Top 10 Richest Cricketer in the World (2026)

Cricket is one of the most popular games in the world and cricket has evolved into a massive global industry over the years. Apart from being celebrity cricketers, modern cricketers have become well known for their lavish lifestyles, lucrative brand endorsements, investments, and business ventures. Sponsorships, league contracts, advertisements, social media promotions, commentary, coaching and private companies are just some of the ways that the biggest cricket stars make millions of dollars a year.

That is because so many of the retired players still have huge earnings, even after they retire from international cricket, as they are popular with the fans of the world. Indian cricketers are dominating the cricket money belts, as the game is a huge craze in India and has some of the world’s biggest brands. In the history of cricket, names such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli have built successful careers for themselves and turned it into a grand business venture. This detailed list of the top 10 richest cricketer in the world in 2026 also features their estimated net worth, achievements, and top sources of revenue. These are the top 10 richest cricketer in the world in 2026.

10 Richest Cricketer in the World List:

How Cricket Legends Built Their Fortunes

1. Sachin Tendulkar: $200 Million (est.)

In 2026, Sachin Tendulkar is one of the richest cricketer in the world. Sachin is also known as the “God of Cricket” and is considered one of the finest batsmen of all time. He served the country for over 20 years at international level and has an unmatched fan following around the world. While playing, he inked some of the biggest contracts in Indian sport. Brands still work with him after his retirement due to his trusted image and popular all over the world. Sachin does earn money from advertisements, investments, restaurants, sports enterprises and public appearances. He has also invested in startups and sports related businesses, which have made him a very rich over time. 

2. MS Dhoni: $127 Million 

MS Dhoni is one of the most successful cricket captains of all time and is one of the richest athletes in India. Dhoni was known for his cool demeanour and wicketkeeper skills and guided India to triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup, and ICC Champions Trophy. His leadership was one of the most important reasons that he became one of the biggest sports stars in Asia. The sources of Dhoni’s income are IPL contracts, endorsements, businesses, and investments.

Over the years he has collaborated with a number of international and domestic companies. Other than cricket, Dhoni has been involved with various sports teams, organic farming, fitness firms and entertainment businesses. He is sometimes the subject of media attention because of his luxurious bike and car collection. Despite his retirement from international cricket, Dhoni’s name is one of the most prominent in Indian sports, thanks to his years of association with Chennai Super Kings. His following of fans continues to expand, and he is still earning large sums annually.

3. Virat Kohli: $125 Million

Currently the world’s richest live batsman and among the most marketable of all sportsmen is Virat Kohli. Kohli, with his aggressive approach and commitment to fitness, revolutionized Indian cricket with his dedication and passion. He makes huge amounts of money from cricket contracts, social media promotions, endorsements and business investments. Virat earns a lot of money from posting sponsored content, and he’s one of the top-paid players on Instagram! He also has fashion lines, restaurants, fitness business and investments in start-ups. He is one of the most familiar faces in T20 cricket as he has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli’s popularity among the young fan base is unsurpassed and his name is still being sought after by big brands worldwide as their ambassador. His extravagant lifestyle, fitness and celebrity status with wife Anushka Sharma adds to his global market value.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Handsome Cricketers in the World (2026)

4. Ricky Ponting : $70 Million

Ricky Ponting is definitely one of the most successful cricket captains from Australia, and one of the wealthiest retired cricketers in the world. Ponting was world-class cricketer, and an ICC trophywinner for Australia in several editions. He was one of the best captains in cricket due to his aggressive approach and leadership qualities. Post retirement, Ponting emerged as a good commentator and coach. He has also collaborated with international cricket networks and IPL teams, and consistently brings in a lot of money. Ponting also signed several endorsement deals while and after his playing career. His expertise and understanding of the sport make him a valuable asset in coaching, and television broadcasting. He is still regarded as one of the most renowned cricket experts in the world today.

