Cricket in India is a religion. The sport has prime TV slots, packed stadiums for every match in the Indian Premier League, millions of fans cheering from home, and players beloved by all. It’s no surprise that Indian cricket players are among the highest-paid sportspeople in the world. The obvious question is: what is an Indian cricket player’s salary, and how does it stack up against other international players?
Cricket isn’t just a booming sport in South Asia alone; the industry around it is also booming. Platforms like Melbet Bangladesh offer fans exciting opportunities to participate in their favorite sport through fantasy leagues, real-time match insights, and live betting.
In this article, we’ll unveil how much an Indian cricket player’s salary. We will compare these salaries with the sport’s highest-paid players and discuss all the different streams of income that make a cricketer’s pay. Let’s get into it!
Structure of Salaries in Indian Cricket
Cricket in India is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Board ranks as the richest cricket board in the world. They oversee the sport’s development across the country and also set the salary structure through a central contract system. This system is divided into four grades, including :
- Grade A+
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade C
In the 2023 – 2024 season, the annual player retainership grades were as follows:
| Grade | Annual Salary | Typical Players |
| A+ | ₹7 crore | Rohit Sharma, Virat Sholi, etc |
| A | ₹5 crore | R Ashwin, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, etc. |
| B | ₹3 crore | Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, etc |
| C | ₹1 crore | Emerging players |
How much salary for Indian cricket players comes from the BCCI central contract? This is based on their classification into any of the above grades. The grades are reviewed annually based on a player’s form, fitness, and selection to represent the national team in international competitions. Players get a base salary and other perks, including access to top-tier training and medical facilities, among others.
That’s not all. In addition to the annual contracts from BCCI, Indian cricketers can also earn money for every match they play, through contracts with the Indian Premier League (IPL), their brand image and endorsements, performance bonuses, and awards. Players who regularly appear across the different formats can also significantly boost their income. For example, players can receive:
- ₹15 lakh per Test
- ₹6 lakh per ODI
- ₹3 lakh per T20I
Salary Breakdown: How Much Do Top Indian Cricketers Earn?
As mentioned earlier, the BCCI central contract is the base income of an Indian cricketer. Grade A+ players earn up to ₹7 crore annually, but for the top guns, there are opportunities to earn way more than this amount. In this section, we’ll take a look at the estimated earnings of superstar players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli leads the way as the highest-paid Indian cricketer. He is also regarded as the world’s highest-paid cricketer. Kohli has captained the Indian team in all three formats, and he remains a key player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League.
The popularly called “King Kohli” has dominated the international and IPL circuits for years. He is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the world and has broken several records in his career. Ranked Grade A+, he has multiple sponsorship deals with some of the world’s biggest brands. As of 2024, Kohli’s estimated net worth was pegged at around ₹1,100 crores by the Indian Times.
Annually, Kohli takes home an estimated amount of around ₹260 – 298 crore before tax. Here’s a brief breakdown of his estimated earnings:
| Source of Income | Estimated Annual Earnings (INR) |
| BCCI Central Contract (Grade A+) | ₹7 crore |
| IPL Salary (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) | ₹21 crore |
| Brand Endorsements (Puma, Audi, Myntra, Blue Star, Uber, etc.) | ₹175 – 200 crore |
| Business Ventures | ₹30 – 40 crore |
| Social Media Sponsorships | ₹25 – 30 crore |
Rohit Sharma
Current captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma also plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He is another top earner in Indian cricket. Like Virat Kohli, he holds a Grade A+ category BCCI central contract, which means he earns ₹7 crore annually from the board.
Sharma is fondly referred to as the “Hitman” by fans. As of 2024, his net worth was pegged at around ₹218 crore, a significant chunk of which comes from his brand endorsement deals. Here’s a breakdown of his estimated annual income:
| Source of Income | Estimated Annual Earnings (INR) |
| BCCI Central Contract (Grade A+) | ₹7 crore |
| IPL Salary (Mumbai Indians) | ₹16.3 crore |
| Brand Endorsements (Adidas, Hublot, Dream11, CEAT, etc.) | ₹120 – 130 crore |
| Business Ventures | ₹15 – 20 crore |
| Social Media Sponsorships | ₹25 – 30 crore |
Other Notable Players: Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, KL Rahul & Others.
