Phil

Salt

Phil Salt Biography and Career

Philip Dean Salt, born on 28 August 1996 in Wales, is a dynamic and aggressive right-handed opening batter who represents England in international cricket and Lancashire in county cricket. Known for his attacking style at the top of the order, Salt also occasionally keeps wickets and bowls right-arm off-spin. His journey through the cricketing ranks is a story of adaptability, perseverance, and explosive potential.

Salt’s early cricketing path saw him traverse continents. Though born in Wales, he spent part of his youth in Barbados before moving to England. His club-level promise first came to light in 2013 with Guildford Cricket Club, which led to his induction into the Sussex Academy in 2014. He progressed steadily, earning a junior professional contract ahead of the 2016 season. That same year, he made his T20 debut for Sussex on 20 May in the NatWest T20 Blast, followed by his first-class debut during Pakistan’s tour of England on 8 July.

His aggressive batting style found a perfect platform in franchise cricket. On 10 September 2019, Salt was signed by the Adelaide Strikers for the Big Bash League (BBL). Despite a brief setback in 2021 with a broken foot from a bicycle accident, Salt returned stronger, announcing a move to Lancashire CCC ahead of the 2022 domestic season. He was also picked up by the Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

Salt's IPL journey began with the Delhi Capitals in 2023, who signed him for ₹2 crore. In 2024, he was drafted into the Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Jason Roy. His growing reputation as a destructive opener led to a high-profile move in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought him for a staggering ₹11.50 crore, underlining his status as one of the most sought-after T20 talents globally.

Salt’s international breakthrough came in 2021. Initially named as a COVID-19 replacement for the ODI squad against Pakistan, he made his debut on 8 July 2021. His T20I debut followed on 26 January 2022 against the West Indies. In June 2022, he scored his maiden ODI century (122) against the Netherlands in a match where England posted a world-record 498 runs.

Salt was part of England’s victorious squad in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, featuring in both the semi-final and final. His T20I form continued to flourish. On the 2023–24 tour of the West Indies, he smashed back-to-back T20I centuries. 

Philip Salt Early Life

Philip Salt was born on 28 August 1996 in Bodelwyddan, Wales. His cricketing journey began in St Asaph, where he played for the North East Wales Under-11 team. He later attended school in Chester. At the age of 10, Salt’s family relocated to Barbados, which enabled him to meet the residency criteria to represent either the West Indies or England in international cricket. During his time in Barbados, he shared the field with Jofra Archer, who would later become both his Sussex and England teammate. Salt eventually returned to the UK at 15 and continued his education at Reed’s School, where he earned a cricket scholarship.

Philip Salt Beyond Cricket

Off the field, Phil Salt leads a grounded yet dynamic life enriched by close family ties and a long-term relationship. Since 2020, Salt has been in a committed relationship with Abi McLaven, a freelance virtual assistant. His father, Chris Salt, has been a steady influence, while his siblings, Sam Salt and Dani Salt, each have their own accomplished paths. Sam, a former tennis player, captained England in the Four Nations competition and guided two age groups at Graves to National Junior Club League titles. As of February 2025, he serves as an assistant coach at the Yorkshire Tennis Academy. 

Beyond cricket, Salt has a range of interests and favorites. A fan of Virat Kohli, Adam Gilchrist, and Jos Buttler, he draws inspiration from some of the modern greats of the game. His favorite dishes reflect a diverse palate—Sushi and Dal Bakhura top the list. Salt is also an avid football enthusiast, supporting Manchester City with great passion. As of 2024, Phil Salt’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, accumulated through his central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), match fees, franchise league earnings, and brand endorsements.

Philip Salt Awards and Achievements

• 2022 T20 World Cup Winner: Salt was part of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup. 

• CPL Final Winner: Salt lifted the trophy after playing in the CPL final with the Barbados Tridents in 2019.