10 Richest Cricketers in the World [2023 Edition]
10 Richest Cricketers in the World [2023 Edition] – Cricket’s elite players can amass tremendous wealth by complementing on-field success with lucrative off-field opportunities.
The richest cricketers have monetized their athletic fame through branding, endorsements and investments. Their sizable net worth reflects cricket’s status as a major global sport, particularly in India, Australia and South Africa where top stars are revered.
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But these players earned their financial success primarily through hard-won cricketing achievements. Performances in high-pressure matches and consistency at the highest level over many years enabled these athletes to capitalize on their star power.
Their enduring brand value even post-retirement provides generational wealth. While cricketing skill brought them acclaim, business savvy and ambition elevated them to the top of the sport’s financial pyramid. Their shrewd leveraging of cricket’s commercial potential made them moguls of the modern game.
The Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World 2023
Cricket is not just a popular sport, it is also big business. Today’s top cricketers earn massive salaries from their team contracts and pile up hefty fortunes from lucrative endorsement deals.
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | $170 million | ₹1290 crores |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | $125 million | ₹950 crores |
| 3 | MS Dhoni | $111 million | ₹840 crores |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | $85 million | ₹645 crores |
| 5 | Yuvraj Singh | $35 million | ₹265 crores |
| 6 | Shane Watson | $35 million | ₹265 crores |
| 7 | Chris Gayle | $30 million | ₹228 crores |
| 8 | AB de Villiers | $20 million | ₹152 crores |
| 9 | Brian Lara | $20 million | ₹152 crores |
| 10 | Ricky Ponting | $16 million | ₹121 crores |
Here are the top 10 richest cricketers in the world as of 2023, with their net worth fact-checked against credible sources:
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – $170 million
Leading the list is Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, with a net worth estimated at $170 million, is the richest cricketer in the world this year.
Often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar has been one of the wealthiest cricketers in the world, with his earnings coming from cricket, endorsements, and business ventures.
Tendulkar built his fortune not only through 24 successful playing years with the Indian national team, but also through his numerous sponsorship deals. He continues to rake in money after retirement by being a sought-after expert commentator.
2. Virat Kohli (India) – $125 million
Following closely behind is current Indian captain Virat Kohli, valued at around $125 million. A modern-day cricket icon, Kohli has numerous endorsement deals and business ventures that contribute to his wealth.
Dubbed as the “Cristiano Ronaldo of cricket”, Virat Kohli makes over $1 million from his BCCI central contract, and has a slate of major endorsements with brands like Puma, Uber, Audi, MRF, and more.
3. MS Dhoni (India) – $111 million
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni occupies the third spot with $111 million, making his money both on and off the pitch. Dhoni remains an advertising favorite with over 20 brands paying him for endorsements.
Other names in the top 10 include veteran West Indies opener Chris Gayle ($30 million), South African great AB de Villiers ($20 million), and Australian captain Ricky Ponting ($16 million). While most of the richest cricketers in the world come from India, other countries are also represented.
4. Rohit Sharma (India) – $85 million
At number 4 on the list is talismanic Indian batsman Rohit Sharma, with an estimated net worth of $85 million. Nicknamed ‘The Hitman’ for his big hundreds and six-hitting ability, the 35-year-old is one of the most destructive openers in modern-day cricket.
Sharma is the only player to have scored more than one ODI double century, and also became the first batsman to hit 5 centuries in a single World Cup edition.
Besides his batting exploits, Sharma earns handsomely through multi-million dollar contracts with Adidas, CEAT, Aristocrat and other brands.
He also owns multiple real estate properties and has investments spread across various business ventures. Sharma’s sustained cricketing success, brand value and financial assets have cemented his place among the wealthiest in the sport.
5. Yuvraj Singh (India) – $35 million
Fifth on the list is Yuvraj Singh with a net worth of $35 million. The powerful left-hander was one of India’s greatest match-winners in ODIs and a key member of the 2011 World Cup winning team.
Despite his career being plagued with health issues, Yuvraj earned big bucks through endorsements with over 10 brands during his playing days.
He also has investments in startups, real estate, and owns a popular fashion label YWC. Since retirement, Yuvraj continues to be a popular figure on TV shows and remains one of the most sought-after speakers globally.
His earnings from these avenues coupled with prudent investments have placed him among the top 5 richest cricketers in the world.
6. Shane Watson (Australia) – $35 million
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson ties for the 5th spot with Yuvraj Singh, both valued at $35 million net worth. A batting star and effective fast-medium bowler, Watson was instrumental in Australia’s World Cup wins in 2007 and 2015.
His time in the IPL saw him become one of the biggest earners, paid over $2 million per season. Watson has endorsements with Asics, Australian Gold, and Weet-Bix among other brands.
