Top 10 highest earning bowlers in IPL over the years
Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has been one of the most followed sporting events across the world. With the quality of cricket played in the annual sports extravaganza being consistently high, it has garnered followers from all parts of the globe.
Given the enormity of exposure and the amount of money involved in IPL, cricketers from every nook and corner of the world dream to take part in the cash-rich event. And though the modern-day game has largely become batsman-friendly, there have been some bowlers in the history of IPL who have enjoyed huge success.
Given their potential to turn the game on its head, bowlers have been paid huge rewards too. With IPL 2019 about to start in a month, let us take a look at the top 10 highest earning bowler in the tournament's history.
#10 Ashish Nehra (₹31.53 crore)
Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra ranks 10th in the list of top 10 highest earning bowlers from the Indian Premier League, with ₹31.53 crore. The Delhi pacer is the 10th highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history with 105 wickets in 88 matches.
The wiry pacer started his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians in 2008 but moved to Delhi Daredevils for the next two editions. Later he plied his trade for the now defunct Pune Warriors, as well as Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2018.
The 39-year-old has been appointed bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming IPL season.
#9 Zaheer Khan (₹32.42 crore)
The spearhead of the Indian fast bowling attack in the 2000s, Zaheer Khan stands at number 9 in the list with total earnings of ₹32.42 crore.
Zaheer was one of the most versatile bowlers in the world who could swing the ball both ways. With his outstanding skills, Zaheer scalped 102 wickets in 100 matches.
Zaheer started his IPL career with RCB in 2008 and played most of his IPL cricket with that franchise and Mumbai Indians, before moving to Delhi Capitals in 2015.
The left arm pacer announced his international retirement in October 2015 and from IPL as well after the 2016 edition. Recently, the Mumbai Indians have appointed Zaheer Khan as their Director of Cricket Operations.