Top 10 richest cricketers in the world: Cricket is the most popular sport in India and is regarded as a religion. The game of cricket has produced some of the richest sportspersons not just in the country but at a global level.
There used to be a time when a cricketer’s maximum income used to come from match fees. However, the time has changed, and cricketers now have multiple income streams like Brand endorsements, business ventures, and smart investments.
In this article, you’ll find the top 10 richest cricketers in the world as of Jan 2026, along with a breakdown of their estimated net worth in both USD and INR (₹ crore).
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List Of 10 Richest Cricketers In The World: In A Nutshell (As Of 2026)
This is the list of the top 10 richest cricketers in the world, as per the recent reports.
| Player | Country | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth (INR) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170 Million | ₹1411 Crore | Retired |
| MS Dhoni | India | $127 Million | ₹1054 Crore | Retired |
| Virat Kohli | India | $125 Million | ₹1038 Crore | Active |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | $70 Million | ₹581 Crore | Retired |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | $60 Million | ₹498 Crore | Retired |
| Shane Warne | Australia | $50 Million | ₹415 Crore | Retired |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | $48 Million | ₹398 Crore | Retired |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | $45 Million | ₹374 Crore | Active (T20) |
| Virender Sehwag | India | $40 Million | ₹332 Crore | Retired |
| Shane Watson | Australia | $40 Million | ₹332 Crore | Retired |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | $35 Million | ₹291 Crore | Retired |
| Yuvraj Singh | India | $35 Million | ₹291 Crore | Retired |
Note: The net worth mentioned above was taken from the present data. It is likely to fluctuate for each cricketer.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – First Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $170 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket |
| Endorsements | Pepsi, Adidas, and MRF |
| Business Ventures | Co-owner of Kerala Blasters (Indian Super League football team) |
Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “Little Master,” is revered for his unparalleled cricketing career. With an estimated net worth of $170 million, his fortune comes from his legendary cricket achievements, lucrative endorsements, and successful business ventures, including co-owning Kerala Blasters and various investments.
2. MS Dhoni – Second Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $127 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Led India to 2011 World Cup victory |
| Endorsements | Brands like Reebok, Red Bus, and Gulf Oil |
| Business Ventures | Co-owner of Chennaiyin FC (Indian Super League football team) and SportsFit World (gym chain) |
MS Dhoni is regarded as the most successful captain in the history of Indian cricket. A major share of his wealth comes from IPL salary, endorsement deals, investments in startups, and business ventures like Chennaiyin FC. Dhoni recently invested in House of Biryan (HOB), a cloud kitchen company founded in 2022 by Mohammed K. Bhol and Chef Mikhail Shahani.
3. Virat Kohli – Third Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $125 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000 ODI runs |
| Endorsements | Puma, Audi, and MRF |
| Business Ventures | One8 (fashion brand) and Stepathlon Kids (fitness venture) |
Virat Kohli, one of modern cricket’s brightest stars, has a net worth of $125 million. His earnings come from stellar performances on the field, endorsement deals with Puma and Audi, and entrepreneurial ventures such as his fashion brand, One8, and fitness initiatives.
4. Ricky Ponting – Fourth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $70 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, commentary |
| Major Achievements | Three-time World Cup winner with Australia |
| Endorsements | Brands like Adidas, Rexona, and Kookaburra |
| Business Ventures | Investments in real estate and wineries |
Ricky Ponting, a legendary Australian cricketer, has amassed a net worth of $70 million. His wealth comes from his successful playing career, endorsements with brands like Adidas, post-retirement roles in commentary and coaching, and investments in real estate and Wineries.
5. Brian Lara – Fifth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $60 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Highest individual score in Test cricket (400*) |
| Endorsements | MRF, Angostura, and Stanmore |
| Business Ventures | Golf course design and development And Real estate investments |
Brian Lara, renowned for his record-breaking scores, has a net worth of $60 million. His earnings include cricket salary, endorsements with MRF and Angostura, and various business ventures like golf course design and real estate investments, showcasing his diverse financial portfolio.
6. Shane Warne – Sixth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $50 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, commentary |
| Major Achievements | Most wickets in Test cricket for Australia |
| Endorsements | Brands like Nike, Advanced Hair Studio |
| Business Ventures | Poker tournaments and Investments in sports and media |
Shane Warne, the iconic Australian leg spinner, had a net worth of $50 million. He was associated with the Rajasthan Royals franchise in IPL, and it was one of his income sources. Apart from this, he built his wealth through his cricketing career and commentary roles. Endorsement deals from Brands like Nike and Advanced Hair Studio were also major part of his net worth.
7. Jacques Kallis – Seventh Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $48 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, coaching |
| Major Achievements | One of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history |
| Endorsements | Slazenger, MTN |
| Business Ventures | Coaching stints and cricket academies |
Jacques Kallis is regarded as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and has a net worth of around $48 million. Kallis is still active as a cricketer and has played in various legends leagues recently. He has coached multiple teams in the past. Kallis was once the head coach of the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders. He has worked with the South African team and the English team in the past. In 2011, Kallis signed an endorsement deal with British sports equipment and apparel company Slazenger. Over the years, these have contributed to Kallis’ net worth and he is one of the wealthiest cricketers in the world.
8. Chris Gayle – Eighth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated Net Worth | $45 Million |
| Income Sources | T20 leagues, international cricket, endorsements |
| Major Achievements | Highest individual score in T20 cricket, multiple T20 league wins |
| Endorsements | Brands like Attitude.com, Spartan Sports, Sandals Resorts, Jio, Royal Stag (earned ~$10 million) |
| Business Ventures | Owns a sports bar and other entrepreneurial projects |
Chris Gayle has a net worth of around $45 million and is one of the richest cricketers from the West Indies. Gayle was one of the best batters in T20 cricket and still holds some of the records in batting. He is one of the most successful batters in IPL and accumulated a lot of runs for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the league. Endorsements and other business deals constitute a major chunk of Gayle’s current net worth.
