Who is the Richest Cricketer in the World? (2025 Update)

Who is the Richest Cricketer in the World?

Cricket is more than just a sport. For millions of fans worldwide, it is an emotion, a passion, and a way of life. Over the years, the game has produced not only legendary players but also some of the richest cricketer in the sporting world. When we talk about money in cricket, one question always grabs attention: Who is the richest cricketer in the world?

This question becomes even more exciting. With the rise of global leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL), cricketers are no longer earning only from match fees. Their incomes now include brand endorsements, sponsorships, businesses, and investments. Some of these cricketers have built financial empires that go far beyond the cricket field.

In this blog, we will explore the richest cricketer in the world in 2025, dive into the top 10 wealthiest players, analyze how cricketers earn their fortunes, and even look at the richest cricket board in the world. Along the way, we will uncover fascinating stories of success, and power that make cricket not only a gentleman’s game but also a billion-dollar industry.

Who is the Richest Cricketer in the World in 2025?

If you think of cricket legends, one name that always comes first is Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar after retiring from international cricket in 2013, the “God of Cricket” continues to rule not only the hearts of fans but also the list of the richest cricketers in the world.

As of 2025, with a net worth of roughly $170 million, Sachin Tendulkar holds the title of the richest cricketer worldwide. This makes him not just a cricketing icon but also a financial giant.

But how did Sachin manage to stay on top even after so many years? The answer lies in his smart career choices, massive fan following, and successful business ventures.

Why is Sachin Tendulkar Still the Richest?

1. Endorsements and Brand Value
   • Sachin has been the face of brands like Pepsi, Adidas, MRF, and BMW.
   • Even today, his name adds trust and respect, which companies love to associate with.
2. Business Investments
   • He has stakes in the ISL football team Kerala Blasters.
   • Investments in restaurants, sports ventures, and technology startups continue to add to his wealth.
3. Post-Retirement Roles
   • Sachin is a mentor for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
   • He earns from media appearances, events, and ambassador roles.
4. Global Respect & Popularity
   • Unlike many players, Sachin’s brand value has only grown after retirement.
   • Across Asia and even globally, he is still seen as the ultimate cricket legend.

This combination of on-field greatness and off-field intelligence has kept Sachin Tendulkar firmly at the top of the list in 2025.

So, when we ask: “Who is the richest cricketer in the world?” — the answer is clear and simple: Sachin Tendulkar, the King of Cricket Wealth.

Richest Cricketers in the World 2025 – Top 10 List

How Do Cricketers Make So Much Money?

Cricket may have started as a gentleman’s game, but today it is also a game of big money. Modern cricketers earn millions, and their income sources are not limited to just match fees. Let’s break down how the richest cricketers in the world build their wealth.

1. Match Fees and Central Contracts

Every international cricketer receives payment from their cricket board. Players sign central contracts that decide their salary.

• For example, Indian players under the A+ contract earn approximately ₹7 crore per year, excluding match fees.
• Match fees vary: a Test match earns more than an ODI or T20.

This is the base income, but the real money often comes from outside the cricket field.

2. Franchise Leagues (IPL, BBL, PSL)

Leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) have completely changed how much players earn.

• Some IPL stars earn over ₹15–20 crore in just one season.
• Big Bash League (Australia), Pakistan Super League, and Caribbean Premier League also pay hefty sums.

For many players, these leagues are more profitable than playing for their national teams.

3. Endorsements and Sponsorships

Endorsements are the biggest wealth creators. Brands pay cricketers millions to appear in ads, TV campaigns, and social media promotions.

• Virat Kohli endorses Puma, Audi, and MRF.
• Dhoni has deals with Reebok, Gulf Oil, and Dream11.
• Sachin Tendulkar still earns from brands even after retirement.

For global icons, endorsements often bring 10 times more money than match fees.

4. Business Ventures and Investments

Rich cricketers don’t just rely on batting and bowling. They also invest smartly.

• MS Dhoni owns a share in the Chennai Super Kings and other sports teams.
• Sachin Tendulkar has invested in restaurants, startups, and even football (Kerala Blasters in ISL).
• Yuvraj Singh runs his investment company, “YouWeCan Ventures,” which funds young startups.

