As cricket fans gear up for another high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash—this time at the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai—comparisons between the two sides have once again taken center stage. And among the most talked-about debates is the one between modern batting greats: Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.
While their on-field brilliance continues to fuel comparisons, their off-field financial journeys reveal a different story altogether. According to a report by IndiaTimes.com, Virat Kohli’s net worth is approximately ₹1,050 crore ($127 million), making him 25 times wealthier than Babar Azam, whose estimated net worth is ₹41 crore ($5 million).
Here’s a breakdown of how the two superstars earn, invest, and live—and what’s driving the vast wealth divide between them.
Kohli’s empire: Endorsements, business, IPL, and real estate
Virat Kohli, born in 1988, made his international debut in 2008 and has since become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. While his cricketing excellence is undisputed, it’s his off-field acumen that has propelled him to the top of global sports earners.
Kohli earns ₹7 crore annually from his central BCCI contract and ₹15 crore per season from his long-standing deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. But the bulk of his wealth comes from his brand endorsements, where he charges ₹7 to ₹10 crore per deal and earns over ₹200 crore annually through partnerships with brands across sectors.
His investments are equally diverse. Kohli co-owns FC Goa in the Indian Super League, holds stakes in Chisel Fitness, and runs the fashion label Wrogn. He also owns luxury properties, including a ₹34 crore residence in Mumbai and an ₹80 crore bungalow in Gurugram.
Babar’s rise: PCB salary, match fees, and growing brand presence
Babar Azam, born in 1994, debuted in 2015 and quickly became Pakistan’s batting mainstay. While his international profile continues to grow, his financial profile remains modest in comparison to Kohli.
As Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar earns PKR 1.25 million per month (roughly ₹43.5 lakhs annually). His match fees include PKR 418,584 per T20I, PKR 644,620 per ODI, and PKR 1.25 million per Test. He has also begun attracting endorsement deals, though not at the scale of India’s star players.
Though still early in his off-field commercial journey, Babar’s rising popularity could pave the way for increased brand partnerships and investments in the years ahead.
Why is Kohli so much richer?
The gap between Kohli and Babar’s net worth is shaped by a few key factors:
Endorsements: Kohli’s global appeal makes him one of the most marketable athletes, with brand deals far exceeding what’s available to players from smaller markets like Pakistan.
IPL earnings: Kohli’s ₹15 crore-per-season IPL contract is more than Babar’s entire annual income from the PCB and match fees combined.
Business ventures: Kohli has actively diversified his income with smart investments across fitness, fashion, and sports, while Babar has yet to significantly venture into the business space.
Real estate: Kohli’s high-end property holdings contribute tens of crores to his net worth.
Babar is catching up—but Kohli reigns supreme
Both players are at the top of their game, but when it comes to financial success, Virat Kohli is in a league of his own. His consistent performance, strategic endorsements, and diversified investments have turned him into one of the richest athletes in the world—not just in cricket.
Babar Azam, meanwhile, continues to build his brand. As his cricketing reputation grows and sponsorship interest increases, there is room for his financial value to grow in the future.
For now, though, the numbers don’t lie: Kohli is not only ahead with the bat—but also by ₹1,000 crore in the bank.
