Cricket is widely recognised as one of the most popular sports globally, with its popularity skyrocketing each day. According to various reports, cricket ranks as the fifth richest sport in the world, following football, basketball, American football (also known as rugby), and baseball. At the heart of cricket’s financial strength is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), currently acknowledged as the richest cricket board in the world. Indian cricketers enjoy lucrative contracts not only at the international level but are also handsomely rewarded in domestic competitions. But have you ever wondered who holds the title of the richest cricketer in the world? Could it be Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or someone else? In this article, we’ll explore the list of the world’s richest cricketers and see who tops the chart.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Topping this remarkable list is none other than the legendary Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, often hailed as the “God of Cricket.” Throughout his illustrious career, he shattered numerous records and turned his passion and dedication for the game into substantial wealth. Sachin Tendulkar’s net worth stands at around $170 million (₹1,250 crore), making him the richest cricketer in the world. He holds the record for the most runs in the history of the sport. Off the field, Tendulkar has endorsed major global brands such as Visa, Pepsi, Adidas, and BMW. He is also a co-owner of Kerala Blasters, a franchise in the Indian Super League (ISL).

2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, widely regarded as the greatest batsman of this era, holds the second spot on this list. Though he has retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, he remains active in ODI cricket. As per reports, Virat Kohli’s net worth stands at approx ₹1,050 crore. Kohli’s wealth is rooted in his exceptional on-field performances, which have established him as a global cricket icon. Off the field, he is a top choice for major brands, endorsing the likes of Puma, Audi, and more — deals that significantly boost his overall income. He is one of the most celebrated athletes globally, with 82 international centuries to his name. His immense popularity has made him a global icon, and cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is partly credited to his influence on the sport’s worldwide appeal.

3. MS Dhoni

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, widely regarded as the greatest captain in the history of Indian cricket, also features on this list. Following Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni’s net worth became 3rd richest cricketer in the world, with an estimated net worth of around ₹1,000 crore. Under his leadership, India achieved several historic victories, including the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, and the ICC Test Championship Mace. His wealth stems from a mix of his cricketing earnings, high-value endorsement deals with leading brands, and a range of successful business ventures. Among his prominent investments is his co-ownership of Chennaiyin FC, a football club in the Indian Super League.

Indian fans will be delighted to see that the top three spots on this list are held by Indian cricketers. However, the list goes beyond just these names. The lineup of the richest cricketers in the world also features legends like Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and several other iconic players from various cricketing nations.