Canadian cricket players have nominal contracts ranging between $15,000 and $35,000 per year. However, official salary information for the Canada national team is not publicly available.
A 2023 report mentioned that Cricket Canada had frozen player salaries. Recent reports from 2024-2025 confirm this freeze remains in effect, creating payment uncertainties for players.
This article gives a clear, data-backed look at each income source and key player salaries, while acknowledging current payment challenges.
How Canadian Cricketers Earn?
Canadian cricket players earn from multiple income streams, though current administrative challenges affect payment reliability.
Here’s a breakdown of their main income sources:
| Source | Description | Nominal Annual (USD) | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Contract | Annual retainer | 15,000 – 35,000 | Payment frozen |
| Match Fees | ODI/T20I per game | 400 – 700 | Delayed payments reported |
| ICC Bonuses | Tournament incentives | 2,000 – 5,000 | Subject to board processing |
| GT20 League | Domestic T20 | 10,000 – 75,000 | League terminated 2024 |
| Endorsements | Local sponsorships | 1,000 – 10,000 | Limited opportunities |
Players earn through five main categories:
- Central contract retainers: Fixed yearly pay from Cricket Canada (currently frozen)
- Match fees: Payment for each ODI and T20I match they play
- Tournament bonuses: Extra money from ICC events and competitions
- League earnings: Income from GT20 Canada and overseas leagues
- Endorsements: Brand deals and local sponsorships
In 2019, GT20 League owner Gurmeet Singh made a breakthrough announcement to pay 24 selected Canadian players $30,000 per year. This was the first time in Canadian cricket history that players received professional salaries.
The program included training at a cricket academy in Toronto and international tours to Australia and the Caribbean, with coaching from legends like Geoff Lawson, Wasim Akram, and Brian Lara.
Cricket Canada’s funding comes from ICC allocations and league sponsorships. Recent reports indicate that player salaries have been frozen since 2023, while the board addresses governance challenges.
The ICC is reportedly reviewing funding disbursements pending administrative reforms. In late 2024, Cricket Canada terminated its agreement with GT20 owners, impacting a major income source for players.
Canada Cricket Central Contract Players Salary
Official salaries are not disclosed publicly, but based on player performance and experience these might be the salaries of the players:
Cricket Canada divides contracts into three grades: A, B, and C. These figures represent the nominal contract values established in previous years:
| Player | Role | Contract Grade | Listed Annual Salary (USD) | Additional Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saad Bin Zafar | All-rounder / Captain | A | $30,000 – $35,000 | CPL, overseas leagues |
| Navneet Dhaliwal | Batter | A | $25,000 – $30,000 | Overseas leagues |
| Nikhil Dutta | Bowler | B | $20,000 – $25,000 | Overseas leagues |
| Ravinderpal Singh | Batter | B | $18,000 – $22,000 | Overseas leagues |
| Jeremy Gordon | Bowler | C | $15,000 – $18,000 | Local leagues |
| Dilpreet Bajwa | Batter | Emerging | $10,000 – $15,000 | Developing player |
Note: These figures represent nominal contract values. Actual payments have been affected by the ongoing salary freeze reported since 2023.
Grade A players like Captain Saad Bin Zafar have the highest nominal contracts. The $30,000 benchmark established in 2019 became the standard for top-tier contracts.
Players supplement their income through overseas leagues, which have become increasingly important given domestic payment challenges.
GT20 Canada League Salaries
GT20 Canada was historically the largest domestic income source for Canadian players. However, the league’s status changed significantly in 2024-2025.
Historical GT20 Pay Structure (2019-2023):
| Category | Player Type | Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Players | Emerging / Local | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Marquee Canadian Players | National stars | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Overseas Players | International stars | $50,000 – $150,000 |
Current Status (2024-2025):
Cricket Canada terminated its agreement with GT20 owners in late 2024. Reports indicate the 2025 GT20 tournament did not proceed as scheduled.
The World Cricketers’ Association issued a notice regarding payment concerns in the league over the previous 24 months. A potential new tournament format may emerge, but specifics on player compensation remain unclear.
Income Impact:
A Grade B player earning $20,000 from Cricket Canada plus $30,000-$50,000 from GT20 previously totaled $50,000-$70,000 annually.
With GT20 terminated and national contracts frozen, players currently rely more heavily on overseas league opportunities (CPL, MLC, other T20 leagues) to maintain income.
Canada Women’s Cricket Team Salary
Women’s cricket contracts follow a similar structure but at lower values due to fewer international fixtures.
Women’s Team Pay Structure:
- Average retainer: $3,000 – $8,000 per year
- Match fees: $200 – $300 per game
- Total annual income: Typically $5,000 – $12,000 for regular team members
Women players are also affected by the salary freeze. ICC development funding for women’s cricket is expected to increase over time, which may improve compensation levels.