These ventures ensure long-term financial security.

5. Commentary and Media

Many retired players become commentators, analysts, or hosts.

• Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Sunil Gavaskar earn huge amounts per series.
• Virender Sehwag also makes money from commentary and his strong social media presence.

This keeps them relevant and financially stable even after retirement.

6. Social Media and Digital Influence

In today’s digital world, social media also pays. Players with millions of followers on Instagram or YouTube can earn through sponsored posts.

• Virat Kohli charges over ₹8 crore for a single Instagram post.
• This makes him one of the highest-paid athletes on social media worldwide.

In short, cricket is no longer just about bat and ball. From match fees to social media influence, modern cricketers have multiple income streams that make them global millionaires.

Which is the Richest Cricket Board in the World?

When we talk about cricket money, the boards play a big role. They manage tournaments, player salaries, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. Some cricket boards are richer than many global sports organizations.

Here’s the ranking of the richest cricket boards in 2025:

1. BCCI-Board of Control for Cricket in India – $2.25 Billion 

The BCCI stands out as the richest cricket board and is also counted among the top richest sports bodies globally.

• Most of the money comes from the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is the most expensive cricket league.
• Huge broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and a massive fan base keep BCCI far ahead of others.

2. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – $59 Million 

England’s board earns from the Ashes series, The Hundred, and broadcasting rights. Their income is strong, but still nowhere near BCCI.

3. Cricket Australia (CA) – $48 Million 

Australia’s cricket is famous worldwide. Big events, such as the Big Bash League (BBL) and home Test series, contribute to their revenue.

4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – $111 Million

PCB earns from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), international series, and ICC funds. In recent years, their financial position has become better due to home matches returning.

5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) – $110 Million 

Bangladesh’s board has grown rapidly. With the success of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and more international cricket, BCB is now among the richest boards.

• 📌 Key Point: BCCI is so rich that its income is bigger than all other cricket boards combined. This is why Indian cricket dominates the financial side of the sport.

Quick Recap Table

So, if someone asks, “Which is the richest cricket board in the world?” the answer is simple: BCCI of India. It is richer than all other boards combined, making India the financial capital of world cricket.

The Rise of IPL and Its Role in Making Cricketers Rich

If there is one tournament that changed cricket forever, it is the Indian Premier League (IPL). Started in 2008, IPL is now the richest and most popular T20 league in the world.

Why is IPL so Popular?

• Fast cricket: Matches are short and exciting.
• Big stars: Fans can watch their favorite players from all countries in one league.
• Entertainment: Cheerleaders, music, and drama make it more than just cricket.

How IPL Made Players Rich

Before IPL, players mostly earned from their cricket boards. But IPL brought a new system – player auctions.

• Players are sold to teams for huge amounts.
• Some cricketers earn in crores just by playing one season.
• Even young players get life-changing money.

Record-Breaking Salaries

• Sam Curran was sold for over ₹18.5 crore in the IPL 2023 auction.
• Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma have earned hundreds of crores through IPL contracts.
• Foreign players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle also became legends and millionaires thanks to IPL.

The Business Side

• IPL earns billions through TV rights and sponsorships.
• Brands pay a huge amount to get their logos on jerseys.
• Stadiums are always full, bringing more income.

👉 In simple words, IPL is not just a cricket league; it is a money-making machine. It has turned cricketers into global celebrities and made BCCI the richest cricket board in the world.

Who is the Richest Cricketer in the World Right Now

As of 2025, the title of richest cricketer in the world belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, with a net worth of around $170 million. Sachin retired from international cricket in 2013, but his brand value is still high. In fact, it has become even stronger with time. He earns through:

• Endorsements with big brands
• Investments in sports and business
• Real estate properties
• Share in sports franchises

This proves that in cricket, legacy and brand power matter more than just playing matches.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are close behind, but Sachin’s long-term deals, reputation, and respect keep him at the very top.

