The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been one of the most lucrative stages in world cricket — and South African cricketers have cashed in big. From AB de Villiers’ iconic years at RCB to David Miller’s late-career resurgence, South Africa’s top stars have not only delivered match-winning performances but have also earned eye-watering salaries.
If you’ve ever wondered who is the richest South African cricketer in IPL history, or how much AB de Villiers made playing in the IPL, this is the definitive breakdown — complete with total IPL income in South African Rands and the teams they played for.
🏏 Who is the highest-paid South African in IPL history?
1. AB de Villiers – ₹1,025,165,000 / R223.3 million
Role: Wicketkeeper Batsman
Notable Teams: Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore
The IPL’s golden boy from South Africa, AB de Villiers, is the highest-paid South African IPL player of all time. With unmatched innovation, clutch finishes, and fan-favourite status, AB made over R223 million during his IPL career.
💰 Top South African IPL Earners: 2025 Updated List
2. David Miller – ₹649,954,000 / R141.6 million
Role: Batsman
Teams: Kings XI Punjab, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals
Still going strong, “Killer Miller” has become one of the most feared middle-order batters in the IPL and one of its richest South African exports.
3. Chris Morris – ₹591,793,750 / R128.9 million
Role: Allrounder
Teams: CSK, DC, RR
Known for being the most expensive IPL auction buy in 2021, Morris’ bowling and finishing ability helped him rack up serious income.
4. Dale Steyn – ₹471,508,250 / R102.7 million
Role: Fast Bowler
Teams: Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB
One of the most iconic pacers in IPL history, Steyn’s fiery spells brought both wickets and wealth.
5. Faf du Plessis – ₹404,444,800 / R88.1 million
Role: Batsman
Teams: Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore
A dependable opener and classy stroke maker, Faf continues to stack up runs and IPL earnings well into his 30s.
6. Quinton de Kock – ₹388,065,400 / R84.5 million
Role: Wicketkeeper Batsman
Teams: Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants
One of South Africa’s best white-ball openers, QDK combined explosive starts with safe hands behind the stumps — and racked up the paychecks.
7. Kagiso Rabada – ₹361,000,000 / R78.6 million
Role: Fast Bowler
Teams: Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings
Still only in his late 20s, Rabada’s IPL journey has already made him one of the top-earning SA bowlers in T20 history.
8. Jacques Kallis – ₹341,507,000 / R74.3 million
Role: Allrounder
Teams: RCB, Kolkata Knight Riders
Kallis brought experience, balance, and mentoring quality to every team he played for.
9. JP Duminy – ₹233,723,722 / R50.9 million
Role: Allrounder
Teams: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Steady and stylish, Duminy was a go-to player during the mid-2010s and cashed in across several franchises.
10. Albie Morkel – ₹196,279,750 / R42.7 million
Role: Allrounder
Teams: CSK, RCB, Delhi Daredevils
A fan favourite for his big-hitting and clutch overs, Albie’s utility made him one of the early South African IPL greats.
📊 Full Earnings Table – South Africa’s Richest IPL Cricketers (All-Time)
| Rank | Player | Role | Notable IPL Teams | Total IPL Income (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AB de Villiers | Wicketkeeper Batsman | Delhi Daredevils, RCB | R223,347,495 |
| 2 | David Miller | Batsman | KXIP, GT, RR | R141,602,179 |
| 3 | Chris Morris | Allrounder | CSK, DC, RR | R128,931,100 |
| 4 | Dale Steyn | Bowler | Deccan Chargers, SRH, RCB | R102,725,109 |
| 5 | Faf du Plessis | Batsman | CSK, RCB | R88,114,336 |
| 6 | Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper Batsman | DD, MI, LSG | R84,511,169 |
| 7 | Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | DC, PBKS | R78,648,146 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | Allrounder | RCB, KKR | R74,391,072 |
| 9 | JP Duminy | Allrounder | MI, DD, SRH | R50,910,372 |
| 10 | Albie Morkel | Allrounder | CSK, RCB, DD | R42,757,760 |
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