Cricket has evolved from a gentleman’s game into a global business powerhouse—turning many of its stars into multimillionaires. According to a report by MansWorldIndia.com the sport’s top earners have built fortunes through a combination of playing contracts, endorsement deals, coaching gigs, media roles, and smart investments. And in a surprise to many, the richest cricketer in the world today isn’t Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven richest cricketers in the world in 2025, and how they’ve built their wealth both on and off the field.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – $170 million
Topping the list is Sachin Tendulkar with a net worth of $170 million. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Tendulkar’s wealth comes from a combination of his illustrious playing career, decades of high-value endorsements, and long-term investments. He holds stakes in sports ventures like the Kerala Blasters football club in the Indian Super League and has invested heavily in real estate across India and abroad. Even in retirement, Tendulkar remains a global brand.
2. MS Dhoni – $127 million
With a net worth of $127 million, MS Dhoni remains one of the most recognizable faces in Indian cricket. Though he retired from international cricket in 2019, he continues to lead Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and has maintained a dominant presence in the world of advertising. His endorsements include brands like Pepsi, Big Bazaar, Gulf Oil, and Sony Bravia. Dhoni has also invested in tech startups and sports ventures, further boosting his financial portfolio.
3. Virat Kohli – $126 million
Virat Kohli is the richest active international cricketer, with a net worth of $126 million. His earnings are driven by his central contract with the BCCI, his IPL deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore, and a string of high-value endorsement deals with brands like Puma, Audi, Hero, and others. Kohli is also the only cricketer to feature on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. His social media influence and brand value continue to drive his income beyond the field.
4. Ricky Ponting – $70 million
Australia’s most successful captain, Ricky Ponting, has built a net worth of $70 million. He led his team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 and has transitioned smoothly into roles as a broadcaster and coach. Ponting currently serves as the head coach of the Punjab Kings in the IPL and is also active in brand endorsements and media work in Australia. His post-retirement career has kept him both relevant and well-compensated.
5. Sourav Ganguly – $85 million
Sourav Ganguly has built a diverse financial portfolio, resulting in a net worth of $85 million. After retiring from international cricket in 2008, he entered broadcasting and administration, eventually serving as President of the BCCI, where he earned a salary of ₹5 crore per year. Ganguly has also made substantial investments in real estate in Kolkata, New Delhi, and London. His continued presence in cricket and business has made him one of the wealthiest figures in the sport.
6. Jacques Kallis – $70 million
South African legend Jacques Kallis, known for his unmatched consistency as an all-rounder, has a net worth of $70 million. He played 166 Tests, scoring over 13,000 runs and taking nearly 300 wickets, and added more than 11,000 runs in ODIs. Post-retirement, Kallis has taken up coaching roles and brand endorsements, especially in South Africa and the IPL ecosystem, contributing to his sustained wealth.
7. Brian Lara – $60 million
Brian Lara, one of the most stylish and prolific batters in cricket history, ranks seventh with a net worth of $60 million. He remains the only batter to score a quadruple century in Test cricket (400*) and holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket (501*). Since retiring in 2007, Lara has been involved in media, coaching, and ambassadorial roles, all of which have helped him maintain a strong financial profile.
Cricket’s financial elite in 2025
From legends like Tendulkar and Lara to modern icons like Kohli and Dhoni, cricket’s richest stars have turned their on-field achievements into powerful personal brands. Their income streams are no longer limited to match fees—they include endorsements, investments, league ownerships, and executive roles across the sports and business world. As the global cricket economy continues to grow, so too does the potential for these stars—and future ones—to build generational wealth.
