Cricket has grown far beyond just being a sport played on green fields. Today, it’s a massive business that has created some of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
The richest cricketers in the world didn’t make their fortune just by playing matches.
The world’s richest cricketers have earned millions through smart business moves, brand deals, and investments outside cricket.
When we look at cricket today, we see players earning more money than ever before.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), endorsement deals with big companies, and personal business ventures have changed how cricketers make money.
These athletes have turned their cricket skills into business empires worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The wealthiest cricketers on our list come from different countries like India, Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.
What makes them special is not just their cricket records, but how they’ve used their fame to build wealth.
From owning football teams to starting their clothing brands, these players have shown that cricket can be a stepping stone to massive financial success.
The Richest Cricketers in the World
In this article, we’ll explore the top 12 world’s richest cricketers and learn how they built their fortunes.
You’ll discover their net worth, income sources, and the smart business decisions that made them millionaires.
Cricket is More Than Just a Sport
Cricket today is a global entertainment industry worth billions of dollars. Players don’t just earn from match fees anymore. The real money comes from:
- Brand endorsements with major companies
- Business investments in different industries
- T20 league contracts from around the world
- Media and commentary roles after retirement
- Personal ventures like restaurants, gyms, and fashion brands
The most successful cricketers understand that their playing career is limited, but their brand value can last much longer. This is why the smartest players start building business empires while they’re still playing.
List of Top 12 Richest Cricketers in the World: In A Nutshell (2025)
Here’s a quick look at the world’s richest cricketers and their estimated net worth in 2025:
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | $170 Million | India |
| 2 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | $125 Million | India |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | $92 Million | India |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | $70 Million | Australia |
| 5 | Brian Lara | $60 Million | Trinidad |
| 6 | Shane Warne | $50 Million | Australia |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | $48 Million | South Africa |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | $45 Million | West Indies |
| 9 | Virender Sehwag | $40 Million | India |
| 10 | Shane Watson | $40 Million | Australia |
| 11 | AB de Villiers | $35 Million | South Africa |
| 12 | Yuvraj Singh | $35 Million | India |
Sachin Tendulkar
The Little Master sits at the top as the richest cricketer in the world with an amazing $170 million net worth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $170 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Business |
| Key Brands | Pepsi, Adidas, MRF |
| Business | Kerala Blasters FC |
Income Sources:
- Cricket salary and match fees
- Long-term endorsement deals
- Business investments and partnerships
- Real estate holdings
Major Achievements: Sachin is the highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket. His records include 100 international centuries and over 34,000 runs across all formats.
Endorsements:
- Pepsi – Multi-million dollar deals
- Adidas – Lifetime sports gear partnership
- MRF – Bat sponsorship worth millions
Business Ventures: Sachin co-owns Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League. He also has investments in various startups and real estate projects across India.
MS Dhoni
Captain Cool has built a $125 million empire through cricket and smart business choices.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $125 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Business |
| Key Brands | Reebok, Red Bus, Gulf Oil |
| Business | Chennaiyin FC, SportsFit World |
Income Sources:
- IPL contracts and international cricket
- Multiple endorsement deals
- Business ownership in sports and fitness
- Investment in startups
Major Achievements: Dhoni led India to the 2011 World Cup victory and is the only captain to win all three ICC trophies.
Endorsements:
- Reebok – Sports apparel deals
- Red Bus – Travel platform endorsements
- Gulf Oil – Automotive partnerships
Business Ventures: He owns Chennaiyin FC football team and SportsFit World gym chain, showing his interest in expanding sports business.
Virat Kohli
The modern cricket superstar has earned $92 million through aggressive batting and smart business moves.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $92 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Fashion |
| Key Brands | Puma, Audi, MRF |
| Business | One8 Fashion, Stepathlon Kids |
Income Sources:
- High-value cricket contracts
- Premium endorsement deals
- Fashion and fitness businesses
- Social media partnerships
Major Achievements: Kohli is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs.
Endorsements:
- Puma – Lifetime sports deal worth millions
- Audi – Luxury car partnerships
- MRF – Bat sponsorship agreements
Business Ventures: His One8 fashion brand and Stepathlon Kids fitness venture show his entrepreneurial spirit.
Also Check: Virat Kohli Water Price and get shocked to see the cost of 1 ltr water bottle.
Ricky Ponting
The Australian legend has built $70 million through cricket excellence and post-retirement ventures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $70 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Commentary, Investments |
| Key Brands | Adidas, Rexona, Kookaburra |
| Business | Real Estate, Wineries |
Income Sources:
- Cricket career earnings
- Commentary and coaching roles
- Real estate investments
- Wine business partnerships
Major Achievements: Ponting is a three-time World Cup winner with Australia and one of cricket’s greatest captains.
Brian Lara
The West Indies batting genius has accumulated $60 million through record-breaking performances and business ventures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $60 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Golf Business |
| Key Brands | MRF, Angostura, Stanmore |
| Business | Golf Course Design, Real Estate |
Income Sources:
- Cricket salary and match fees
- Long-term endorsement contracts
- Golf course design and development
- Real estate investment projects
Major Achievements: Lara holds the highest individual score in Test cricket with 400 not out. He also scored the highest first-class score of 501 not out.
Endorsements:
- MRF – Bat and equipment sponsorship
- Angostura – Caribbean brand partnerships
- Stanmore – Regional endorsement deals
Business Ventures: Brian has invested heavily in golf course design and development projects. His real estate investments across the Caribbean have contributed significantly to his wealth.
