Cricket is no longer just a sport. In 2025, it has become a global business where legendary players earn massive wealth through endorsements, franchise leagues, businesses, media work, and long-term investments.
Many former and active cricketers have successfully turned their on-field success into strong personal brands. Even years after retirement, their income continues to grow due to smart financial decisions and global popularity.
This article lists the Top 10 richest cricketers in the world in 2025-26, based on estimated net worth, business ventures, endorsements, and cricket-related earnings.
Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World – 2025-26 Rankings
Top 10 Richest Cricketers Summary :
| Rank | Player | Country | Estimated Net Worth | Key Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | ₹1,400 crore | Endorsements, investments |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | ₹1,100 crore | IPL, businesses |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | ₹1,000–1,050 crore | Endorsements, IPL |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | ₹580–665 crore | Coaching, media |
| 5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | ₹500–524 crore | Academies, endorsements |
| 6 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | ₹400–419 crore | Coaching, brands |
| 7 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | ₹375–393 crore | T20 leagues, lifestyle |
| 8 | Virender Sehwag | India | ₹335–348 crore | Commentary, education |
| 9 | Shane Watson | Australia | ₹348–455 crore | Coaching, fitness |
| 10 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | ₹306–375 crore | Commentary, digital |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly known endorsements, league contracts, and business activities. Actual figures may vary slightly.
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1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹1,400 crore / $170M+
Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in the world in 2025-2026. Even more than a decade after retirement, his earnings continue to rise due to unmatched brand value and long-term investments.
His income comes mainly from endorsements, business partnerships, restaurants, sports academies, and startup investments. Tendulkar’s global image as the “God of Cricket” ensures consistent revenue year after year.
Apart from being a batting legend with 34,000+ international runs and 100 centuries, his global brand value remains extremely strong.
Key income areas:
- Brand endorsements
- Business investments
- Sports academies, restaurants, and startups
- Long-term global brand value
Even after retiring in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar continues to top the list of the world’s richest cricketers.
2. MS Dhoni (India)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹1,100 crore / $127M–$130M+
MS Dhoni ranks second on the list and remains one of the most marketable sports personalities in India. His wealth is driven by IPL earnings, endorsements, and multiple business ventures.
Dhoni has invested in fitness brands, sports teams, lifestyle businesses, and agriculture-related projects. His calm leadership image keeps him highly valuable even after retiring from international cricket.
Main sources of income:
- IPL earnings and association with CSK
- Brand endorsements
- Investments in sports, fitness, farming, and startups
- Lifestyle, clothing, and fitness brands
MS Dhoni remains one of the richest and most influential sporting icons in India.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹1,000–1,050 crore / $120M–$125M
Virat Kohli is the richest active cricketer in the world in 2025-26. His earnings come from cricket contracts, IPL salary, global endorsements, and successful fashion and fitness brands.
Kohli’s massive social media following and strong personal branding have played a major role in building his wealth at a faster pace than most former players.
Key earning channels:
- High-value endorsements
- IPL and cricket income
- Fashion and fitness brands
- Strong digital and social media influence
Virat Kohli continues to dominate as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹580–665 crore / $70M–$80M+
Ricky Ponting is the richest non-Indian cricketer on this list. After retirement, he built a strong career as a coach in T20 leagues, a television commentator, and a media personality.
His business interests, including ventures like a wine brand, have helped him maintain financial success long after his playing days.
Main income sources:
- Coaching roles
- Commentary and media work
- Business ventures including wine brand
Ponting’s post-retirement success makes him one of the wealthiest cricketers outside India.
5. Brian Lara (West Indies)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹500–524 crore / $60M+
Brian Lara is one of the top five richest cricketers in the world. His earnings come from endorsements, cricket academies, commentary roles, ambassador work, and multiple business ventures.
Lara’s legendary status and association with cricket development programs continue to generate long-term income.
Main income sources:
- Endorsements
- Cricket academies
- Media and ambassador roles
- Business ventures
He is also the richest cricketer from the West Indies.
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6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹400–419 crore / $48M–$70M+
Jacques Kallis is one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and remains among the wealthiest cricketers in the world. His income comes from coaching roles, brand partnerships, and various business ventures. With a legendary career across formats and a long-lasting global reputation, he continues to stay financially strong even after retirement.
Major Income Sources:
- Coaching roles in international and T20 leagues
- Brand endorsements
- Business and sports partnerships
Kallis remains one of the most respected all-rounders, and his financial success reflects his impact on world cricket.
7. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹375–393 crore / $45M+
Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most entertaining and popular cricketers in the world. His wealth is driven by his long T20 career across global leagues, brand endorsements, lifestyle businesses, and his strong digital presence.
Main Income Streams:
- T20 leagues around the world
- Music and entertainment ventures
- Brand endorsements
- Personal lifestyle and merchandise brands
Gayle’s charisma, global fan base, and long T20 career continue to make him one of the richest cricketers.
8. Virender Sehwag (India)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹335–348 crore / $40M+
Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most explosive openers, has built significant wealth through commentary, media involvement, and educational institutions. His post-retirement journey includes successful academies, brand partnerships, and digital content platforms.
Key Income Sources:
- Commentary and cricket analysis
- Schools and sports academies
- Business ventures in media and sports
Sehwag remains a popular figure due to his sharp analysis, humorous personality, and strong online presence.
9. Shane Watson (Australia)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹348–455 crore / $40M–$55M+
Shane Watson’s wealth comes from a long IPL and T20 career, along with coaching, commentary, and fitness-related businesses. His all-round ability and long career in leagues made him one of the most valuable T20 players.
Major Income Sources:
- IPL and T20 contracts
- Coaching in global leagues
- Commentary roles
- Fitness and performance businesses
Watson remains financially strong due to his versatile skills and long involvement in world cricket.
10. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Estimated Net Worth: ₹306–375 crore / $45M+
AB de Villiers remains one of the most loved cricketers worldwide. His wealth comes from commentary, digital content, endorsements, and post-retirement league appearances. His innovative batting style and massive fan base continue to keep him financially successful.
Main Income Areas:
- Commentary and analysis
- YouTube and digital content platforms
- Brand endorsements
- T20 league appearances after retirement
Even after retiring, AB de Villiers stays among the most influential and richest cricket stars globally.
Conclusion
In 2025, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli clearly dominate the list of the richest cricketers in the world. Former legends like Ponting, Lara, Kallis, Gayle, and Sehwag show how cricket fame can be transformed into long-term financial success.
The rise of T20 leagues, media opportunities, and personal branding has allowed cricketers to build wealth far beyond their playing careers — making cricket one of the most financially rewarding sports globally.
