SherifCricket has undergone a financial revolution. Gone are the days when a player’s income was limited to their national team contract and a few local endorsements. The advent of franchise-based T20 leagues, the explosive growth of the Indian market, and the rise of the athlete-entrepreneur have created a new class of sporting millionaires—and even billionaires.
The modern cricketer is a global brand. Their wealth is no longer solely dictated by their batting average or bowling economy but by their ability to captivate audiences, leverage their fame into business ventures, and command staggering fees in the IPL auction. As we project forward to 2025, we see a blend of legendary icons, current superstars, and savvy businessmen who have mastered the art of converting cricketing success into lasting financial empires.
This list ranks the cricketers projected to have the highest net worth by 2025, exploring the diverse streams of income that fuel their fortunes.
The Boundary of Wealth: Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World (2025 Projection)
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $250+ Million
Status: Retired (The Icon)
The “God of Cricket” remains untouchable at the top of the financial league. Sachin Tendulkar’s net worth is built on a foundation of legendary on-field achievements, but it has been multiplied exponentially by his impeccable brand value and astute business sense. Even over a decade after his retirement, he remains one of the most sought-after endorsers in India, with a portfolio that includes brands like BMW, Luminous, and S Drive.
His business ventures are vast and varied. He co-owns the Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), a franchise with a massive and passionate fanbase. He has invested in tech startups, sports entertainment firms, and owns a premium restaurant chain. His foray into the digital world with his app “100MB” and his production company further diversify his income. In 2025, his wealth will continue to grow not from playing, but from the enduring power of his legacy and his shrewd investments.
2. MS Dhoni
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $185+ Million
Status: Semi-Retired (The Captain Cool Mogul)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the ultimate example of a cricketer transitioning into a business mogul. Even as he plays a final few seasons in the IPL, his financial empire is largely self-sustaining. His annual IPL salary from the Chennai Super Kings is just a fraction of his income, though his association with the franchise is priceless for his brand.
Dhoni’s wealth comes from a powerful mix of endorsements and ownership. He has long-term deals with massive brands like Reebok, Gulf Oil, and Bharat Petroleum. His own ventures are where his true business acumen shines. He is the co-owner of the Ranchi Rays hockey team and has invested in several fitness and sports tech startups. Most significantly, he has a sprawling business portfolio that includes production houses (Dhoni Entertainment), a travel agency, and a motorcycle racing team. His calm, trustworthy persona makes him a perennial endorsement king, ensuring his wealth continues to swell long after he leaves the pitch.
3. Virat Kohli
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $160+ Million
Status: Active (The Brand Behemoth)
Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketer; he is one of India’s biggest celebrities. As one of the modern greats, his on-field earnings from the BCCI and the IPL (where he is the highest-paid player, retained by RCB for ₹15 crores) are substantial. However, they are dwarfed by his off-field earnings.
Kohli boasts one of the most lucrative endorsement portfolios in the world, let alone cricket. He is the face of brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, and Manyavar, commanding fees rumored to be in the millions per deal. His entrepreneurial spirit is equally fierce. He founded the fashion brand Wrogn, the fitness chain Chisel, and the food brand One8 Commune. His investment in the startup world, including the fantasy sports platform Sporta Technologies (aka MPL), shows a keen eye for high-growth ventures. In 2025, as he potentially transitions into the later stages of his career, his brand power and business empire are only expected to expand.
4. Ricky Ponting
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $100+ Million
Status: Retired (The Coach and Commentator)
The legendary Australian captain has built a formidable post-retirement career that has made him one of the wealthiest cricketers globally. While his playing career earnings were significant, his current wealth stems from his roles as a coach, commentator, and brand ambassador.
Ponting is a highly sought-after coach and advisor, having worked with the Australian national team and various IPL franchises. His commentary stints with Channel 7 and Sky Sports are reportedly highly lucrative. Furthermore, his brand association with brands like KFC, Valvoline, and Rexona in Australia provide a steady stream of income. His wine label, “Ponting Wines,” is a successful business venture in its own right. This multi-pronged approach to income ensures his financial stability and growth well into the future.
5. Jacques Kallis
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $90+ Million
Status: Retired (The Quiet Accumulator)
One of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen, Jacques Kallis has quietly built a substantial fortune through smart career choices and investments. His foundational wealth comes from a long and decorated career for South Africa and various T20 franchises around the world.
