Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026? Sachin Tendulkar leads at $170 million (₹1,415 crore), followed by MS Dhoni at $127 million (₹1,060 crore) and Virat Kohli at $125 million (₹1,040 crore). Rohit Sharma sits at $28 million (₹233 crore), with Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant climbing fast through IPL and brand deals.
Fans everywhere ask the same question: Who are the richest cricketers in the world right now? Many fans also search for legends like Virat Kohli net worth, Sachin Tendulkar net worth & MS Dhoni net worth, which we’ve included below.
This 2026 guide covers the top 25 richest cricketers in the world, with verified net worth figures in both USD and Indian rupees, plus how each star built their fortune.
How we calculated net worth
All net worth figures in this blog are based on publicly available data from reliable news outlets, cricket boards, and verified financial reports as of 2026. We looked at:
- Player Salaries: BCCI and ICC contracts plus franchise leagues such as the IPL, Big Bash, and others.
- Endorsements: Sports gear deals, lifestyle brands, and long-term sponsorships.
- Business Ventures and Assets: Company stakes, academies, real estate, stocks, and other investments.
- Public Records and Interviews: Financial disclosures, public filings, and credible media reports.
Figures combine active salaries, endorsement income, investments, and post-retirement ventures. All numbers are rounded and may vary slightly across sources.
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Quick answer: Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026?
The richest cricketer in the world in 2026 is Sachin Tendulkar, with an estimated net worth of $170 million (₹1,415 crore). Dhoni ($127M) and Virat Kohli ($125M) follow closely.
- Sachin Tendulkar Nationality: Indian
- Status: Retired (2013)
- Main Income Sources: Brand endorsements, business investments, IPL team stake, property holdings
Top 3 richest cricketers in 2026
- Sachin Tendulkar — $170M
- MS Dhoni — $127M
- Virat Kohli — $125M
Top 25 richest cricketers in the world (2026)
Here’s a quick snapshot before we go deeper:
| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Net Worth (Est.) | Status | Main Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170M | Retired | Endorsements, businesses, IPL stake |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127M | Retired | IPL, brand deals, hotels, sports biz |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125M | Active | Endorsements, IPL, fashion, fitness |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | AUS | $70M | Retired | Coaching, media, wine business |
| 5 | Brian Lara | WI | $60M | Retired | Real estate, golf courses, media |
| 6 | Shane Warne* | AUS | $50M | Retired | Media, endorsements, poker ventures |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | SA | $48M | Retired | Coaching, investments, commentary |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | WI | $45M | Active | T20 leagues, music, endorsements |
| 9 | Virender Sehwag | India | $40M | Retired | Commentary, academies, endorsements |
| 10 | Shane Watson | AUS | $40M | Retired | Coaching, commentary, businesses |
| 11 | AB de Villiers | SA | $35M | Retired | YouTube, commentary, endorsements |
| 12 | Yuvraj Singh | India | $35M | Retired | Investments, foundation, endorsements |
| 13 | Steve Smith | AUS | $30M | Active | Cricket contracts, endorsements |
| 14 | Rohit Sharma | India | $28M | Active | BCCI contract, IPL, endorsements |
| 15 | David Warner | AUS | $26M | Active | IPL, endorsements, digital content |
| 16 | Ben Stokes | ENG | $25M | Active | ECB contract, IPL, endorsements |
| 17 | Shikhar Dhawan | India | $24M | Active | IPL, endorsements, real estate |
| 18 | Sunil Gavaskar | India | $22M | Retired | Commentary, endorsements |
| 19 | Kapil Dev | India | $21M | Retired | Businesses, endorsements |
| 20 | Suresh Raina | India | $20M | Retired | IPL legacy, businesses, endorsements |
| 21 | Hardik Pandya | India | $19M | Active | IPL, BCCI, endorsements |
| 22 | Glenn Maxwell | AUS | $18M | Active | IPL, BBL, endorsements |
| 23 | Rishabh Pant | India | $16M | Active | IPL, endorsements, BCCI contract |
| 24 | Shubman Gill | India | $12M | Active | IPL, endorsements, BCCI contract |
| 25 | Andre Russell | WI | $12M | Active | T20 leagues, endorsements |
* Shane Warne’s wealth is calculated posthumously, reflecting his estate.
Disclaimer:All net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information as of 2026. Actual numbers may vary.
Detailed profiles of the top 10 richest cricketers
Below are short, clear profiles of how the top 10 cricketers built their fortunes. All values are updated for 2026 and shown in USD.
