The world of cricket has always been glamorous, but the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues has completely transformed how players earn their money. A striking example is South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen, who is making headlines for making nearly ₹27 crore in just six months.
And the even more intriguing fact is that the majority of these profits are derived from T20 leagues like the IPL and other franchise competitions rather than from international cricket.
The IPL Effect
Heinrich Klaasen, known for his explosive batting against spin and pace, became a hot pick in the IPL 2024 auctions. He was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering ₹5.25 crore. For just a two-month season, this salary reflects how franchise cricket is willing to reward players who can single-handedly change the game.
But IPL is just the beginning. Klaasen also plays in leagues like SA20 in South Africa and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US. Combined with brand endorsements and match fees, his six-month earnings have shot up to nearly ₹27 crore, putting him in the league of the richest T20 cricketers today.
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Shift in Cricket’s Economics
Hienrich Klaasen’s experiences show a broader change in cricket’s economy rather than just one cricketer becoming wealthy. In the past, the best way to earn respect and money was to play international cricket for your country.
For instance, a player like Klaasen might make half the money senior international cricket players do in their full-time contracts in just six months.
Opportunity for Lesser-Known Players
What stands out about Klaasen’s success is that he is not the most high-profile South African cricketer. He is not AB de Villiers or Faf du Plessis. Yet, leagues value him because of his finishing ability, strike rate, and adaptability.
This is where franchise cricket has democratized opportunities. A player doesn’t need to be a superstar to earn big, consistent performances, and a specialist skill set can unlock massive paychecks.
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Indian Audience Factor
It is also important to note why this money is flowing into cricket. The main reason why so much money flows into cricket is because of India’s huge fan base. Millions of people watch cricket in India, and wherever there are viewers, TV Broadcasters, Sponsors, and marketers are willing to spend a lot of money.