Richest Cricketers in the World 2025 – Top 10 List

Here is the list of the top 10 richest cricketers in the world in 2025:

Sachin Tendulkar – $170 Million

Known as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin leads the list with his unmatched records and brand endorsements.

MS Dhoni – $125 Million

India’s World Cup–winning captain has diversified into businesses, endorsements, and even his own production ventures.

Virat Kohli – $92 Million

The modern batting great earns massively from endorsements, his clothing line Wrogn, and sports investments.

Ricky Ponting – $70 Million

Former Australian captain, now a commentator and coach, with investments in cricket and sports-related businesses.

Brian Lara – $60 Million

The West Indian legend remains wealthy through endorsements, commentary, and cricket academies.

Shane Warne (Late) – $50 Million

Before his passing in 2022, the spin king had built a strong fortune through commentary, endorsements, and business ventures.

Jacques Kallis – $48 Million

South Africa’s greatest all-rounder continues to earn from coaching and global brand partnerships.

Chris Gayle – $45–46 Million

The “Universe Boss” of T20 cricket has earned through leagues worldwide, endorsements, and music ventures.

Virender Sehwag – $40 Million

The explosive Indian opener now invests in schools and academies, enjoying a steady income from media work.

Shane Watson – $40 Million

The Australian all-rounder has income from leagues, commentary, and business ventures.

Future of Cricket Wealth – Will Players Get Richer?

Yes, absolutely. The future of cricket wealth looks brighter than ever. Here’s why:

• League Cricket Growth: New leagues, such as SA20 (South Africa) and ILT20 (UAE), are offering huge salaries.
• Bigger Broadcasting Deals: TV and online platforms are ready to pay billions for cricket rights.
• Global Fan Base: With cricket spreading to the USA and the Middle East, sponsorships are going international.
• Social Media Earnings: The new generation of players is also influencers. They can earn millions outside cricket.

💡 In the next 5–10 years, it won’t be a surprise if a cricketer touches $200–250 million in net worth.

Expert Opinions on Cricket and Money

Cricket analysts believe that money is now as significant a factor in the game as skill.

• Harsha Bhogle once said that “IPL has changed the financial map of cricket forever.”
• Many former players feel that cricketers today are lucky to play in the richest cricket era ever.
• Economists say cricket is turning into a “sports industry,” where fans, sponsors, and streaming platforms all add value.

Some experts also warn that too much money can shift focus away from the spirit of the game. But overall, wealth has helped cricketers live better lives and support their families.

FAQs – Richest Cricketer in the World 2025

1. Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2025?

In 2025, Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world, with a net worth of about $170 million.

2. Who is richer, MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli’s net worth is about $122 million, while MS Dhoni’s net worth is around $125 million. That means Dhoni is slightly richer than Kohli right now.

3. Which is the richest cricket board in the world?

BCCI, short for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, is the world’s richest cricket board. Its net worth is more than $2.25 billion, thanks to IPL and massive sponsorship deals.

4. Who is the richest cricketer in India?

The richest cricketer in India is Sachin Tendulkar, followed by MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

5. Can a cricketer become a billionaire?

Right now, no cricketer is a billionaire. But with the fast growth of IPL, sponsorships, and global cricket leagues, it is possible in the future.

6. Who are the top 5 richest cricketers in the world?

The top 5 richest cricketers in 2025 are:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – $170M
2. MS Dhoni – $125M
3. Virat Kohli – $122M
4. Ricky Ponting – $95M
5. Jacques Kallis – $70M

7. Do retired cricketers still earn money?

Yes, retired cricketers earn from commentary, coaching, endorsements, businesses, and investments. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting are good examples.

Conclusion

Cricket is no longer just a sport; it has evolved into a global business empire. From Sachin Tendulkar’s massive fortune to BCCI’s billion-dollar revenue, money is everywhere in cricket.

The richest cricketer in the world in 2025 is still Sachin Tendulkar – The King of Cricket Wealth. His legacy, brand image, and business sense make him untouchable.

Looking ahead, cricketers will only get richer as leagues grow, fans increase, and sponsors invest more. However, one thing remains true — while money can buy luxury, it is hard work, talent, and consistency that truly make a player great.