Several other Indian cricketers have also built impressive incomes. Some of them include:
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Rishabh Pant – ₹100 crore
Rishabh Pant has come a long way from being the fearless young wicketkeeper-batsman who turned heads with his bold strokeplay. As of now, he’s sitting on an estimated net worth of ₹100 crore—making him one of the richest young cricketers in the country.
And it’s not just about the numbers—Pant’s talent backs it up. He shot into a whole new league during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, where he made headlines by becoming the most expensive Indian player in IPL history. The Lucknow Super Giants snapped him up for a jaw-dropping ₹30 crore deal. With his aggressive batting and natural flair behind the stumps, Pant has proven he’s not just hype—he’s the real deal.
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MS Dhoni – ₹1000 crore
MS Dhoni might have stepped away from international cricket, but let’s be honest—he never really left the spotlight. Still turning out for the Chennai Super Kings, “Captain Cool” draws an annual salary of ₹4 crore in the IPL, and fans still flock to see him in yellow.
But the real story is off the field. Dhoni’s estimated net worth has hit ₹1000 crore as of 2025. From bikes to biscuits, and tech gadgets to sportswear, Dhoni is everywhere. His calm, no-fuss attitude and legendary status make him a brand’s dream ambassador. Even after all these years, he remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket, on and off the pitch.
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KL Rahul – ₹101 crore
KL Rahul has quietly become one of the most consistent and commercially successful faces in Indian cricket. He plays now for the Delhi Capitals, where he earns ₹14 crore annually. Nationally, he holds a Grade A contract with the BCCI, earning ₹5 crore per year, plus additional payments per match played. Rahul’s income also includes lucrative deals with fashion and lifestyle brands. His total net worth is currently estimated at ₹101 crore.
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Shreyas Iyer – ₹58 crore
Shreyas Iyer has carved a niche for himself as a stylish middle-order batter and dependable captain material. Currently playing for the Punjab Kings, Iyer commands an IPL salary of ₹26.75 crore, one of the highest for the 2025 IPL season. He is also set to return to the BCCI central contract list as a Grade A player in 2025.
Iyer’s endorsements range from fashion and grooming to tech and beverages. He has been featured in campaigns for Dream11, CEAT, Google Pixel, among others. His total net worth is currently estimated at ₹58 crore.
How Indian Cricketers’ Salaries Compare to Other Countries
What is the salary of Indian cricket players? How wide is the gap between them and the rest of the world? Let’s take a look at some of the top cricket earners in other countries across the globe.
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Pat Cummins – Australia
Pat Cummins is one of the highest-paid non-Indian cricketers. He earns up to AUD 2 million (approximately ₹11 crore) in central contracts from Cricket Australia (CA), plus match fees and captaincy bonuses. Adding to his income is a 4-year contract signed with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket and another contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise in the IPL.
Unlike India, endorsement incomes for Australian players are comparatively lower due to a lower fan base and less brand saturation. Still, Cummins attracts premium campaigns from sportswear and wellness brands, especially in Australia and the United States. He has an estimated net worth of an impressive ₹378 crore.
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Jos Buttler – England
Jos Buttler’s been at the heart of England’s white-ball success for a while now. He’s still holding it down as captain and one of the ECB’s top earners, thanks to a Tier 1 white-ball contract. That deal gives him about £350,000 a year—roughly ₹3.7 crore.
But that’s just the starting point. The real money comes from the IPL. Buttler plays for the Rajasthan Royals and makes around ₹10 crore a season. And it’s not hard to see why. He has a clean, aggressive batting style, stays cool under pressure, and has become one of those players fans always expect to deliver. Off the field, he’s got the personality that brands love. This makes him a big name in both the UK and India for brand sponsorship deals.
