Rabada stands to earn an incredible R45 600 per ball in the IPL ... and it could be more

Kagiso Rabada, justifiably given his reputation as the Proteas' bowling kingpin, emerged as South Africa's most expensive player at this past weekend's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

The 26-year-old quick was sold to Punjab Kings for R18.6 million, proving his decision to throw his name into the hat was the right one.

Rabada was a key member of the Delhi Capitals over the past few seasons, but the franchise chose to rather retain his partner-in-crime Anrich Nortje.

While accurate calculations can only be done once factors such as workload management, injuries and international duty have been factored in, the economics of Rabada's move is astounding.

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The IPL's salary structure means that the fast bowler will earn his full auction price in 2022 - and will continue to do so annually if that contract is, for example, for three years.

If one assumes that Punjab Kings and Rabada play the maximum number of matches in a season - 17 - he would receive approximately R45 588 per delivery he bowls.

That figure would rise to R55 357 per ball if he and his franchise merely complete a standard campaign without reaching the play-offs.

However, if Cricket South Africa (CSA) - realistically - would allow Rabada and other Test squad members such as Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Nortje and Rassie van der Dussen to leave the national camp after the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to conclude on 4 April, they would likely miss between two to three early matches.

That would see Rabada's earnings soar to over R70 000 per delivery, which explains why it's understood CSA would consider the players to leave earlier from their national duties.

If Rabada were to remain