Cricket is no longer just about runs, wickets, and trophies—it’s also a global business of massive earnings. The world’s Highest Paid Cricketers combine exceptional performances with immense commercial appeal, making them legends both on and off the field. From experienced veterans to modern-day superstars.
Table of Contents
this list ranks the Top 10 Legendary Highest Paid Cricketers in the World 2025, counting down from number 10 to the richest cricketer globally.
10. Kane Williamson – New Zealand
Kane Williamson is among the most elegant batsmen of modern cricket and one of the most respected Highest Paid Cricketers. Even after stepping down from captaincy, Williamson remains highly sought after in The Hundred, English county cricket, and global T20 leagues.
With endorsements from Rockit Apples and Powerade, Williamson earns an estimated ₹205.01 crore, proving that technical skill and calm demeanor can make a cricketer both elite and commercially successful.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 54.89 | 49.2 | Freelance | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 47.68 | 83.4 | Freelance | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 33.29 | 122.1 | Freelance | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
9. Jasprit Bumrah – India
Jasprit Bumrah is India’s premier fast bowler and one of the top Highest Paid Cricketers in the world. With an A+ central contract from BCCI, his IPL salary with Mumbai Indians, and endorsements from Dream11, Royal Stag, and ASICS, Bumrah earns approximately ₹207.58 crore annually.
Bumrah’s lethal bowling and strong brand appeal ensure he remains one of the most valuable Highest Paid Cricketers globally.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Avg (Bowling) | Econ | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 21.99 | 2.65 | ₹7 crore | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 24.30 | 4.65 | ₹7 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 19.57 | 6.55 | ₹7 crore | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
8. Trent Boult – New Zealand
Trent Boult, one of the most dangerous left-arm fast bowlers, remains a franchise powerhouse even after retiring from international cricket in 2024. Playing in leagues like IPL and BBL and with sponsorships from Adidas and Gatorade, Boult earns around ₹210 crore, keeping him among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
His focus on franchise cricket has extended his career and maximized earnings as one of the top Highest Paid Cricketers.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Avg (Bowling) | Econ | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 27.49 | 2.99 | None | None |
| ODI | 23.33 | 4.84 | None | None |
| T20I | 22.94 | 7.97 | None | None |
7. Jos Buttler – England
Jos Buttler, England’s explosive batsman, is a regular among the Highest Paid Cricketers thanks to his central ECB contract, IPL and global league contracts, and endorsements from Kookaburra and Castore. His annual income reaches ₹212.60 crore, making him one of the most commercially successful Highest Paid Cricketers in 2025.
Buttler’s match-winning abilities and aggressive batting ensure his consistent presence on this list of Highest Paid Cricketers.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 33.33 | 54.5 | ₹9 crore | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 41.49 | 119.1 | ₹9 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 35.07 | 144.5 | ₹9 crore | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
6. Rohit Sharma – India
Rohit Sharma, India’s “Hitman,” is among the elite Highest Paid Cricketers, leading India to titles such as the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Retired from Tests and T20Is, Rohit earns through ODIs, IPL salary of ₹16.30 crore, and endorsements with CEAT, Adidas, and Hublot, totaling ₹216.67 crore annually.
His calm leadership and record-breaking performances make him one of the most respected Highest Paid Cricketers globally.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 48.58 | 89.4 | ₹7 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| IPL | 30.30 | 130.5 | N/A | ₹16.30 crore |
5. David Warner – Australia
David Warner, though retired from international cricket in 2024, continues to rank among the Highest Paid Cricketers through franchise cricket in IPL and BBL. Endorsements with Spartan Sports, Toyota, and Kayo Sports elevate his annual income to ₹219.35 crore.
Warner’s aggressive batting and global appeal ensure he remains one of the top Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 45.57 | 72.1 | Retired | N/A |
| ODI | 44.92 | 95.5 | Retired | N/A |
| T20I | 33.43 | 142.4 | Retired | N/A |
4. Steve Smith – Australia
Steve Smith, widely regarded as a batting genius with a unique and unorthodox technique, continues to rank among the top Highest Paid Cricketers in 2025. His remarkable consistency, ability to dominate in Test cricket, and adaptability across formats have made him a highly valuable player on and off the field.