5. Shane Warne: $50 Million

Shane Warne was one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the sport, as well as one of the most entertaining personalities in cricket. His magic was leg spin bowling revolutionised modern cricket and has motivated many youngsters globally. During Warne lifetime he made a fortune in cricket leagues, commentary, endorsements and the television circuit. He passed away in 2022, His image and presence in the media were very strong and popular, which made him a popular celebrity even after his retirement. In addition to his cricket analysis career, soccer promotions and poker tournaments were also Warne’s interests. He was very popular in many countries, such as India, Australia, and England, which enabled him to achieve good commercial partnerships during his career. His impact on world cricket is still felt years after his retirement.

6. Jacques Kallis: $48 Million

Jacques Kallis is considered one of the all-round greatest cricketers of all time. He was a valuable addition to the South African national team, both as a batsman and a bowler. Kallis made his money from international cricket contracts, league cricket, coaching, and investments. Kallis kept his life disciplined and quiet, unlike many celebrity cricketers and for this reason he earned huge amounts from his consistency and professionalism. Once retired, he took to coaching and mentoring in franchise cricket. He has continued to be a valuable asset in the sports industry due to his expertise and experiences in cricket.

7. Brian Lara: $45 Million

Brian Lara is undoubtedly one of the most elegant batsmen in the history of cricket and indeed is a cricket legend around the world. Lara was known for his classy batting and best-ever innings in Test cricket. By winning big games, he was able to secure large contracts from various sponsors and received International fame. Lara took up commentary and became a cricket analyst after retiring from the sport, joining the top sports broadcasters. He also runs charity events and cricket development programmes in the Caribbean. His elegant style of hitting the ball and his modest demeanor remain one of the most looked up to and cherished talents in the game of cricket.

8. Virender Sehwag: $40 Million

Virender Sehwag got popular for his fearless and attacking shots. He totally revolutionized the opening batsman’s role in Test cricket by having a very aggressive approach from the first ball. Sehwag is certainly one of the most amusing players that this country has produced. Following retirement, he was a popular man on social media due to his funny and straightforward posts. He has a number of avenues of income including commentary and endorsement work, cricket academies and appearances. In addition, Sehwag has also made some investment in education and sports entrepreneurship. He has retained his fan-favorite status and made himself entertainer in Indian cricket media due to his strong relation with the fans and entertaining personality.

9. Shane Watson: $40 Million.

Shane Watson was one of the most versatile players Australia has ever produced and was a great star in T20 format franchise cricket globally. Watson has secured big contracts in IPL and has also come up with significant performances for the sides such as Chennai Super Kings. His ability to perform consistently in T20 cricket helped him gain popularity all throughout the world. Once retired, Watson became a commentator and coach while remaining connected with cricket leagues. He also had experience with fitness and sporting goods brands. Watson’s dedication to fitness was one of the reasons he was able to continue securing endorsement deals even after retiring from the sport.

10. Yuvraj Singh: $ 35 Million

Then there’s Yuvraj Singh, who continues to be an inspiration to many in India for his heroic displays in ICC competitions and his inspiring comeback story. Yuvraj had a significant contribution in India’s victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup. In the T20 World Cup, his elusive sixes in an over is one of the most memorable moments in cricket. Yuvraj’s journey from cancer to strength and determination was truly inspirational. He is involved with cricket events, public speaking, investments and endorsements to earn money. He also invests in cancer awareness campaigns and start-ups.

Conclusion

Cricket is no longer a game but rather a way of life. The world’s top cricketers today are world celebrities and businessmen. They have riches in the form of cricket salaries but also through endorsements, investments, social media marketing, commentary and personal brands. Sachin Tendulkar still has the title of “World’s Richest Cricketer”, while Virat Kohli is currently the world’s richest current player. The financial power of India is unarguably the greatest in the cricket world as it has a huge fan base and a lucrative market. Such cricket legends have not just left their own mark with their sporting achievements, but also by their astuteness in the business world, leaving behind financial success and worldwide fame.

Data has been widely collected from internet and reputable news sources like the Times of India

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