Cricket’s commercial boom has created a new generation of elite earners, with several players pulling in eight-figure annual incomes thanks to a blend of franchise contracts, international salaries, and lucrative endorsements. According to a report by MSN.com, the 15 highest-paid cricketers in the world in 2025 reveal how the modern game has become one of the most financially rewarding sports globally.
At the top of the list is India’s Virat Kohli, whose £28.55 million annual income leads the pack, but he’s closely followed by some of the biggest names from Australia, England, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Here’s a full look at the top earners and what drives their massive paychecks.
1. Virat Kohli – £28,550,000 per year
Virat Kohli leads the cricketing world not just with the bat but also in earnings. His income stems from his BCCI central contract, his high-value deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, and an array of global endorsements with brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF Tyres. Kohli’s unmatched brand value makes him the most marketable cricketer in the world.
2. Pat Cummins – £23,250,000 per year
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins comes in second, earning from his central contract with Cricket Australia, a massive IPL deal, and endorsements with top-tier brands like Gillette and New Balance. His reputation as a world-class all-format player continues to grow both on the field and in commercial appeal.
3. Mitchell Starc – £22,650,000 per year
The left-arm quick is one of cricket’s most dominant bowlers and recently landed a record-breaking IPL contract that helped elevate his annual earnings. Alongside his playing contracts, Starc has major endorsement deals with Hublot and Kookaburra.
4. Steve Smith – £21,550,000 per year
Australia’s Steve Smith remains one of the game’s most consistent earners. Known for his unique batting style and reliability across formats, Smith’s endorsement portfolio includes New Balance and Gillette, complementing his salaries from international and franchise cricket.
5. David Warner – £20,500,000 per year
David Warner earns through his roles with Australia and the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He is also heavily invested in commercial partnerships with brands like Spartan Sports, Toyota, and Kayo Sports, which round out his impressive income profile.
6. Rohit Sharma – £20,250,000 per year
As India’s captain and the face of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Rohit Sharma’s combined salaries and endorsements with Adidas, Hublot, and CEAT Tyres place him among the top earners. His long-standing stature in Indian cricket makes him a favorite among brands.
7. Jos Buttler – £19,870,000 per year
England’s white-ball vice-captain Jos Buttler benefits from a central contract and IPL earnings with Rajasthan Royals. He also has endorsement deals with Vitality, Gray-Nicolls, and Castore, all of which contribute significantly to his annual earnings.
8. Trent Boult – £19,650,000 per year
Trent Boult’s success across franchise cricket—including the IPL and various global leagues—combined with sponsorships from Adidas and Gatorade, makes him one of the highest-paid cricketers in the world.
9. Jasprit Bumrah – £19,400,000 per year
India’s fast bowling spearhead earns a premium from the BCCI and the Mumbai Indians, with off-field income driven by partnerships with brands like Zaggle, Dream11, and ASICS. Bumrah’s reputation as a world-class pacer helps him command top-tier deals.
10. Kane Williamson – £19,160,000 per year
New Zealand’s calm and composed leader Kane Williamson earns through a blend of domestic, franchise, and international cricket, while also securing endorsement deals with Rockit Apples, Powerade, and ASICS.
11. Ben Stokes – £18,530,000 per year
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes combines international duties and IPL contracts to build his annual earnings. He also works with global brands like New Balance and Red Bull, boosting his endorsement value.
12. MS Dhoni – £17,325,000 per year
Even after retiring from international cricket, MS Dhoni remains a massive brand. His loyalty to Chennai Super Kings continues to pay off, and he retains endorsement deals with Gulf Oil, Oppo, and India Cements, which help him stay among the top earners.
13. KL Rahul – £15,750,000 per year
KL Rahul captains Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and plays a key role for India across formats. Off the field, brands like Puma, Boat, and Red Bull help him build one of the sport’s most lucrative endorsement portfolios.
14. Andre Russell – £14,873,000 per year
Andre Russell’s explosive presence in global T20 leagues—including the IPL, CPL, and BBL—makes him one of the highest-paid all-rounders. Endorsements with brands like SG and Jio add to his global appeal.
15. Shreyas Iyer – £14,573,000 per year
India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer rounds out the list, earning from the BCCI, his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders, and endorsements with BoAt and CEAT. As he cements his role in India’s lineup, his earning potential is likely to grow even further.
Cricket’s financial elite are rewriting the rules
What’s clear from this ranking is that cricket is no longer just about match fees—it’s about marketability, versatility, and global presence. The Indian Premier League remains a major financial engine, but endorsements and multi-league participation now define a cricketer’s total earning power. As the game continues to expand across formats and markets, so too does the earning ceiling for cricket’s biggest stars.
