Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman's game, has transformed into a global phenomenon that not only highlights exceptional talent but also generates significant wealth for its top players. Beyond the excitement of centuries, wickets and decisive performances, the sport has developed into a lucrative industry, with players accumulating fortunes through endorsements, contracts and business ventures. And you’d be surprised to know, the richest cricketer in the world today is not Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni. Below, we’re looking at seven of the richest cricketers in the world:
7 Richest Cricketers in the World
#7. Brian Lara – $60 Million
Brian Lara is one of the greatest batters the game has ever seen. Lara, who retired from the game in 2007, dominated the pitch, alongside Sachin Tendulkar, in the nineties and noughties. He is still the only batter to score a quadruple century in Test cricket (400* against England in 2004) and also holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket (501* for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994). Lara's net worth of $60 million makes him the seventh richest cricketer in the world.
#6. Jacques Kallis – $70 Million
Cricket has been blessed with numerous outrageous talents, but not many would match the skill and longevity of South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis. He played 166 Tests, scoring more than 13k runs and claiming 292 wickets. His ODI career was equally extraordinary, culminating with more than 11k runs and 273 wickets. Kallis is estimated to be worth $70 million, which makes him the sixth richest cricketer in the world.
#5. Sourav Ganguly – $85 Million
Sourav Ganguly's financial empire is estimated to be around $85 million, making him one of the richest cricketers in the world. Ganguly bid adieu to international cricket in 2008 and has delved into everything from broadcasting to administrative roles. He was also the BCCI president for some time and drew a salary of Rs 5 crore per year. He has made a substantial investment in real estate in places like Kolkata, New Delhi and even London.
#4. Ricky Ponting - $70 Million
Rickey Ponting led Australia to two consecutive Cricket World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, remaining undefeated in both tournaments. He is undisputably the greatest captain in the game, having retired after the 2011 World Cup. Ponting currently works as a broadcaster and is also the head coach of Punjab Kings. His net worth of $70 million makes him the third richest Australian cricket and fourth richest in the world.
#3. Virat Kohli - $126 Million
Virat Kohli is the only cricketer to make it to the annual Forbes list of "the world's highest-paid athletes". His net worth of $126 million makes him the richest active international cricketer in the world. A substantial portion of his wealth comes from a successful cricket career that encompasses lucrative contracts with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well as his Indian Premier League (IPL) deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore. In addition to his on-field earnings, endorsements from numerous leading brands like Puma, Audi, and Hero among others significantly bolster his income.
#2. MS Dhoni – $127 Million
MS Dhoni, the former Indian World Cup-winning captain, retired from international cricket in 2019, but he continues to be the face of Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Dhoni continues to be a force majeure in the world of advertisements, boasting endorsement contracts with brands like Pepsi, Big Bazaar, Gulf Oil and Sony Bravia. He has a net worth of $127 million.
1. Sachin Tendulkar -$170 Million
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has amassed a remarkable net worth of $170 million, a testament to his extraordinary career and enduring popularity. His wealth is derived from multiple streams, including his earnings from cricket, lucrative endorsement deals, and smart investments. Beyond cricket, he has invested in real estate and owns a stake in sports-related ventures, such as the Kerala Blasters football team in the Indian Super League.