Post-retirement, Kallis has remained deeply involved in the cricket world as a highly respected coach and commentator, roles that come with significant financial rewards. However, the real engine of his wealth growth is his business acumen. He has made savvy investments in the South African property market and holds a significant stake in the luxury watch retailer, The Watch Shop. These strategic investments in stable, high-value assets have allowed his net worth to grow steadily and impressively since he stopped playing.
6. Shane Warne (Estate)
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $70+ Million (Legacy)
Status: Legacy
The late, great Shane Warne remains on this list due to the enduring value of his legacy and the management of his estate. Warne was a marketing genius whose charismatic personality made him a superstar beyond the cricket field.
At the time of his passing, his wealth was generated from commentary deals with Sky Sports, a prolific endorsement career (including brands like Pepsi and Nike), and his own ventures like the “Spinner” clothing line. His estate continues to earn royalties from his brand partnerships, book sales, and the ongoing value of his image. Projects like the documentary about his life ensure his legacy—and by extension, his financial footprint—remains significant in 2025.
7. Rohit Sharma
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $35+ Million
Status: Active (The Hitman’s Rise)
As the current captain of the Indian cricket team and a modern-day great, Rohit Sharma’s financial graph is on a steep upward trajectory. His BCCI contract and his IPL salary as the captain of the Mumbai Indians place him among the top earners in active cricket.
His real financial power, however, lies in his marketability. His easy-going and relatable personality has made him a favorite for brands. He endorses a wide range of products, from Oppo and Adidas to Ceat Tyres and Hublot. As he leads the Indian team into major tournaments like the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy (if scheduled), his brand value is set to skyrocket. By 2025, with potential captaincy milestones and continued on-field success, he is expected to break into the top echelons of cricketing wealth.
8. Ben Stokes
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $18+ Million
Status: Active (England’s Premium All-Rounder)
Ben Stokes is the highest-paid cricketer in England and a global superstar. His value is not just in his explosive all-round skills but in his leadership and his knack for performing in the most high-pressure situations, making him a marquee player in every format.
His ECB central contract is the most lucrative in English cricket. Combined with his significant IPL salary—he was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a huge sum—his annual playing income is immense. His endorsement deals with brands like New Balance, Red Bull, and Graham add another substantial layer to his income. As Test captain and a key player in England’s white-ball setups, his financial rewards for 2025 are tied to his continued on-field heroics and leadership.
9. Pat Cummins
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $15+ Million
Status: Active (The Captain’s Premium)
As the captain of the Australian Test and ODI teams, Pat Cummins commands the highest fee from Cricket Australia. His intelligent and dignified leadership has also enhanced his brand value, making him a respected figure both on and off the field.
His IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders makes him one of the highest-paid overseas players in the tournament. Beyond his playing contracts, Cummins has leveraged his engineering mind into business. He is a co-owner of the Melbourne-based restaurant “The Duke” and has made investments in sustainable startups. His endorsements with brands like LG and Trek Bicycles align with his clean-cut image. As he leads Australia through another World Cup cycle, his earning potential is at its peak.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $14+ Million
Status: Active (The Premium Pace Asset)
Completing the list is India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. His unique bowling action and lethal accuracy have made him one of the most valuable players in world cricket. His value is reflected in his Grade A+ BCCI central contract and his crucial role for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
While fast bowlers typically have fewer endorsement deals than batters, Bumrah’s success and recognition have made him an exception. He has deals with brands like Audi, Dream11, and Ashwin Rai. As one of the most feared bowlers in the world, his worth to his teams is immeasurable, and his financial compensation reflects that. By 2025, as he continues to be the leader of India’s attack across all formats, his net worth is projected to see significant growth.
Conclusion: The New Guard of Cricketing Wealth
The financial landscape for cricketers in 2025 shows a clear pattern:
1. The IPL Effect: The Indian Premier League remains the single biggest wealth generator in the sport.
2. Beyond Endorsements: The richest players are no longer just endorsing products; they are building their own brands and investing in businesses, from tech to hospitality.
3. Global Leagues: The proliferation of other T20 leagues (ILT20, The Hundred, CPL) provides additional high-paying opportunities for top players.
4. Legacy Pays: Icons like Tendulkar and Ponting prove that a strong personal brand can generate wealth long after retirement.
The future of cricketing wealth lies in a player’s ability to be not just an athlete, but a marketable icon and a savvy entrepreneur. The players on this list have mastered that game.