What is the Salary of Cricketer? Understanding Cricketer Earnings & Income Sources

Cricket, a sport loved by millions, has turned into a lucrative profession for players at the top level. The income of cricketers comes from various sources such as match fees, central contracts, endorsements, and participation in leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). This article explores cricketer salaries from different perspectives, including match-wise, monthly, and league-specific earnings.

Introduction: Understanding Cricketer Salaries

The salary of a cricketer depends on several factors: their country, team, performance, and role in the sport. Boards like the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) offer tiered contracts to players, while leagues like the IPL and Big Bash League provide significant earning opportunities.

What is the Salary of Cricketer per Match?

International match fees vary by country. For Indian cricketers, the current structure includes:

• ₹15 lakh per Test match

• ₹6 lakh per ODI

• ₹3 lakh per T20I

Other cricket boards offer similar or slightly lower fees. Players not included in the playing XI often receive 50% of the designated match fee. These payments ensure that even less-active squad members are compensated for their readiness and contribution to team dynamics.

What is the Salary of Cricketer per Month?

Monthly earnings for cricketers primarily depend on their central contract tier and the number of matches played. For instance:

• Grade A+ Players in India: ₹7 crore annually (approximately ₹58.3 lakh per month).

• Grade A Players: ₹5 crore annually.

• Grade B and C Players: ₹3 crore and ₹1 crore, respectively.

These contracts are supplemented by match fees, sponsorships, and league earnings, making cricketers some of the highest-earning athletes in the world.

What is the Salary of Cricketer in India?

Indian cricketers enjoy some of the best salaries globally due to the sport's immense popularity in the country. The BCCI's central contract system categorizes players into A+, A, B, and C grades. Top players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma belong to the A+ category, earning ₹7 crore annually, excluding match fees and endorsement deals.

What is the Salary of Cricketer in IPL?

The IPL is one of the most lucrative leagues in sports. Top players can earn staggering amounts:

Virat Kohli was retained by RCB for ₹17 crore per season.

Young talents like Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad have also secured multi-crore contracts.

Players receive payments per season, with the full salary paid even if unavailable for certain matches. Partial availability might lead to pro-rata adjustments.

Summary

Cricket has evolved from a sport to a thriving industry, with players at the top tier earning millions annually. From central contracts to match fees and IPL salaries, the financial aspect of cricket is a testament to the sport's global appeal and commercial success. For young aspiring cricketers, these figures highlight the rewarding potential of a career in cricket.

QATs

Who is the Highest Paid Cricketer?

Rishabh Pant currently holds the record as the highest-paid cricketer in IPL, with a contract worth ₹27 crore.

Who is the Richest Cricketer in India?

Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in India, with an estimated net worth of $170 million.

Who is the Most Expensive Cricketer in the World?

Rishabh Pant's ₹27 crore IPL deal makes him the most expensive cricketer globally in 2025.