Shane Warne
The legendary leg-spinner built $50 million through cricket and media ventures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $50 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Commentary, Poker |
| Key Brands | Nike, Advanced Hair Studio |
| Business | Poker Tournaments, Media |
Income Sources:
- Cricket career and match earnings
- Commentary and media roles
- Poker tournament winnings
- Television and entertainment projects
Major Achievements: Shane was the most successful wicket-taker in Test cricket for Australia with 708 Test wickets.
Endorsements:
- Nike – Sports apparel and equipment deals
- Advanced Hair Studio – Personal grooming partnerships
- Various media and entertainment brands
Business Ventures: Warne invested in poker tournaments and media ventures. He also had interests in sports and entertainment businesses throughout his career.
Jacques Kallis
One of cricket’s greatest all-rounders has earned $48 million through playing and coaching.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $48 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Coaching, Academies |
| Key Brands | Slazenger, MTN |
| Business | Cricket Academies |
Income Sources:
- International and domestic cricket earnings
- Coaching roles with various teams
- Cricket academy ownership
- Endorsement and sponsorship deals
Major Achievements: Kallis is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history with over 13,000 Test runs and 292 Test wickets.
Endorsements:
- Slazenger – Cricket equipment partnerships
- MTN – Telecommunications brand deals
- Various South African regional brands
Business Ventures: Jacques has established cricket academies and coaching programs. His coaching stints with international teams have added to his wealth.
Chris Gayle
The Universe Boss has smashed his way to $45 million through T20 cricket and endorsements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $45 Million |
| Main Income | T20 Leagues, Endorsements |
| Key Brands | Spartan Sports, Royal Stag |
| Business | Sports Bar, Entertainment |
Income Sources:
- T20 league contracts worldwide
- International cricket earnings
- Multiple endorsement deals
- Entertainment and hospitality business
Major Achievements: Gayle holds the highest individual score in T20 cricket and has won multiple T20 league titles worldwide.
Endorsements:
- Spartan Sports – Cricket equipment deals
- Royal Stag – Beverage brand partnerships (earned ~$10 million)
- Sandals Resorts – Tourism and hospitality deals
- Jio – Telecommunications partnerships
Business Ventures: Chris owns a sports bar and has various entertainment projects. His business interests span the hospitality and entertainment industries.
Virender Sehwag
The aggressive opener has built $40 million through the cricket and education business.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Commentary, Education |
| Key Brands | Hero Honda, Boost, Reebok |
| Business | Sehwag International School |
Income Sources:
- Cricket salary and match fees
- Commentary and media roles
- Education business ventures
- Endorsement partnerships
Major Achievements: Sehwag scored two triple centuries in Test cricket and was known for his aggressive opening batting style.
Endorsements:
- Hero Honda – Automotive brand partnerships
- Boost – Energy drink sponsorships
- Reebok – Sports apparel deals
Business Ventures: Sehwag owns Sehwag International School, showing his commitment to education. He also has various media engagements and commentary roles.
Shane Watson
The Australian all-rounder has earned $40 million through IPL success and endorsements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Main Income | IPL, International Cricket |
| Key Brands | ASICS, TAG Heuer |
| Business | Cricket Academy, Media |
Income Sources:
- IPL contracts with multiple teams
- International cricket earnings
- Premium endorsement deals
- Media and coaching roles
Major Achievements: Watson is a two-time ICC World Cup winner and IPL title winner with Chennai Super Kings.
Endorsements:
- ASICS – Sports footwear partnerships
- TAG Heuer – Luxury watch endorsements
- American Express – Financial services deals
- Golden Circle – Food and beverage partnerships
Business Ventures: Shane has established a cricket academy and appears in various media projects. His investments span sports coaching and entertainment.
AB de Villiers
Mr. 360 has accumulated $35 million through explosive batting and diverse ventures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $35 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Music |
| Key Brands | MRF, Audi, Montblanc |
| Business | Music Career, Real Estate |
Income Sources:
- Cricket career earnings
- High-value endorsement deals
- Music and entertainment ventures
- Real estate investments
Major Achievements: AB scored the fastest century in ODIs and was known for his innovative batting techniques.
Endorsements:
- MRF – Cricket equipment sponsorships
- Audi – Luxury automotive partnerships
- Montblanc – Premium lifestyle brand deals
Business Ventures: De Villiers has pursued a music career and made significant real estate investments. His diverse interests reflect his versatile success beyond cricket.
Yuvraj Singh
The 2011 World Cup hero has built $35 million through cricket and philanthropy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $35 Million |
| Main Income | Cricket, Endorsements, Startups |
| Key Brands | Puma, LG, Revital |
| Business | YouWeCan Foundation, Tech Ventures |
Income Sources:
- Cricket salary and IPL contracts
- Brand endorsement deals
- Startup investments
- Philanthropic foundation work
Major Achievements: Yuvraj was the Man of the Tournament in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and hit six sixes in an over.
Endorsements:
- Puma – Sports apparel partnerships
- LG – Electronics brand deals
- Revital – Health and wellness endorsements
Business Ventures: Yuvraj founded the YouWeCan Foundation for cancer awareness and has made significant investments in startups and tech ventures. His philanthropic work highlights his commitment to social causes.
Conclusion – Sachin Tendulkar is The Richest Cricketer in the World
Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in the world with his $170 million net worth.
These top 12 cricketers show that success in cricket goes beyond just playing well. They’ve all built business empires using their cricket fame.
The world’s richest cricketers teach us important lessons about money management and business thinking.
They didn’t just rely on cricket salaries but created multiple income streams through endorsements, investments, and personal ventures.
As cricket continues growing globally, we can expect future players to earn even more money.
The combination of T20 leagues, social media, and global brands means tomorrow’s cricketers have even bigger opportunities to build wealth.
These cricket legends prove that with talent, smart thinking, and good business decisions, sports can create generational wealth that lasts long after retirement.