He has made additional income from commentary roles and owning a small restaurant chain in Australia. Watson’s sustained match performances coupled with astute financial planning places him among the elite earners in cricket.
7. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – $30 million
Swashbuckling West Indian opener Chris Gayle has built a net worth of $30 million and is 7th on the list. Gayle has been one of T20 cricket’s biggest drawcards, playing in leagues worldwide. He has earned over $15 million just from IPL contracts.
Gayle’s popularity has resulted in endorsements with major brands like Pepsi, Royal Stag, and Jio. He owns real estate across the Caribbean.
Though Gayle has retired from international cricket, he continues to enthral crowds in T20 leagues at age 43. His rockstar persona and big hitting make him one of cricket’s richest entertainers.
8. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – $20 million
South African batting superstar AB de Villiers has a net worth of $20 million, putting him at number 8. De Villiers dazzled fans worldwide with his wide array of strokes in all three formats.
He was one of the IPL’s premier batsmen, earning over $15 million just from that league.
Endorsement deals with brands like Audi, Puma and MRF contribute to his wealth along with smart investments.
De Villiers retired unexpectedly in 2018 at just 34 and continues to play franchise leagues globally. His relatively short but scintillating international career combined with commercial success make De Villiers one of cricket’s richest athletes.
9. Brian Lara (West Indies) – $20 million
Legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara is tied with AB de Villiers at number 9 with a net worth of $20 million.
Lara remained Test cricket’s highest individual scorer for nearly two decades with his unbeaten 400. He was one of the most stylish left-hand batters of his era.
Though Lara played in the pre-T20 era, he earned handsomely from county cricket stints and endorsements. A long-term Wisden ambassador, Lara also has commercial interests in sports gear manufacturing.
He is involved in coaching and media commentary since retirement. Lara’s batting heroics for the West Indies and his wise investments post-retirement have made him one of the richest cricketers of our times.
10. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – $16 million
Closing out the top 10 richest cricketers in the world is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting with a net worth of $16 million.
Ponting led Australia to two World Cup triumphs and dominated batting charts during his 17-year career.
Lucrative deals with Kookaburra, Valvoline and Adidas supplemented his income alongside captain’s pay. Post-retirement Ponting stayed involved with cricket as a coach and commentator.
He also owns a 5-star hotel in Australia and has stakes in multiple business ventures.
Despite retiring nearly a decade ago, Ponting remains one of the wealthiest cricketers owing to his on-field success and off-field investments.
Though cricket’s top stars make their money from playing contracts and endorsements, many also invest their earnings into business ventures, real estate, and stocks to grow their wealth.
It’s clear that the potential to become wealthy through cricket extends far beyond just scoring runs and taking wickets.
This list highlights how lucrative cricket has become as a profession. But along with the riches also comes immense skill, determination and hard work required to succeed at the highest level and sustain such success over many years.
While monetary wealth is transient, the iconic status these cricketers have achieved through their talent and performances will be long-lasting.
Wrapping Up
The extraordinary net worths of richest cricketers in the world symbolize more than just financial success. They represent the potential for elite athletes to become full-fledged global brands and transcend sports fame.
The riches accrued by cricket’s biggest stars reflect the sport’s immense commercial reach, especially in the powerhouse nations like India national cricket team. But their wealth stems first from hard-won performances and consistency at the game’s highest levels.
Off the field, their business savvy and personal brands powered lucrative deals that cemented their financial might. They will be remembered not just for bats and balls, but for leveraging cricket’s commercial potential more successfully than any predecessors.
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While their ranks and net worth figures may change over time, their legacy has elevated them to an echelon unattainable by skill alone.
They proved cricket can enable athletes to become worldwide icons who influence culture and commerce far beyond the boundary lines.
What People Often Ask (FAQs)
Who is the world's richest cricketer?
Sachin Tendulkar was often cited as the world’s richest cricketer, with an estimated net worth that had him at the top of the list among cricketers.
Who is the fifth richest cricketer in the world?
Yuvraj Singh from India was listed as the fifth richest cricketer in the world, based on estimates of his net worth of $35 million.
What is the net worth of Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli’s net worth was estimated to be around $125 million. However, this figure can fluctuate with ongoing endorsements and business ventures.
Who is India's No 1 richest cricketer?
Sachin Tendulkar was considered the richest cricketer from India, based on the estimates of his net worth from cricket earnings, endorsements, and other ventures.
How much money does MS Dhoni make?
MS Dhoni’s income comprises his salary from playing cricket, which he has now retired from internationally, earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and numerous endorsements. While a specific annual earning figure is variable and not publicly disclosed in exact terms, his net worth was estimated to be around $111 million.
