In India, cricket isn’t just a sport, it’s a national obsession. With an enormous fan base and lucrative sponsorship deals, cricketers in India enjoy unparalleled financial rewards.
It’s no wonder that the country boasts a significant presence on the list of the world’s richest cricketers. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a premier cricket league in the world, has been a game-changer, offering hefty contracts to both domestic and international players. Additionally, endorsements from top brands further bolster players’ bank accounts.
The combination of high-profile tournaments, adoration from fans, and lucrative commercial opportunities solidifies cricket as one of the most financially rewarding professions in India, making it unsurprising that Indian cricketers dominate the global wealth rankings. If you’re wondering who is the richest cricket player in the world, check out this list.
Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the world
1. Sachin Tendulkar – $165 million
As one of the greatest batters in cricket history and an icon in India, Tendulkar’s wealth comes from his exceptional cricket career spanning over two decades, combined with lucrative endorsements and investments. Tendulkar earns approximately ₹50 crores annually through endorsements and investments.
Over the years, he has endorsed a plethora of brands such as Adidas, TVS, MRF, Britannia, VISA, Reynolds, Boost, Bajaj, and many others. Additionally, he generates income as the co-owner of ISL franchise Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru Blasters in the Premier Badminton League. Furthermore, his role as the mentor of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL adds to his revenue streams and make him one of the most richest cricketer in the world.
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2. MS Dhoni – $125 million
Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour and captaincy skills, amassed his wealth through his successful career as a player, captain of the Indian cricket team, and endorsements from various brands. Dhoni’s primary sources of income include his IPL contract with CSK, endorsements from various brands, and his investments.
Dhoni’s earnings from the IPL, after participating in 16 seasons, is Rs 176.8 crores. Among the brands he endorses are WinZO, Pepsi, Spartan Sports, Reebok, Amity University, Gulf Oil, Ashok Leyland, and Big Bazaar.
Additionally, he holds ownership stakes in sporting franchises like Chennaiyin FC, a football club based in Chennai, Ranchi Rays, a hockey club based in Ranchi, and Mahi Racing Team India, a team in the Supersport World Championship. These make him one of the richest cricketers in the world.
3. Virat Kohli – $122 million
As one of the most marketable athletes globally, Kohli’s wealth stems from his stellar performances on the cricket field, captaincy of the Indian team, and numerous endorsement deals with top brands.
Kohli ranks among the top earners on Instagram, fetching $1,088,000 per post. His annual earnings from the BCCI’s A+ category central retainers for 2023-24 stand at Rs 7 Crore, while his current IPL salary amounts to Rs 15 crore.
Additionally, Kohli has diversified his portfolio with investments and ownership of ventures such as the clothing line WROGN. All of this makes him one of the richest cricket player in the world.
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4. Jacques Kallis – $110 million
Jacques Kallis, a legendary all-rounder from South Africa, accumulated his wealth through his exceptional cricketing abilities, spanning both batting and bowling, and endorsements throughout his illustrious career.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2014, Kallis has transitioned into consultancy and coaching roles within the sport, providing him with an additional income stream. Moreover, he has ventured into property investments as well.
5. Sourav Ganguly – $80 million
Sourav Ganguly, a former captain of the Indian cricket team, earned his wealth through his successful career as a batsman, leadership roles, and endorsements.
Among the brands he currently represents are Lux Cozy, Vicco, Lloyd ropes, DTDC, Puma, and others. Reports indicate that Puma compensates him Rs 1.35 crore annually. Previously, he held a lucrative position as the President of the BCCI. Presently, he adds to his income as the mentor of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
6. Ricky Ponting – $70 million
Ricky Ponting, an Australian cricket legend, amassed his wealth through his prolific batting, successful captaincy of the Australian team, and endorsements with various brands. At present, his primary income stems from his role as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, alongside retirement funds from Cricket Australia.
Additionally, he garners revenue from commentary gigs and brand endorsements. Among the array of brands he endorses are Adidas, Kookaburra bats, Rexona, and others.
7. Brian Lara – $60 million
Brian Lara, the West Indian batting maestro, earned his wealth through his remarkable career as a batsman, setting numerous records in international cricket, and endorsements with global brands. Until recently, he earned a huge sum of money as the coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Among the brands he endorses are online gaming brand, W88, USHA International and others.
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8. Chris Gayle – $45 million
Known for his explosive batting style, Gayle’s wealth comes from his successful cricket career, especially in T20 leagues worldwide, and endorsements with brands attracted to his flamboyant personality. Gayle serves as an ambassador for numerous brands, including Attitude.com and Spartan Sports.
Moreover, he has made undisclosed investments in IONA Entertainment, a virtual gaming platform catering to Indian fans, and FlippAR, an Indian startup offering augmented reality services.
9. Shane Watson – $40 million
Shane Watson, an Australian all-rounder, accumulated his wealth through his contributions as a batsman and bowler in international cricket, as well as his lucrative contracts in various T20 leagues.
Forbes reports that Shane Watson held the title of the highest-paid non-Indian cricketer in the industry for five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015. Throughout his 13-year tenure in the IPL, the former Australian all-rounder amassed an impressive Rs 77 crore. He endorses brands such as Asics, TAG Heuer, American Express, Gozney, and others.
10. AB de Villiers – $25 million
AB de Villiers, a versatile South African cricketer, earned his wealth through his outstanding performances with the bat, innovative batting techniques, and endorsements with global brands. He accumulated Rs 102 crore throughout his 13-year IPL journey. Additionally, he represents several renowned brands including Audi, Ajio, Montblanc, Puma, and MRF.
Conclusion
Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricket players of all time, continues to be the richest cricketer in the world. Tendulkar amassed a huge wealth during his long playing career, and continues to be the face of several brands even long after retirement.
MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, another two legendary Indian cricketers, take up the second and third spot on the list. Most of these cricketers have amassed their wealth from IPL salaries, BCCI contracts and brand endorsements.
FAQs about Richest Cricketer in the World
Q) Who is the richest cricketer in the world?
A) Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world with a net worth of $165 million. His wealth comes from his exceptional cricket career, numerous endorsements, and investments. Tendulkar earns approximately ₹50 crores annually through endorsements and investments, endorsing brands like Adidas, TVS, MRF, Britannia, and VISA, among others.
Q) Is MS Dhoni the richest cricketer in the world?
A) While the exact amount cannot be decided, different reports suggest that MS Dhoni has a net worth of $125 million. His wealth comes from his successful cricket career, his IPL contract with CSK, endorsements from various brands, and his investments.Â
Q) Who between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar is richer?
A) Sachin Tendulkar is richer than Virat Kohli. While Sachin Tendulkar’s net worth is $165 million, while Kohli’s net worth is $122 million.
Q) How much does Virat Kohli charge for each branded post on Instagram?
A) Virat Kohli charges $1,088,000 for each branded post on Instagram. His strong social media presence and global popularity make him one of the top earners on the platform.
Q) How do cricketers become rich?
A) Cricketers become rich with different contracts and brand endorsements. Successful players like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, among others have had a stellar career and this reflected in their earnings as well.
Q) Who is the world’s richest cricketer?
A) While there is no official account of this, as per different reports, Sachin Tendulkar leads the list and is followed closely by Virat Kohli as the the world’s richest cricketer.