Also Read: Top 10 Richest Players in the World by Net Worth in 2026
9. Virender Sehwag – Ninth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated net worth | $40 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, commentary |
| Major Achievements | Two triple centuries in Test cricket |
| Endorsements | Hero Honda, Boost, and Reebok |
| Business Ventures | Sehwag International School and Various media engagement |
Virender Sehwag is one of the most successful Indian openers and is known for his aggressive batting style. The Nawab of Najafgarh has a net worth of around $40 million. Endorsements with Hero Honda and Boost, and various media engagements are the major contributors to Sehwag’s current net worth. Sehwag’s investments in education through Sehwag International School also contribute to his financial status.
10. Shane Watson – Tenth Richest cricketer in the world
| Estimated Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Income Sources | IPL contracts, international cricket, endorsements |
| Major Achievements | Two-time ICC World Cup winner, IPL title winner |
| Endorsements | Brands like Sea World Australia, Golden Circle, American Express, ASICS, TAG Heuer, Gozney |
| Business Ventures | Media appearances, cricket academy, and other investments |
Shane Watson is a two-time IPL champion and has won the Player of the Tournament award twice in 2008 and 2013. Watson enjoyed a lot of success with teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The money he earned from IPL is one major chunk of his current net worth, which is around $40 million. Apart from cricket, Watson also made money through endorsements and business ventures.
Also Read: Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World and Their Net Worths in 2026
11. AB de Villiers
| Estimated net worth | $35 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Fastest century in ODIs |
| Endorsements | MRF, Audi, and Montblanc |
| Business Ventures | Music career and Real estate investments |
AB de Villiers, celebrated for his explosive batting, has a net worth of $35 million. His earnings are derived from his cricket career, endorsements with MRF and Audi, and business ventures, including a music career and real estate investments, reflecting his versatile success.
12. Yuvraj Singh
| Estimated net worth | $35 million |
| Income sources | Cricket salary, endorsements, business ventures |
| Major Achievements | Man of the Tournament in the 2011 World Cup |
| Endorsements | Puma, LG, and Revital |
| Business Ventures | YouWeCan (cancer charity foundation) and Investments in startups and tech ventures |
Yuvraj Singh was the hero of India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. He was a part of the team that lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2007 and hit six sixes in an over. He has a net worth of $35 million, and most of this comes from endorsements and business ventures. Yuvraj also works to help people with cancer through his YouWeCan Foundation.
Also Read: Top 10 Largest Cricket Stadiums in the World in 2026
Top 5 Richest Female Cricketers As of 2026
Women’s cricket has seen a major financial boost in recent years, especially after the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Better broadcasting deals, stronger brand interest, and growing fan support have helped top women players earn multi-crore contracts, endorsement partnerships, and long-term sponsorships.
Here are the richest female cricketers as of Jan 2026, based on earnings from cricket boards, WPL salaries, endorsements, and off-field ventures.
| Rank | Player | Country | Net Worth (USD) | Main Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ellyse Perry | Australia | $14 Million | WPL salary, Cricket Australia contract, sponsorship deals, coaching roles |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Australia | $9 Million | National team contracts, brand endorsements, leadership roles in leagues |
| 3 | Mithali Raj | India | $7 Million | Commentary, biographical film rights, endorsements, retired benefits |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana | India | $6 Million | WPL contract, brand campaigns, partnerships with lifestyle and tech brands |
| 5 | Harmanpreet Kaur | India | $5 Million | India captaincy contract, WPL salary, sports and beverage brand endorsements |
Fastest Growing Net Worth & Future Millionaires
A new generation of cricketers is rapidly climbing the wealth ladder thanks to strong IPL/league contracts and high-demand brand deals.
These players are young, marketable, and at the peak of their careers, meaning their net worth is rising faster than ever.
| Player | Current Net Worth (USD) | Key Growth Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | $12 Million | Rising Indian batting star, major endorsements, long career ahead. |
| Rishabh Pant | $16 Million | High BCCI contract, fan-favorite personality, strong comeback narrative. |
| Hardik Pandya | $19 Million | IPL leadership roles, fashion partnerships, strong media presence. |
| Shaheen Afridi | $8 Million | Central PSL figure, plays multiple T20 leagues globally. |
These players are expected to see significant jumps in net worth by 2026, especially as franchise leagues and brand sponsorships continue to expand.
How We Estimated These Net Worth Figures
The net worth values in this article are approximations, compiled from multiple trustworthy financial and sports sources as of 2026. To arrive at these figures, we considered each player’s complete earning ecosystem, not just match fees. This includes:
- Official Cricket Earnings: Annual retainers and match payments from national boards and franchise tournaments.
- Brand Partnerships: Income from commercials, merchandise tie-ups, sponsored posts, and ambassador deals.
- Personal Ventures: Earnings from restaurants, academies, clothing labels, sports franchises, and startup investments.
- Post-Career Work: Commentary stints, coaching roles, media appearances, speaking engagements, and royalties.
Since contract values, sponsorship rates, and business investments change over time, the amounts listed are rounded estimates, intended to give a realistic picture of overall wealth not exact audited figures.
Conclusion – Sachin Tendulkar Is The Richest Cricketer In The World
Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world. These 12 cricketers have proved that you can earn a lot of money from the game of cricket. Apart from being successful at the biggest stage, these cricketers have made smart financial decisions to increase their wealth.
Their net worth might act as an inspiration for budding cricketers. However, they have been able to reach a significant amount of net worth because they excelled in the game of cricket.
Published by: Murali Malalur
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