James Franklin is a former New Zealand all‑rounder who played internationally from 2001 to 2013. He was a left‑handed batsman and left‑arm medium bowler, later transitioning into coaching roles after retirement.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: James Edward Charles Franklin
- Born: 7 November 1980, Wellington, New Zealand
- Age: 45 years
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Left‑arm medium
- Role: All‑rounder
- Relations: Aunt Jean Coulston (former cricketer)
International Career
- Test Debut: 8 March 2001 vs Pakistan
- Last Test: 2 January 2013 vs South Africa
- ODI Debut: 2 January 2001 vs Zimbabwe
- Last ODI: 16 June 2013 vs England
- T20I Debut: 16 February 2006 vs West Indies
- Last T20I: 27 June 2013 vs England
James Franklin Statistics

| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 31 | 808 | 20.72 | 82 | 33.98 | 6/119 |
| ODI | 110 | 1,270 | 23.96 | 81 | 41.41 | 5/42 |
| T20I | 38 | 463 | 20.13 | 20 | 34.36 | 3/32 |
| IPL | 20 | 327 | 29.73 | 9 | 24.44 | 2/26 |
Highlights & Legacy
- Versatile All‑Rounder: Began as a swing bowler, later became a reliable middle‑order batsman.
- World Cup Appearances: Represented New Zealand in multiple ICC tournaments.
- Franchise Cricket: Played for Mumbai Indians, Adelaide Strikers, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Middlesex, and more.
- Coaching Career: Served as head coach of Durham County Cricket Club (2019–2022).
- Notable Innings: Scored a Test century (122 vs South Africa, 2006).
James Franklin’s Family
James Franklin’s family includes his wife, Fumi Franklin, and their two daughters, Shola and Addison. He often emphasizes the importance of family in his coaching journey, crediting them for providing balance and support throughout his career.
Immediate Family
- Wife: Fumi Franklin – Married to James, she is a strong presence at Penn State events and supports his demanding coaching career.
- Daughter: Shola Franklin – The elder daughter, often seen with her parents at football ceremonies.
- Daughter: Addison Franklin – The younger daughter, also frequently photographed with the family.
- Parents – James was raised in a diverse household; his mother, Jocelyn, played a key role after his parents’ separation.
Family Influence
- Supportive Background: His upbringing in a multicultural household shaped his leadership style.
- Marriage Stability: Fumi has been a steady partner through the highs and lows of his coaching career.
- Public Appearances: The Franklin family is often seen together at Penn State games, press events, and charity functions.
- Private Lifestyle: Despite James’s fame, they maintain a low profile, focusing on values and togetherness.
James Franklin’s Net Worth
James Franklin’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $14 million USD. His wealth comes from his international cricket career, IPL contracts, county cricket, franchise leagues, and later coaching roles.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Net Worth | $14 million USD |
| International Career Earnings | Salaries from 31 Tests, 110 ODIs, and 38 T20Is |
| IPL Contracts | Played for the Mumbai Indians, earning approx $200K–$300K per season |
| County Cricket | Represented Middlesex, Essex, Glamorgan, and Nottinghamshire with steady contracts |
| Franchise Leagues | Featured in Big Bash (Adelaide Strikers) and Caribbean Premier League (Guyana Amazon Warriors) |
| Coaching Roles | Head coach of Durham County Cricket Club (2019–2022) |
| Endorsements | Sports gear sponsorships and cricket brand deals |
Key Income Sources
- International Career: Match fees and contracts from New Zealand Cricket.
- IPL Earnings: Multiple seasons with the Mumbai Indians boosted his wealth.
- County Cricket: Long-term contracts in England added stability.
- Franchise Leagues: Big Bash and CPL contracts diversified his income.
- Coaching Career: The Durham head coach role provided steady post-retirement earnings.
- Endorsements: Cricket gear and minor sponsorships.
Risks & Trade‑offs
- Injury Interruptions: Limited his international career earnings.
- Endorsement Limitations: As an all-rounder, Franklin earned fewer sponsorships compared to batting stars.
- Coaching Dependence: Post-retirement income relies on short-term coaching contracts.
See More: Jacob Oram