Cricketers are getting the deserved popularity in front of the world audience. Famous footballers like Ronaldo and Messi, the world media discusses top cricketers like FAB 4, including Virat Kohli, Williamson, Steven Smith, and Joe Root daily. For all the football fans out there, the FAB 4 discussion is our Ronaldo vs Messi debate. Jokes apart! The latest T20 World Cup proved that underdogs like Namibia and Scotland are getting better with their international teams, which means cricket is getting global as more and more countries are trying to get involved in it. More money is also involved in the game now. So who is the richest cricketer in the world? Let’s find out.
Cricket is already popular in southern Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Apart from them, the craze of cricket is fired up in world-leading countries like Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and many others. One of the main reasons cricket is getting popular is because more and more money is getting involved in it.
Many reports show the average income of today’s cricketers is around 20% more than the players that used to represent their respective countries 10 years back. Thanks to endorsements and social media, players are earning a lot more than expected. However, according to the experts, the main reason behind increased income is FRANCHISE CRICKET. Top leagues like IPL, Big Bash, and recently concluded The 100 have taken today’s cricketer’s income to a new level.
This discussion will lead to curiosity in your mind. Who are the top 10 richest cricketers in the world? We will tell you everything about them but please don’t be amazed after seeing the list as you are going to see many popular names. Spoiler Alert – Most of them are retired but still maintain the highest money in the market. Before you can even say Jack Robinson, let us find the mystery out of the curtains.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Indian cricket fans, it’s time for you to be delighted after a disappointing T20 world cup. The first one that features on our list is the God of Cricket, “Sachin Tendulkar”. Even though he retired 8 years ago, he is still donning the list of the richest cricketers of all time. The little master only has little in his nickname, as his bank accounts say otherwise. According to the reports, his net worth is between $170 and $190 million, converting to 1360* crores INR. He used to break records on the field, and now he is breaking records off the field. Thanks to brands like Pepsi, BMW, Visa, and many others. Sachin Tendulkar will be insurmountable for the upcoming years.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
We Indians treat our cricketers with the utmost respect. And Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the list establishes the same. Amazed to see another retired Cricketer? Wait for the list to end. Former Indian captain who is jeweled with any silverware in his career, especially the 2011 Men’s World Cup, is the 2nd richest cricketer in the world. His partnership with some famous brands like Reebok, Boost, and GoDaddy has enormously increased his net worth. His estimated net worth is around $150 million, which turns out to be 1000 crores INR.
3. Virat Kohli
The run machine and current India’s former captain, Virat Kohli, ranks third in the list. He is one of the richest cricketers of all time and one of the most popular figures in sports history. His current net worth sits at $122 million, which turns out to be 750 crores in Indian Rupees. He not only holds the world record for being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODI cricket, but he is also the most followed Indian celebrity on Instagram with a whopping 165 million followers. In the upcoming years, he might surpass Dhoni as his brand loyalty with Puma, Audi, MRF, Tissot, and his fashion brand Wrogn speaks the same.
4. Ricky Ponting
Let us talk about someone who is not from India. Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, is the 4th richest cricketer in the world. His record speaks for itself; captaining Australia, he had taken them to new heights by winning almost everything. Earlier, he was the head coach of Delhi Capitals, a top team in the Indian Premier League. Apart from adding his name to the ICC Hall of Fame, his net worth touched $100 million(830 crores) in the next 2 years. He is part of brands like Adidas, Valvoline, Rexona, and a lot more.
5. Jaques Kallis
Often regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all time, the former South African is the 7th richest cricketer. With more than 10,000 runs in tests and ODI, Kallis also boasts 250+ wickets in both formats to his name. Although he retired from all forms of international cricket in 2014, his net worth is around $70 million(INR 560 crore). Thanks to his endorsements with Pepsi.
6. Brian Lara
Every guy from the 90s and earlier remembers the heroic innings of 400 runs from Brian Lara. A record that is still unbroken. Former West Indies batsman and all-time top cricketer is the 5th richest cricketer in the world. His net worth touched $60 million (INR 415 crore) in 2024. He still endorsed MRF, which is one of the reasons his net worth never went down.
7. Shane Warne
Also known as the world’s greatest spinner of all time, Late Shane Warne was the 6th richest cricketer. Former Australian cricketer had made several records, including 708 test wickets. Apart from his bold comments, he endorsed some of the biggest brands in the world like Pepsi, McDonald’s, etc. He also partially owns the inaugural IPL-winning team Rajasthan Royals, which has taken his net worth to $50 million(380 crores).
8. Virendra Sehwag
Ex-Indian opener and the most explosive batsman in cricket history is the 8th richest cricketer in the world. According to the cricketing experts, there is no better opener than Sehwag. He is also one of the 4 cricketers to get 300 twice in test cricket. The current net worth of the wittiest commentator in the cricketing world stands around $42 million as he endorses some major brands like Adidas, Samsung, Reebok, Hero, and many more.
9. Yuvraj Singh
The former Indian cricketer and one of the best all-rounders ever seen is the 9th richest cricketer. Also famous for incredible shot selection and fielding abilities, Yuvraj Singh fought a tough battle against cancer. The champion not only beat cancer but also made a comeback to international cricket. He is signed with some major brands, including Pepsi, Reebok, Royal Mega Stag, Puma, LG, Birla Sun, and many more. His total net worth is estimated at around $35 million (INR 260 crores).
10. Shane Watson
Another famous name in World Cricket, Shane Watson, is the 10th richest cricketer who beats Steven Smith just by some margin. His total net worth is estimated at around $35 million. He endorses some famous brands like Gunn & Moore, Asics, TAG Heuer, and many more.
Endnotes
Even if we talk about money, Sachin is way ahead of everyone, just like his records. Cricket is surely getting featured all over the globe, and these richest cricketers are prime examples of it. The way it is spreading, we are sure we will see many new names on the list in the upcoming years.