1. Sachin Tendulkar net worth – richest cricketer in the world
Career summary: Known as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar's net worth in 2026 is $170 million (₹1,415 crore), making him the richest cricketer in the world. His income comes from MRF, BMW, and Adidas endorsements, his stake in the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise, equity in Smaaash Entertainment, and a property portfolio across Mumbai.
How he earns:
- Endorsements: MRF, BMW, Pepsi, Adidas
- Businesses: Restaurants, sports academies, and co-ownership in an IPL franchise
- Investments: Stake in Smaaash, property holdings, and tech startups
- Philanthropy: UNICEF ambassador, education and health programs for underprivileged kids
2. MS Dhoni net worth – businesses, endorsements & lifestyle
Career summary: MS Dhoni's net worth in 2026 is $127 million (₹1,060 crore), making him the second richest cricketer in the world. Mahendra Singh Dhoni earns from his Chennai Super Kings IPL salary of ₹12 crore per season, BCCI pension, his Seven clothing brand, Chennaiyin FC ownership, and brand deals with TVS, Dream11, and Reebok.
How he earns:
- Retirement income: IPL deals, BCCI pension
- Endorsements: Reebok, TVS, GoDaddy, Red Bus
- Businesses: Owns Chennaiyin FC, Seven clothing brand, hotel chain
- Fun fact: Runs organic farms and promotes local agriculture with smart tech
3. Virat Kohli net worth – income, endorsements and businesses
Career summary: Virat Kohli's net worth in 2026 is approximately $125 million (₹1,040 crore), making him India's highest-earning active cricketer. His income comes from a BCCI A+ central contract worth ₹7 crore per year, an IPL salary of ₹21 crore per season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (the highest retention in the IPL 2025 mega-auction), and global endorsement deals with Puma, Audi, MRF, and Google Pay.
How he earns:
- Active earnings: BCCI contract, IPL salary
- Endorsements: Puma, Audi, MRF, Google Pay
- Businesses: One8 fitness clubs, clothing lines, sports tech investments
- Community work: Promotes animal welfare and children’s education initiatives
4. Rohit Sharma net worth: India captain and IPL icon
Rohit Sharma's estimated net worth in 2026 is $28 million (approximately ₹233 crore). As India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit earns from a Board of Control for Cricket in India A+ contract, IPL salary with Mumbai Indians, and a growing portfolio of brand endorsements.
How Rohit Sharma earns:
- BCCI A+ contract: ₹7 crore per year retainer
- IPL: Mumbai Indians captaincy salary, approximately ₹16 crore per season
- Endorsements: Adidas, Nissan, CEAT, Dream11, Hublot
- Investments: Real estate in Mumbai, equity in sports ventures
5. Ricky Ponting net worth – coaching, media and investments
Career summary: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has built an estimated net worth of $70 million (₹580 crore) through coaching, commentary, and long-term investments.
How he earns:
- Coaching & media: IPL coaching, commentary
- Businesses: Wine production, hospitality ventures
- Endorsements: Cricket gear brands in Australia and the UK
- Charity: Supports junior cricket programs in Tasmania
6. Brian Lara net worth – real estate and brand endorsements
Career summary: Brian Lara, the legendary West Indies batter, has an estimated net worth of $60 million (₹500 crore) from luxury property holdings, commentary, and corporate deals.
How he earns:
- Real estate: Golf courses, luxury property investments
- Commentary: Global TV and radio appearances
- Corporate partnerships: Tourism boards and sports campaigns
- Charity: Lara Foundation for health and youth sport
7. Shane Warne net worth – legacy ventures and media rights
Career summary: Shane Warne’s estate has seen a historic increase in 2026, now valued at approximately $55 million (₹455 crore). This is largely driven by a legendary "sweat equity" deal from 2008, which granted him a 3% stake in the Rajasthan Royals—an asset that skyrocketed in value following the franchise's $1.63 billion sale in March 2026.
How he earns (Estate):
- Media rights: Legacy commentary content
Endorsements: Fashion and poker ventures remain active - Businesses: Licensing deals and memorabilia
- Charity: Funds youth cricket programs via foundations
*Shane Warne’s figure is based on his estate earnings and continuing business activity.
8. Jacques Kallis net worth – coaching and investments
Career summary: Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, holds a net worth of $48 million (₹400 crore) from coaching, commentary, and strategic investments.