Combining his central Cricket Australia contracts, lucrative IPL earnings, and endorsements from major brands like New Balance and Gillette, Smith’s total annual income reaches an impressive ₹230 crore. His cricketing excellence, paired with commercial appeal, ensures that he remains one of the most influential and financially successful Highest Paid Cricketers worldwide.
Smith’s cricketing mastery and commercial influence make him a standout among the world’s Highest Paid Cricketers.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 58.21 | 54.7 | ₹11.7 crore | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 44.49 | 88.3 | N/A | N/A |
| T20I | 26.38 | 126.5 | N/A | N/A |
3. Mitchell Starc – Australia
Mitchell Starc, renowned for his express pace, deadly yorkers, and ability to change the course of a match, ranks among the top Highest Paid Cricketers in 2025. Holding the record for the highest IPL auction price at ₹24.75 crore, Starc combines his lucrative franchise earnings with a central Cricket Australia contract and various endorsements, bringing his total annual income to an impressive ₹242.56 crore. His consistent performances in high-pressure situations, along with his global brand appeal, ensure that Starc remains one of the most valuable and commercially successful Highest Paid Cricketers worldwide.
Starc’s big-match prowess and marketability ensure he remains one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Avg (Bowling) | Econ | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 27.65 | 3.05 | ₹16 crore | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 22.40 | 5.12 | ₹16 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 21.33 | 7.45 | ₹16 crore | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
2. Pat Cummins – Australia
Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain and premier fast-bowling all-rounder, ranks among the elite Highest Paid Cricketers in 2025. Known for his express pace, deadly yorkers, and cricketing intelligence, Cummins has consistently delivered match-winning performances on the international stage. Alongside his IPL earnings of ₹18 crore, he benefits from a central Cricket Australia contract and multiple high-value endorsements, which collectively boost his annual income to an impressive ₹248.78 crore. His combination of leadership, skill, and marketability ensures Cummins remains one of the most sought-after and commercially valuable Highest Paid Cricketers in the world.
Cummins’ leadership, skill, and brand appeal place him among the elite Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Avg (Bowling) | Econ | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 21.59 | 2.85 | ₹17 crore | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 28.10 | 5.25 | ₹17 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 24.20 | 7.88 | ₹17 crore | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
1. Virat Kohli – India
Virat Kohli stands as the undisputed king of cricket earnings, firmly holding the top spot among the Highest Paid Cricketers in 2025. His remarkable consistency, aggressive batting style, and global popularity have turned him into a brand powerhouse. Kohli earns ₹7 crore annually from his central BCCI contract and ₹21 crore from his IPL salary. Beyond match earnings, his lucrative endorsements with global brands like Puma, MRF, Audi, along with his personal brand One8, contribute significantly to his wealth. Combining on-field excellence with off-field commercial appeal, Kohli’s total annual income reaches a staggering ₹305.49 crore, making him not only the richest cricketer of 2025 but also one of the most influential sporting icons worldwide.
Kohli’s dominance on-field and commercial influence make him the richest and most iconic among all Highest Paid Cricketers.
Performance & Earnings
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 57.32 | 93.6 | ₹7 crore | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| IPL | 38.15 | 130.1 | N/A | ₹21 crore |
Read More:-
- Top 10 Most Successful T20 Asia Cup Captains
- Top 10 Best Wicketkeepers of International Cricket – Legendary Players Behind the Stumps
FAQs
1.Who is the highest-paid cricketer in 2025?
Virat Kohli tops the list of Highest Paid Cricketers, earning ₹305.49 crore annually.
2.Do cricketers earn more from contracts or endorsements?
For top players, endorsements often surpass league and central contracts, especially for Highest Paid Cricketers like Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
3.Which bowler earns the most in 2025?
Pat Cummins, with annual earnings of ₹248.78 crore, is the highest-paid bowler among Highest Paid Cricketers.
4.Who earns the most in franchise leagues?
Mitchell Starc, with a record IPL auction price, is among the top-earning Highest Paid Cricketers.
5.Can retired cricketers still be among the highest earners?
Yes, players like David Warner and Trent Boult continue to rank among the Highest Paid Cricketers through leagues and endorsements.