Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World 2024

Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry over the years. With a global fan base that spans continents, the sport has provided numerous talented players with the opportunity to amass wealth beyond imagination.

Due to the sport’s prominence in Pakistan, India, Australia, and the United Kingdom, cricket is the second most-watched sport globally, despite its lack of popularity in the United States and Europe.

Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World

Today, cricketers are among the highest-paid cricket athletes in the world, earning hundreds of millions of dollars in salary and endorsements. In this article, we present a comprehensive list of the top 10 richest cricketers in the world, highlighting their on-field achievements, off-field endorsements, and net worth that have contributed to their enviable financial status.

Rank	Name	Net Worth 2023
1.	Sachin Tendulkar	Rs. 1114 crores ($150 Million)
2.	MS Dhoni	Rs. 818 Crore ($110 Million)
3.	Virat Kohli	Rs. 690 Crore ($93 Million)
4.	Ricky Ponting	Rs. 480 Crores ($65 Million)
5.	Brian Lara	Rs. 445 Crores ($60 Million)
6.	Shane Warne	Rs. 371 Crores ($50 Million)
7.	Jacques Kallis	Rs. 356 Crores ($48 Million)
8.	Virender Sehwag	Rs.334 Crores ($45 Million)
9.	Yuvraj Singh	Rs. 259 Crores ($35 Million)
10.	Shane Watson	Rs. 207 Crores ($28 Million)

1) Sachin Tendulkar – $150 Million

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar topped our list of the top 10 wealthiest cricketers in the world. Sachin Tendulkar has an estimated Rs.1114 crores ($150 Million) in net worth, making him the richest cricketer in the world.

Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar’s impact on and off the field is immeasurable. His stellar career saw him break numerous records, amassing a fortune through match fees, endorsements, and business ventures

Everyone, from children to parents and grandparents, has heard of the “god of cricket.” Sachin, the only batsman in the history of cricket to score 100 centuries, is atop the hierarchy in terms of both statistics and prestige.

Sachin retired in 2013, but he remains one of the world’s most recognizable and discussed cricket players. Even after almost a decade, his net worth of Rs.1114 crores, or $150 Million, makes him the wealthiest cricketer in the world.

In addition to receiving a salary from BCCI throughout his tenure, Sachin obtains most of his income from advertisements, endorsements, and serving as a brand ambassador for numerous well-known companies. In 2001, Sachin was the first Indian athlete to sign a commercial contract worth Rs.100 crore with MRF.

Sachin endorses numerous international brands such as PepsiCo, BMW, PaytmAdidas, MRF tires, Reliance Communication, VISA, Star Sports, Airtel, Toshiba, DBS Bank, Quaker, Philips, Luminous India, UNICEF, Bajaj, and numerous others.

In addition, Sachin possesses nearly ten luxury vehicles, including the Ferrari 360 Modena, BMW X5M, BMW i8, and Nissan GT-R. Sachin possesses property worth Rs. 520 crores and resides in a Bandra West, Mumbai mansion designed by a renowned architect. The residence is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 60 crores.

Sachin has also been featured in the documentary Sachin – A Billion Dreams by British filmmaker James Erskine. The movie grossed approximately 77 crores at the box office.

2) Mahendra Singh Dhoni – $110 Million

Fans commonly refer to Mahendra Singh Dhoni as “captain cool” due to his renowned composure on the field. Former Indian captain Dhoni is the only international cricket captain to have won all three ICC trophies: the T20I World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s legendary career as an Indian cricket team captain brought him unparalleled success. Dhoni’s captaincy in limited-overs cricket, coupled with his calm demeanor, made him a beloved figure. Beyond cricket, Dhoni’s association with brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and more has been instrumental in his financial success

Dhoni is the co-owner of several sports franchises, including the Ranchi-based hockey club Ranchi Rays, the Chennai-based football club Chennaiyin FC, and the Mahi Racing Team India Supersport World Championship team.

In 2015, he was ranked as the world’s twenty-third highest-paid athlete due to his partnerships with numerous Brands. MS Dhoni is a brand ambassador for Pepsi, Orient PSPO, Aircel, Spartan Sports, Reebok, Big Bazaar, GoDaddy, Boost, Amity University, Gulf Oil, Amrapali Group, Exide Batteries, Ashok Leyland, Sonata Watches, Dabur Chyawanprash, among others.

