emirates ILT20 participation. His consistent multi-format selection maximizes match fee earnings across ODI ($2,500) and T20I ($1,200) games.
Richest UAE Cricketers by Net Worth
Limited global franchise access restricts wealth accumulation to players securing ILT20 and occasional BPL opportunities. Waseem leads through strategic positioning and captaincy tenure.
| Player | Role | Estimated Net Worth | Age | Primary Wealth Source |
| Muhammad Waseem | Batsman | $2M (₹16Cr) | 30 | ECB + ILT20 + BPL |
| Rohan Mustafa | All-rounder | $1M-$1.5M | 33 | ECB 10-year career + ILT20 |
| Zahoor Khan | Fast bowler | $800K-$1.2M | 32 | ECB + ILT20 contracts |
| Chirag Suri (retired) | Batsman | $700K-$1M | 37 | ECB career + Real estate |
| Basil Hameed | All-rounder | $500K-$800K | 28 | ECB + ILT20 + Domestic |
Waseem built $2 million through ECB contracts totaling $400,000 over eight years, ILT20 earnings exceeding $500,000 across three seasons, BPL Chattogram deals worth $120,000 combined, and Dubai real estate investments.
His captaincy since 2021 elevated commercial appeal creating endorsement opportunities with UAE-based brands.
Mustafa accumulated $1-1.5 million through ECB contracts averaging $60,000-$80,000 annually since 2014, ILT20 MI Emirates participation generating $240,000 total, and domestic UAE league earnings. His all-rounder value maximized selection across all formats.
Zahoor’s $800K-$1.2M stems from ECB salary averaging $70,000 annually since 2016 plus ILT20 fast-bowling specialist contracts worth $200,000+ combined.
ECB Central Contract Structure and Match Fees
Emirates Cricket Board maintains approximately 20 central contracts paying $24,000-$100,000 across varying tiers. Full-time contracts provide $50,000-$100,000 while part-time agreements offer $24,000-$50,000 annually.
Contract Categories: Full-time (10 players – $50,000-$100,000), Part-time (10 players – $24,000-$50,000) based on format availability and performance.
Match Fees: ODI $2,500 per game, T20I $1,200 per match creating $15,000-$40,000 additional annual income for regular selections.
ECB Ban Cases: Usman Khan received five-year ban from ECB-sanctioned tournaments after terminating central contract to pursue Pakistan eligibility, eliminating ILT20 earning potential.
Ireland’s €70,000 ($76,000) maximum exceeds UAE’s $100,000 top tier marginally. Afghanistan’s $12,000 ACB maximum trails significantly demonstrating UAE’s competitive Associate compensation funded through ILT20 revenue sharing.
ILT20 Franchise Earnings and Salary Cap Cuts
International League T20 provides crucial income with $2 million team salary caps (reduced 20% from $2.5 million for 2025-26). Local UAE players earn $40,000-$120,000 per season supplementing ECB contracts.
ILT20 Salary Structure: Top category $340,000 (overseas stars), mid-tier $100,000-$150,000, UAE players $40,000-$120,000 based on experience.
MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem ($100,000), Rohan Mustafa ($80,000) lead local contingent.
Mandatory UAE Players: Two per playing XI creates earning opportunities for 12 locally contracted cricketers across six franchises.
ILT20’s 20% salary cap reduction from $2.5M to $2M per team eliminated $500,000 spending creating competitive auction environment. Combined with $250,000 wildcard signing allowance, franchises maintain $2.25M total budget impacting player negotiations.
FAQs
Who is UAE’s highest-paid cricketer?
Muhammad Waseem earns $190,000-$200,000 annually combining $50,000-$60,000 ECB captain contract, $100,000 MI Emirates ILT20 salary, and $40,000 Chattogram Challengers BPL deal. His T20I captaincy premium adds $5,000-$10,000 recognizing leadership responsibilities across formats.
How much does ECB pay centrally contracted players?
Emirates Cricket Board awards approximately 20 contracts paying $24,000-$100,000 annually across full-time ($50,000-$100,000) and part-time ($24,000-$50,000) categories. Match fees add $1,200-$2,500 per game creating total compensation $40,000-$150,000 yearly before ILT20 income.
Which UAE cricketers participate in ILT20?
All centrally contracted UAE players eligible for ILT20 participation with mandatory two locals per playing XI across six franchises. Muhammad Waseem, Rohan Mustafa, Zahoor Khan command highest UAE salaries ($60,000-$120,000 per season) supplementing ECB contracts creating $150,000-$200,000 total annual earnings.
What is Muhammad Waseem’s total net worth?
Muhammad Waseem’s net worth stands at $2 million (₹16 crore) accumulated through eight-year ECB career generating $400,000 total, three ILT20 seasons earning $500,000+ combined, BPL contracts worth $120,000, and Dubai real estate investments creating sustainable wealth beyond cricket.
Why was Usman Khan banned by ECB?
Usman Khan received five-year ECB ban from all sanctioned tournaments after terminating central contract to pursue Pakistan eligibility. The ban eliminates ILT20 participation (worth $60,000-$100,000 annually) restricting him to PSL only, demonstrating ECB’s strict contract enforcement protecting UAE cricket investment.