Canada vs Other Associate Nations
Comparing Canadian cricket salaries to similar nations:
| Country | Listed Annual Salary | League Support | Payment Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $15,000 – $35,000 | GT20 (terminated) | Frozen since 2023 |
| USA | $20,000 – $50,000 | MLC (active) | Regular payments |
| Netherlands | $18,000 – $40,000 | Domestic leagues | Stable |
| UAE | $25,000 – $60,000 | Strong ICC funding and ILT20 | Regular payments |
| Namibia | $10,000 – $25,000 | Limited leagues | Generally stable |
Canada’s nominal salary range is competitive, but current payment challenges and GT20’s termination affect the practical comparison. The 2019 professional salary initiative positioned Canada well, but administrative issues since 2023 have created uncertainties.
Comparing Cricket Salaries to Regular Jobs in Ontario
Context for Canadian cricket salaries relative to provincial wages:
| City | Annual Pay | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $27,522 | $2,293 | $529 | $13 |
| North York | $28,449 | $2,370 | $547 | $13.68 |
| Willowdale | $28,449 | $2,370 | $547 | $13.68 |
| Scarborough | $28,321 | $2,360 | $544 | $13.62 |
| Barrie | $27,716 | $2,309 | $533 | $13.32 |
| North Bay | $27,522 | $2,293 | $529 | $13.23 |
| Nepean | $27,383 | $2,281 | $526 | $13.16 |
| Windsor | $27,209 | $2,267 | $523 | $13.08 |
| Clarence-Rockland | $27,003 | $2,250 | $519 | $12.98 |
| St. Catharines | $26,801 | $2,233 | $515 | $12.89 |
| Hamilton | $26,757 | $2,229 | $514 | $12.86 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Players competing in overseas leagues can supplement significantly, with CPL contracts ranging $10,000-$50,000 and MLC offering $30,000-$125,000 for emerging to established players.
What’s Next for Canada Cricketers?
Several factors will influence future salary developments:
Positive Indicators:
- T20 World Cup qualification: Canada qualified with a win over Bermuda, potentially increasing ICC funding allocations
- Olympic inclusion: Cricket’s 2028 Olympic return may bring government funding opportunities
- Growing cricket interest: Increased visibility in Canada’s diverse population
- ICC development programs: Associate nation support continues to expand
Current Challenges:
- Salary freeze has been ongoing since 2023, pending governance reforms
- GT20 termination removesa significant income stream (replacement tournament unconfirmed)
- ICC funding review pending administrative improvements
- Board restructuring is required for payment normalisation
Timeline Projections:
The situation’s resolution depends on completing governance reforms and restoring ICC funding confidence. Optimistic estimates suggest potential improvements by late 2025-2026, though concrete timelines remain uncertain.
Conclusion: Canadian cricket players have earnings from $15,000 to $35,000 Annually
Canadian cricket players have nominal contracts ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 annually, established from the 2019 initiative.
Top players like Saad Bin Zafar hold contracts listed at $30,000-$35,000. However, these payments have been frozen since 2023 due to administrative challenges at Cricket Canada.
Even though Canada qualified for the T20 World Cup and may play in the Olympics, players’ salaries are still low because cricket governance reforms and ICC funding are not fully restored yet. If these issues are fixed, earnings could rise by 2026.
FAQs
Captain Saad Bin Zafar holds a Grade A contract listed at $30,000-$35,000 annually, the highest nominal value. His actual received income depends on the salary freeze resolution. He supplements through CPL and overseas leagues.
Nominal contracts average $20,000-$25,000 annually. With GT20 terminated and payments frozen since 2023, players currently earn primarily from overseas leagues (CPL: $10,000-$50,000, MLC: $30,000-$125,000 range) plus match fees when paid.
Yes, match fees are listed at $400-$700 per ODI/T20I. Recent reports indicate some payment delays, though players continue receiving match fees with processing variations.
Historically, domestic players earned $10,000-$25,000, with marquee Canadian stars making $30,000-$75,000 per season. Cricket Canada terminated the GT20 agreement in 2024, and the 2025 tournament did not proceed. Future tournament compensation is unconfirmed.
Yes, women players have contracts listed at $3,000-$8,000 annual retainers plus $200-$300 per match. They are also affected by the current salary freeze. Total annual income typically ranges $5,000-$12,000 when payments are regular.
Salary increases depend on resolving governance challenges and restoring ICC funding. T20 World Cup qualification and Olympic inclusion (2028) provide revenue opportunities. If administrative reforms are complete successfully, payment normalization and potential increases could begin late 2025 or 2026. A new domestic league could also restore the income previously provided by GT20.