How he earns:
- Coaching: IPL, international sides, and private academies
- Investments: Sports management firms and property
- Endorsements: Cricket equipment and coaching programs
- Community work: Youth sports scholarships in South Africa
9. Chris Gayle net worth – t20 leagues and lifestyle ventures
Career summary: The “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle continues to entertain fans globally, maintaining a net worth of $45 million (₹375 crore) from franchise leagues and lifestyle businesses.
How he earns:
- Leagues: CPL, IPL, global T20 events
- Music & Lifestyle: Produces music and runs apparel lines
- Endorsements: Sports gear, beverages, betting platforms
- Charity: Runs events supporting Caribbean youth programs
10. Virender Sehwag net worth – commentary, academies and brand work
Career summary: Virender Sehwag has a net worth of $40 million (₹335 crore), supported by commentary, coaching academies, and media appearances.
How he earns:
- Academies: Runs Sehwag International School and cricket programs
- Commentary: TV and digital channels
- Endorsements: Indian brands and cricket gear
- Fun fact: Active on social media sharing coaching tips
11. Shane Watson net worth – coaching, media and fitness ventures
Career summary: Shane Watson’s net worth stands at $40 million (₹335 crore) in 2026, with earnings from coaching, commentary, and his growing fitness business.
How he earns:
- Coaching: IPL, private leagues, and training camps
- Media: Commentary, cricket podcasts
- Businesses: Fitness and online coaching platforms
- Charity: Mentoring programs for junior players
Rising millionaires in cricket (2026)
These young stars are climbing fast thanks to smart deals and social reach:
| Player | Country | Key Income Sources | Net Worth Estimate |
| Shubman Gill | India | IPL, BCCI, endorsements (Boat, CEAT) | $12M+ |
| Hardik Pandya | India | IPL captaincy, Gillette, Dream11 ads | $19M+ |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | Cricket Australia contract, IPL with SRH, endorsements | $10M+ |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | PSL, central contract, brands in Pakistan | $6M+ |
| Smriti Mandhana | India | WPL, Nike, Hyundai ads | $6M+ |
| Rishabh Pant | India | BCCI A+, IPL, SG, JSW | $16M+ |
What’s driving their wealth?
- Big IPL/WPL contracts
- Instagram followers → more brand deals
- Startup funding rounds and equity in fashion/tech
How cricket earnings differ by region
Cricketers make money in different ways based on where they play:
India
- BCCI central contracts: A+ players earn ₹7 Cr/year
- IPL: Star players get ₹15–20 Cr/season
- Brands: India leads in endorsement money
- Exchange rate impact: Dollar strength can lower the global rank for Indian players
Also read: How BCCI Earns Money
Australia & England
- Central contracts: $1–2M/year
- Leagues: Big Bash & The Hundred offer good seasonal pay
- Extras: Media appearances, coaching jobs
West Indies & South Africa
- Less board money: Players rely more on T20 leagues
- Endorsements: Local brands and some global appeal
- Trend: Many now focus on coaching and commentary
Average net worth by country – 2026
| Country | Avg Net Worth of Top 5 Cricketers |
| India | $110M |
| Australia | $56M |
| England | $48M |
| South Africa | $35M |
| West Indies | $30M |
Richest female cricketers in the world 2026
Women's cricket wealth is growing fast. The WPL (Women's Premier League) has injected crores into top players' salaries since 2023, and global endorsement deals are following. Here are the richest female cricketers in the world in 2026.
| Rank | Player | Country | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth (INR) | Main Income Sources |
| 1 | Ellyse Perry | Australia | $14M | ₹117 crore | WPL contracts, endorsements, coaching |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Australia | $9M | ₹75 crore | National contracts, sponsorships |
| 3 | Mithali Raj | India | $7M | ₹58 crore | Retired, commentary, brand deals |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana | India | $6M | ₹50 crore | WPL, endorsements, social media |
| 5 | Harmanpreet Kaur | India | $5M | ₹42 crore | India captain, WPL, sponsorships |
| 6 | Nat Sciver-Brunt | England | $4M | ₹33 crore | The Hundred, ECB, endorsements |
Women’s cricket wealth is still growing, but WPL deals and brand support are accelerating it fast.