Mahi is also the proprietor of the fashion label ‘Se7en’. He is presently under contract with Chennai Super Kings for 15 crores per year and has been the team’s captain since the beginning of the IPL.

MS Dhoni is a major admirer of luxury automobiles and possesses a variety of bikes and vehicles, including the Ferrari 599 GTO, Hummer H2, GMC Sierra, Ducati 1098, Ninja ZX-14R, and Harley Davidson Fat Boy.

3) Virat Kohli – $93 Million

Virat Kohli has over one hundred million Instagram followers, making him the most followed cricketer on the platform. Virat’s popularity is not due to his aggressive demeanor or attractiveness but because he is one of the greatest batsmen of the 21st century.

Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting style and leadership prowess have made him a global icon. Kohli’s endorsements include major brands in sports, lifestyle, and consumer goods, contributing significantly to his wealth. His entrepreneurial ventures and investments further solidify his position as one of the wealthiest cricketers on the planet.

In 2012, he was the youngest cricketer to earn the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award at 23. In the 2019 World Cup, Kohli surpassed 20,000 runs in international cricket faster than any other player.

The BCCI pays Virat Rs 1.25 crore annually as his retainer fee and Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, and Rs 1.50 lakh for playing a test match, ODI match, and T20 match, respectively. He is also awarded a 5cr bonus.

In 2020, he was rated 66th on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes and was the only cricketer to make the list. He became the highest-paid IPL player in history when he extended his contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 17 crores.

Virat Kohli charges over 4 crores per day for brand endorsements and made approximately Rs 196 crore from endorsements alone in 2017. He is also the brand ambassador for Boost, Colgate, Myntra, Himalaya, Great Learning, MPL, PUMA, Volini, Too Yum, MRF Tyres, and Philips, among other companies.

4) Ricky Ponting – $65 Million

Ricky Ponting is one of the most successful skippers in the history of international cricket, having won 220 of 324 matches for a winning percentage of 67.91%.

A dominant force in Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting’s aggressive batting and exceptional leadership skills guided Australia to numerous victories. Ponting’s long-standing endorsement deals and his role as a coach have contributed significantly to his wealth. His cricket academy and media ventures have further bolstered his financial standing.

Ponting has played for Australia, Tasmanian Tigers in the Australian domestic circuit, and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2008. He is the current head coach of the IPL team Delhi Capitals.

Ponting led Australia to back-to-back World Cup victories in the ODI format, winning 34 consecutive contests. He has led the team to two consecutive ICC Champions Trophy victories in 2006 and 2009.

While competing for Australia, Ponting earned a hefty salary of $1,000,000 per year. He earns over $4 million annually from endorsements, commentary, and coaching. According to media reports, Ponting’s IPL salary as Delhi’s coach was between 8 and 10 crores per season. Among his endorsed products are Valvoline, Kookaburra Bats, Pura Milk, Adidas, and Rexona.

5) Brian Lara – $60 Million

Brian Lara ranks fifth on our list, with a net worth of Rs.445 crores. Lara became immortal after achieving the highest individual score in the history of 501. He was also the first player to score seven centuries in eight first-class innings.

The West Indian batting maestro, Brian Lara, etched his name in cricket history with record-breaking innings. Beyond cricket, Lara’s endeavors in philanthropy, motivational speaking, and brand endorsements have added to his wealth. His charitable foundation and global speaking engagements reflect his diverse interests.

Lara scored 400 against England in 2004, for good measure, the highest individual score in international cricket. Lara has been the brand ambassador for MRF, Usha International Brand, Bmobile Telecommunications, and Angostura’s LLB, garnering him substantial sums of money and propelling him to become the fifth wealthiest cricketer in 2023.

6) Shane Warne – $50 Million

The legendary leg-spinner has taken the most Test wickets and was the first to capture 700 international wickets. Warne was the most successful Australian bowler in his 16-year tenure, taking 1,001 wickets in 339 international matches.

