Top 10 Richest Cricket Players in the World — 2025 

Cricket has created some of the world’s most recognisable athletes — stars who parlayed run-scoring, match-winning moments and global fame into long-term business empires: endorsements, media projects, IPL stakes, property and investments. Net worth estimates for cricketers vary between sources and fluctuate with new deals, asset sales and currency movements, so the figures below are estimates for 2025 based on public reporting and market consensus. Wherever possible I’ve used the most recent available valuations — treat these as rounded approximations rather than exact ledger balances.

Top 10 richest cricketers (2025)

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) — ~$170 million.

2. MS Dhoni (India) — ~$127 million.

3. Virat Kohli (India) — ~$125 million.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) — ~$70 million.

5. Brian Lara (West Indies) — ~$60 million.

6. Shane Warne (Australia, estate) — ~$50 million.

7. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) — ~$48 million.

8. Chris Gayle (West Indies) — ~$45 million.

9. Virender Sehwag (India) — ~$40 million.

10. Shane Watson (Australia) — ~$40 million.

Why these names appear at the top (short methodology)

Two patterns explain why retired legends often top the “richest cricketers” lists alongside a few modern stars:

• Long careers + global endorsements: Players like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting accumulated decades of match earnings and long-running endorsement contracts that compound into large fortunes.

• Post-career investments & IP: Ownership stakes in IPL teams, sports academies, media businesses and brand equity push retired legends’ net worths higher.

• Active superstars with big endorsement power: Contemporary stars such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni combine central contracts, IPL salaries and huge commercial deals that keep them near the top.

Net worth estimates are compiled by combining reported salary/contract figures, known endorsement fees, public asset records, business stakes and reputable reporting. Because private investments and taxes are not public, different outlets produce slightly different estimates; the numbers above reflect a consensus of recent reputable reports.

Profile notes — the top entries

1) Sachin Tendulkar — India — ~$170M

Sachin is widely reported as the wealthiest cricketer worldwide in 2025. His income streams include lifetime and historical endorsement deals, an IPL stake and diversified investments (real estate, sports ventures and brand partnerships). Though retired from international cricket, his legacy deals keep revenue lines active. This $170M figure is a widely cited market estimate for 2025.

2) MS Dhoni — India — ~$127M

MS Dhoni’s wealth is built from a high-profile international career, captaincy earnings, long-term IPL involvement (Chennai Super Kings ownership/association) and numerous brand deals across India and abroad. Even post-international retirement his commercial appeal and business stakes contribute to his ~$127M valuation in 2025.

3) Virat Kohli — India — ~$125M

Virat is one of the best-earning active cricketers globally thanks to central contracts, lucrative IPL remuneration and huge global endorsement revenue. Forbes and other business outlets have tracked his annual endorsement earnings for several years; cumulative assets and business ventures push his net worth into the triple-digit millions by 2025.

4) Ricky Ponting — Australia — ~$70M

A legendary Australian captain and coach, Ponting’s wealth comes from international match payments, coaching contracts, media work and endorsements over decades. He remains one of the highest-valued former players from Australia.

5) Brian Lara — West Indies — ~$60M

Brian Lara’s status as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen has translated into sustained commercial opportunities and investment income, leading to an estimated net worth in the region of $60M.

Rounding out the top 10: established names with steady wealth

• Shane Warne (Australia) — ~$50M (estate) — his playing career, media roles and business interests left a sizable estate that continues to be valued.

• Jacques Kallis (South Africa) — ~$48M — a long international career and post-playing coaching/business work.

• Chris Gayle (West Indies) — ~$45M — franchise cricket riches (T20 leagues worldwide), endorsements and business ventures.

• Virender Sehwag (India) — ~$40M — playing contracts, media presence and endorsement deals.

• Shane Watson (Australia) — ~$40M — international earnings plus global T20 league appearances and coaching/TV roles.

Important caveats (be transparent with readers)

1. Estimates, not audited net worths. These figures are compiled from public reporting and market analysis; private assets, debts and taxes are typically not disclosed. Treat the numbers as rounded, consensus estimates.

2. Exchange rates and asset moves change rankings. A major property sale, new equity deal, team stake or large endorsement can change a player’s ranking quickly. The 2025 snapshot captures what was widely reported as of mid-2025.

3. Active vs retired players. Many top positions are occupied by retired legends whose brand value and investments have accumulated for decades; modern active players can rise rapidly if they secure multimillion-dollar business deals.