The game of cricket attracts a huge number of people in this country. It is India, where cricket was not born but is followed as a religion and the players are treated as gods. The passion for the game amongst the population had made BCCI the richest cricketing board of the world which contributes to the 80% of the revenue generated by ICC. Against this money ICC provides BCCI with exclusive powers in the functioning of the game.
Since, BCCI is the richest board in the world, it is evident that its players are also the most well-paid ones. BCCI gives annual contracts to cricketers for their services along with the match fees for each game of cricket they play. Apart from this, Indian cricketers earn a huge sum of money from the cash rich Indian Premier League as well. They also feature in a lot of advertisements and some of them run businesses as well.
Sachin Tendulkar – USD 160 million
The net-worth of all-time great Sachin crosses the Rs. 1000 crore mark. His wealth constitutes of Rs. 2 crores from BCCI and Rs. 15 crores from endorsements. The former Indian captain is associated with almost 24 commercial brands and provides his services to various government schemes and policies. His personal properties and 10 cars are worth more than Rs. 520 crores. Apart from this he also owns stakes in ISL team, Kerala Blasters, the badminton team, Bangalore Blasters and Kabaddi team Tamil Thalaivas. He is also the mentor of IPL team Mumbai Indians which acts as another source of income for him.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni – USD 110 million
The most successful captain on Indian cricket earns his money from BCCI (Rs. 12 crores), IPL (Rs. 15 crores) and endorsements of commercial brands. His personal investments are estimated at Rs. 522 crores along with his collection of bikes and cars of Rs. 25 crores. He also co-owns the ISL team, Chennaiyin FC.
Virat Kohli – USD 60 million
He was the only player from India in the list of Forbes Highest Paid athletes of 2017. He earns most of his incomes from IPL (Rs. 14 crores), BCCI contract and match fees along with commercial endorsement of around 19 products. He has a clothing brand in “Wrogn” and a gym chain around the country. His personal property and luxurious cars are worth more than Rs. 50 crores. He also co-owns an ISL team in FC Goa. He is one such player who is expected to cross Sachin in all-time high of net-worth. It is estimated that his net worth is going to increase by more than 140% over the next few years.
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Virendra Sehwag – USD 40 million
The most destructive batsman of the country and the first Indian player to hit a triple century. He is earning money through IPL and BCCI contracts along with his personal business. He also earns close to $4 million from brand endorsements. He is currently serving as the Mentor of Kings XI Punjab team in IPL and has his own Cricket Academy and international school in Haryana.
Yousuf Pathan – USD 26.5 million
The surprise entry to this list. He was never a permanent member of Indian cricket team and most of his earnings are due to IPL. He started his career with Rajasthan Royals and then was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders where he played till 2017. In fact, of the 2 Pathan brothers, he managed to get a contract from SRH in IPL 2018. He also earns some money from brand endorsements and runs a cricket academy, called ‘The Cricket Academy of Pathans’, with his brother Irfan Pathan in Baroda.
Suresh Raina – USD 23.36 million
Raina has been out of Indian national team these days but his past exploits for the country and his IPL franchisees have earned him a fortune. The player also features in some brand endorsements. His investments are mostly in properties amounting to Rs. 27 crores.
Yuvraj Singh – USD 22.7 million
The stylish left hander batsman is one of the most followed cricketers in India. His successful battle against cancer made him a role model for the young generation. He is currently trying to get back to the national team but has earned a fortune through BCCI and IPL contracts. He also endorses several brands and has his own charitable organisation & clothing brand in “YouWeCan”. Apart from this, he has also invested in some of the new age start-ups.
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Rohit Sharma – USD 18.7 million
Like his other counterparts, his main share of income is IPL and BCCI contracts along with brand endorsements. The only cricketer to hit 2 double centuries in ODIs has massive personal investments in various sectors.
Sourav Ganguly – USD 15 million
The most influential captain of all-time. Fondly known as ‘Dada’ earns most of his wealth from BCCI contract and brand endorsements. He is currently serving as the President of the West Bengal Cricket Board. He hosts a show on Zee Bangla named, “Dadagiri Unlimited” and is a co-owner of 2-time ISL champion ATK.