Also read: richest Indian women cricketers
Highest-paid cricketers by category
Different types of players earn in different ways. Here’s a clear breakdown.
| Category | Top Names | Average Net Worth (USD) | Main Income Sources |
| Active International | Virat Kohli, Steve Smith | $25M+ | Central contracts, endorsements |
| Retired Legends | Tendulkar, Dhoni, Lara | $60M+ | Businesses, commentary, brand deals |
| Franchise/T20 Specialists | Chris Gayle, Andre Russell | $15M+ | League fees, sponsorships |
Highest paid cricketer in the world 2026
The highest paid cricketer in the world in 2026 by annual income is Virat Kohli, earning approximately ₹100 crore ($12 million) per year when combining his BCCI A+ retainer, IPL salary, and endorsement income. Net worth and annual income are different metrics: Sachin Tendulkar leads on total net worth at ₹1,415 crore, but his earnings now come from investments rather than active match fees.
Top 5 highest paid cricketers by annual income in 2026:
- Virat Kohli — ₹100 crore/year (BCCI, IPL, endorsements)
- MS Dhoni — ₹50 crore/year (CSK salary, Seven, brand deals)
- Rohit Sharma — ₹40 crore/year (BCCI A+, Mumbai Indians, endorsements)
- Hardik Pandya — ₹30 crore/year (Mumbai Indians captaincy, brand deals)
- Jasprit Bumrah — ₹25 crore/year (BCCI A+, Mumbai Indians, endorsements)
Among Australian cricketers, Pat Cummins leads with approximately AUD 4 million ($2.6 million) per year from Cricket Australia, BBL, and IPL combined.
Country-wise wealth analysis
India dominates cricket wealth. Seven of the top ten richest cricketers are Indian due to the IPL and a vast sponsorship market.
| Country | Top Earners (2026) | Combined Net Worth (USD) | Key Factors |
| India | Tendulkar, Dhoni, Kohli | $500M+ | IPL, large brands, huge fan base |
| Australia | Ponting, Smith, Warne estate | $150M+ | Coaching, BBL, endorsements |
| West Indies | Lara, Gayle, Russell | $120M+ | T20 leagues, endorsements |
| South Africa | Kallis, AB de Villiers | $80M+ | Coaching, investments |
| England | Ben Stokes, franchise players | $50M+ | ECB contracts, The Hundred |
India’s cricket economy remains the engine of player wealth. However, Australia and the West Indies maintain strong positions through coaching and franchise leagues.
Richest cricketer in India 2026: Top 10 Indian cricketers by net worth
India dominates global cricket wealth. Here are the 10 richest Indian cricketers in 2026, ranked by estimated net worth in USD and INR:
| # | Cricketer | Net worth (USD) | Net worth (INR, approx.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | $170M | ₹1,415 crore | Retired |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | $127M | ₹1,060 crore | Retired |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | $125M | ₹1,040 crore | Active |
| 4 | Virender Sehwag | $40M | ₹335 crore | Retired |
| 5 | Yuvraj Singh | $35M | ₹292 crore | Retired |
| 6 | Rohit Sharma | $28M | ₹233 crore | Active |
| 7 | Suresh Raina | $20M | ₹167 crore | Retired |
| 8 | Hardik Pandya | $19M | ₹158 crore | Active |
| 9 | Rishabh Pant | $16M | ₹133 crore | Active |
| 10 | Shubman Gill | $12M | ₹100 crore | Active |
How cricketers build their net worth
Cricketers grow their earnings from multiple channels. Here is how it works:
- Match fees and central contracts: Each cricket board pays players a yearly retainer and match fee.
- Franchise cricket leagues: IPL, Big Bash, The Hundred, SA20 and CPL pay high fees per season.
- Brand endorsements: Deals with sportswear, cars, beverages and tech brands add millions per year.
- Business investments: Players buy stakes in gyms, restaurants, tech startups and sports academies.
- Media appearances and commentary: Retired players keep earning from TV, streaming, and guest spots.
This mix creates long-term wealth far beyond a player’s active years.
Also read: Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World
Fastest growing net worth & future millionaires
New players are entering the rich list faster than ever before.
| Player | Current Net Worth (USD) | Why Growth Is Fast |
| Shubman Gill | $12M | IPL star, new endorsements, young age |
| Rishabh Pant | $16M | BCCI contract, IPL captaincy potential |
| Hardik Pandya | $19M | Captaincy roles, fashion partnerships |
| Shaheen Afridi | $8M | PSL and global T20 contracts |
With new leagues launching, these players could double their net worth by 2027.
Brand endorsements & business ventures
Brand partnerships are the engine of cricket wealth.
- Top brand deals: Puma (Kohli), MRF (Tendulkar), Pepsi (Dhoni), Adidas (Smith).
