
Cricket is now known for being a cash-rich sport. Although its riches may not match up to those of other sports like football, its wide fanbase stretching across the world has ensured the massive popularity of the sport. Popular cricketers around the world have developed into brands themselves, and are often seen doing advertisements. They also earn from various T20 leagues akin to the Indian Premier League.
Therefore, multiple cricketers have developed big bank balances that can give competition to that of any other sporting star. Let us have a look at the top 10 cricketing stars who possess such hefty bank balances.
1. Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper is not only one of the best batsmen in the world but is also one of the richest cricketers. The annual salary of Kohli is said to be a staggering $ 24 million/year. He earns $ 1 million for every domestic and international match that he plays. He is also the highest-paid player in the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli reportedly earns $ 2.5 million while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL every year. He is known to be the only cricketer who has made to the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes of the year. He endorses a number of brands including Pepsi and Puma and is said to have a net worth of 700 crore rupees.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The former Indian captain and swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman from India is the second in this list. He has earned a total of $ 21.7 million from the IPL this year and is one of the highest-paid cricketers today even after his retirement. He endorses a number of brands Reebok, Dabur, and TVS. His net worth is around 760 crore rupees.
3. Chris Gayle
This hard-hitting batsman and the off-break bowler is one of the most popular and highest-paid cricketers around. He earns a massive $280,000 from the IPL and $100,000 from the Pakistan Super League every year. He is also involved in endorsing different brands like Jio, Spartan sports, and Attitude.com. His net worth has been estimated at $ 32 million.
4. AB de Villiers
Arguably one of the modern-day batting greats, this right-handed batsman from South Africa has been an inspiration to many for his batting, wicketkeeping, and fielding skills. He reportedly earns $ 6.4 million every year and currently plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL alongside Kohli. He also endorses a number of brands including Mont Blanc and Audi. His net worth is pegged at $ 25 million.
5. Virender Sehwag
Despite having retired from all forms of cricket some time ago, this swashbuckling batsman from India is often dubbed as one of the greatest batsmen of all time He holds multiple records, including that of scoring two triple centuries in his test career. He earned around $6.1 million this year due to different brand endorsements, including those of Hero Motocorp and Adidas. His net worth is 351 crore rupees.
6. Shahid Afridi
This hard-hitting allrounder from Pakistan was known for his big sixes. Despite having retired from all forms of cricket, he earns a lot from endorsing brands like Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, and Habib Bank. His income in 2021 was around $ 5.8 million and his net worth is pegged at $30 million.
7. Shane Watson
The Australian allrounder, who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace is a trusted player and a brand in himself. After having retired from international cricket, he earns $4.7 million per year from the IPL and other brand endorsements. His net worth is $ 28 million and he endorses brands like Asics.
8. Gautam Gambhir
This former opening batsman for India is also a brand in himself. Known for his versatility in all formats of the game, he earns a handsome $4.79 million from endorsing brands like Hero Motocorp and Red Bull. His net worth is around $21 million.
9. Michael Clarke
The former Australian captain and batsman is also one of the most successful captains of Australia. He has earned a whopping $3.9 million till now this year and has a net worth of $ 22 million. Not surprising for a cricketer who has won the Allan Border medal four times for his brilliant performances!
10. Yuvraj Singh
This allrounder from India, who has been a cricketing star in himself, is one of the highest-paid cricketers even after retirement. He has earned $3.5 million by endorsing different brands like Codemasters and Puma this year. His net worth is $ 35 million.
As the popularity of cricket increases around the world, global icons like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle will only gain more and more endorsements and higher salaries and contracts!