Renowned for his exceptional spin bowling, Shane Warne is not only a cricket legend but also a successful entrepreneur. His charismatic personality and cricketing achievements have led to endorsements and media roles. Warne’s poker ventures and ownership in various businesses have diversified his income streams. Even after resigning from international cricket in 2006, Warne continues to impact the sport significantly, and new cricketers frequently seek his counsel.

In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), he captained the Rajasthan Royals and led an unproven squad to the league championship. Warne was compensated $657,000 by the Rajasthan Royals in addition to a 0.75 percent ownership stake in the franchise.

Currently, he earns a living as a commentator for Channel Nine and through endorsement deals with companies such as Advanced Hair Studio, William Hill, and Victoria Bitters. Shane Warne was paid $2 million to appear on the reality television program I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

7) Jacques Kallis – $48 Million

Jaques Kallis, one of the game’s finest all-rounders, is currently the seventh wealthiest cricketer in the world. Kallis is the only cricketer to have scored 10,000 runs and taken 200 wickets in both Test and One-Day International matches.

Jacques Kallis, a South African cricket icon, showcased his all-round abilities on the field. His consistent performance with the bat and ball earned him lucrative contracts in various T20 leagues. He is South Africa’s all-time leader in Test (13,289) and ODI (11,579) run scoring. After Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) and Ricky Ponting (13,378), he is the third-highest run-scorer in Tests.

Since his retirement in 2014, Kallis has been the coach of the South African cricket team. He has also participated in prominent domestic tournaments with teams such as RCB and KKR in the IPL, Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash, and Trinidad and Tobago in the CPL. Jacques has endorsed various brands, including Funxion Fusion Events & Decor, Bona Dea Private Estate, Slazenger, and Events by Nick Nicolaou.

8) Virender Sehwag – $45 Million

Due to his vivid batting manner, Sehwag has been the audience favorite throughout his 14-year career. Sehwag never dreaded any bowler and maintained a consistent batting approach across all formats of cricket. This earned him the reputation as one of the sport’s most fearless batters in history.

In 2009, he became the first Indian cricketer to win the Wisden Leading Cricketer Award. Sehwag is one of four cricketers and the only Indian to have scored two triple-hundreds in Test cricket (others include Brian Lara, Don Bradman, and Chris Gayle).

Presently, Sehwag charges approximately $350,000 (approximately Rs.2 crores) for an annual endorsement contract. Approximately $4 million is earned through brand endorsements. Sehwag has served as a brand ambassador for numerous well-known companies, including Hero Honda, Reebok, Adidas, Boost, and Samsung.

9) Yuvraj Singh – $35 Million

Yuvraj Singh’s iconic performances in both batting and bowling have solidified his place in Indian cricket history. Yuvraj’s battle with cancer and subsequent comeback endeared him to fans, leading to numerous endorsements. His investments in startups and fashion ventures have bolstered his financial portfolio.

2019 marked Yuvraj Singh’s retirement from all forms of cricket. He was renowned for his combative batting and incredible fielding. The cricketing world remembers Yuvraj Singh for his heroic moments: striking six sixes in the 2007 World Cup, scoring 50 runs off 12 balls in T20, and taking five wickets in the 2011 World Cup.

In addition to being a combatant on the cricket field, Yuvi defeated cancer in 2012. Later, he established the non-profit organization YouWeCan to combat cancer. Yuvraj maintains a residence in both Mumbai and Chandigarh. He possesses numerous luxury vehicles, including Audi Q5, BMW3, and Bentley Continental.

10) Shane Watson – $28 Million

In all three formats, Shane Watson is the only cricketer to be named Australian ‘Player of the Year’. He is also the only Australian cricketer to play all six World T20s. Watson announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2020. He was Australia’s highest-paid cricketer in 2014. According to Forbes, he was the highest-paid non-Indian cricketer in the world for five consecutive years between 2011 and 2015.

Watson played a significant role for CSK in winning IPL 2018 and almost helped CSK win IPL 2019. This is why CSK retained him for US$525,158 (i.e. ₹4 crores) for the 2020 edition of the IPL. Shane endorses many brands like Gunn & Moore, Asics, TAG Heuer, and more, putting him on the list of the top 10 richest cricketers in the world [year].