- Popular categories: Sportswear, cars, watches, food and beverage.
- Business ventures: Dhoni’s sports franchises, Kohli’s fitness chain, Tendulkar’s restaurants, Gayle’s music label.
- Why it matters: Endorsements provide steady income even after retirement.
Many cricketers also launch academies to nurture young talent while creating a new revenue stream.
Lifestyle & assets of rich cricketers
Wealth shows up in how cricketers live, but most also give back.
- Luxury cars: Tendulkar owns BMWs, Kohli drives an Audi collection, Dhoni keeps vintage bikes.
- Real estate: Villas in Mumbai, Sydney, London, and Caribbean islands.
- Private jets and travel: Dhoni and Kohli charter private flights for schedules.
- Philanthropy: Yuvraj Singh’s cancer foundation, Ponting’s children’s hospital work, Lara’s charity events.
This balance between luxury and community work builds lasting respect.
How cricketers invest & manage their wealth
Today’s cricketers think long-term. Many grow their money through business, not just cricket.
Common investments:
- Real estate: Ponting, Dhoni, and Gayle own property worldwide.
- Startups: Kohli and Cummins have backed tech brands and health apps.
- Fashion & fitness: One8 (Kohli), Seven (Dhoni), and Wrogn are high-selling brands.
- Sports teams: Tendulkar (Kerala Blasters), Kohli (FC Goa), and Dhoni (Chennaiyin FC) all co-own franchises.
Challenges they face:
- Taxes: Global incomes create tax complications.
- Currency changes: Dollar vs rupee shifts affect net worth ranks.
- Post-retirement planning: Not all invest smartly, and some lose wealth without solid planning.
Wealth growth timeline & historical context
Cricketer wealth has changed dramatically:
- Pre-2000: Players relied on match fees and small endorsements.
- Post-2008 IPL era: Franchise cricket raised salaries across the board.
- 2020–2026: WPL and new leagues expanded opportunities for women and men alike.
The next step could be international player auctions and global club cricket, making earnings even higher.
Cricketers giving back: charity & social work
Wealth isn’t just for luxury cars or mansions. Many top cricketers are using their money to give back.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Supports child education and health campaigns.
- MS Dhoni: Runs projects in rural farming and backs local sports academies.
- Virat Kohli: His foundation supports young athletes and runs awareness drives for children's welfare.
- Yuvraj Singh: Founded YouWeCan to support cancer patients and survivors.
- Pat Cummins: Donated to bushfire relief and mental health campaigns in Australia.
These efforts show how cricket fame can also help people in need, not just fill bank accounts.
Conclusion
In 2026, Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in the world with $170 million (₹1,415 crore), followed by MS Dhoni ($127M / ₹1,060 crore) and Virat Kohli ($125M / ₹1,040 crore). Rohit Sharma ($28M), Hardik Pandya ($19M), and rising stars like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are rapidly building their fortunes through IPL deals and global endorsements.
Women's cricket wealth is growing too, led by Ellyse Perry at $14M. Cricket's earning power reflects both talent and long-term vision, on and off the field.
Cricket’s earning power reflects both talent and dedication. Whether you’re a grassroots player or a global icon, your effort matters.
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FAQs
Sachin Tendulkar with $170 million.
MS Dhoni at $127M edges out Virat Kohli at $125M in 2026.
Ellyse Perry leads at $14 million.
Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at $125 million (₹1,040 crore), driven by endorsements, IPL salary, and business ventures like One8 and Wrogn.
MS Dhoni’s 2026 net worth is $127 million (₹1,060 crore). His earnings come from IPL deals, brand endorsements, and businesses such as Seven and his organic farming ventures.
Around $2–3 million from salary, plus endorsements.
Yes. Retired legends often earn more from businesses and long-term deals.
Match fees, endorsements, franchise leagues, investments, and media work.
India, due to IPL, huge fan base, and large sponsorship market.
Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar crossed early million-dollar thresholds in the 1980s.
Yes. With IPL contracts and social media reach, players like Gill and Pant already have.
Rohit Sharma's estimated net worth is approximately ₹233 crore (about $28 million) in 2026. His income comes from a BCCI A+ contract (₹7 crore/year), IPL salary with Mumbai Indians (~₹16 crore/season), and endorsements with Adidas, CEAT, Dream11, and Nissan.
Disclaimer
The net worth figure in this article is an estimate based on publicly available information. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any decisions.
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