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Kagiso Rabada – South Africa
Kagiso Rabada is South Africa’s go-to fast bowler. Reliable, aggressive, and still one of the quickest around. His central contract with Cricket South Africa earns him around ZAR 5 million a year, which is about ₹2.2 crore. Decent money, but again—like Buttler—it’s the IPL where things get serious.
Rabada plays for the Gujarat Titans and makes ₹10.75 crore per season. He’s a regular in T20 leagues all over the world, too. On the pitch, he brings raw pace and intensity. Off of it, he keeps a low profile, but his performances speak for themselves—and teams are always willing to pay big for that kind of consistency.
Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Cricketers in the Global Market
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed cricket into a commercial powerhouse. All of the highest-paid cricketers across the globe play in the IPL. Indian cricket players, in particular, have benefited immensely from this explosion in popularity and revenue. Thanks to the IPL’s global broadcast reach, a single season can turn a domestic rookie into a global star.
But certain challenges hinder Indian cricketers from achieving true global dominance. This section explores these challenges and opportunities facing Indian cricket players on the global stage.
Key Challenges Facing Indian Cricketers
- Restriction on Playing in Overseas Leagues:
Indian players under BCCI central contracts are not allowed to participate in other T20 leagues like the Big Bash League, SA20, or The Hundred. This limits their global exposure and earning potential outside India and the IPL.
2. Competition is Intense:
The pressure on Indian cricket players to be the best is unending. Even immensely talented players can struggle to make the national team or retain their BCCI contracts due to the constant emergence of new stars.
3. Brand Saturation:
Although Indian cricketers dominate brand endorsements, the market is becoming saturated. This makes it harder for newcomers to break into major endorsement deals unless they offer something unique or go viral.
4. High Media Pressure and Public Scrutiny:
Indian cricketers operate under a microscope. Every performance is dissected by the media, experts, and millions of passionate fans. One bad game can severely damage a player’s brand value.
5. High Expectations from Sponsors:
Big endorsement deals come with strict clauses and performance expectations. A string of bad performances can result in reduced brand value or termination of sponsorship contracts.
Opportunities for Indian Cricketers
Indian cricket isn’t just riding a wave; it is the wave. Indian cricketers today are uniquely positioned to turn their on-field success into global stardom. Let’s take a look at some opportunities available for Indian cricketers below:
- Leveraging IPL’s Global Network:
Although BCCI restrictions limit Indian cricketers from playing in overseas T20 leagues, the IPL’s global franchise network is creating indirect opportunities. Players can expand their influence globally through mentorships, brand deals, etc., without ever leaving the IPL.
2. Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Many Indian cricketers are stepping into entrepreneurship. MS Dhoni owns stakes in multiple businesses ranging from gyms and agriculture to tech startups. Virat Kohli has his own fashion label. Players with enough capital can launch products or invest in businesses to build long-term wealth beyond their playing careers.
3. Media and Entertainment Deals:
Cricket documentaries, talk shows, biopics, and OTT platforms are booming. Dhoni has his own production house, while Kohli and Anushka Sharma have partnered on multiple media projects. Opportunities range from commentary stints and podcast hosting to cameo appearances and brand-led video content.
The Future of Indian Cricket Salaries in the Global Market
Indian cricket is already a financial juggernaut, but the next decade promises even greater growth. Here are some key predictions for the next decade:
- IPL contracts will get bigger
- The BCCI may rework central contracts
- The restriction on participating in other T20 leagues may be lifted
- More players will generate revenue through off-field revenue streams
- Brand deals and sponsorships will remain the biggest driver of player earnings
As the IPL receives increased global interest, and as more international broadcasters scramble to get cricket rights, the earning potential for Indian players is set to skyrocket. The question, what is an Indian cricket player’s salary, will likely have even more jaw-dropping answers in the near future.
