The world of cricket is not only about runs, wickets, and trophies; it’s also about the staggering sums players earn from contracts, league salaries, and endorsements. The Highest Paid Cricketers in the World combine elite performance with commercial appeal, making them icons both on and off the field. From legends who still dominate leagues to modern-day superstars, this list ranks the top ten earners in the cricketing world for 2025, going from number 10 to number 1.
Here Are The Top 10 Legendary Highest Paid Cricketers in the World 2025
10. Kane Williamson – New Zealand
Kane Williamson is widely regarded as one of the most elegant batsmen of modern cricket. The former New Zealand captain has maintained his value even after stepping down from leadership roles. While he no longer holds a central contract with New Zealand Cricket, this decision has allowed him to participate in lucrative leagues such as The Hundred, English County Championship, and various global T20 tournaments. Williamson earns primarily from match fees for selective national appearances, T20 franchises, and brand endorsements.
His technical batting style and calm demeanor make him a sought-after player in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Sponsorships with brands like Rockit Apples and Powerade further boost his income, placing him firmly among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. With his consistent performances and enduring popularity, he continues to be a prime example of how skill and marketability combine to create one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World, with annual earnings estimated at ₹205.01 crore.
| Format | Average | Run Rate | Annual Retainer | Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 54.89 | 49.2 | None (freelance) | ₹15 lakh per Test |
| ODI | 47.68 | 83.4 | None (freelance) | ₹6 lakh per ODI |
| T20I | 33.29 | 122.1 | None (freelance) | ₹3 lakh per T20I |
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9. Jasprit Bumrah – India
Jasprit Bumrah has established himself as the spearhead of India’s bowling attack across formats. Known for his deadly yorkers, deceptive pace, and unorthodox action, he has been pivotal in India’s major tournament victories. Bumrah holds an A+ central contract with the BCCI, earning ₹7 crore annually, in addition to match fees.
His IPL contract with Mumbai Indians brings him another ₹18 crore, while endorsements with brands like Dream11, Royal Stag, and ASICS add significantly to his net worth. With an estimated income of ₹207.58 crore, Bumrah remains one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. His dominance with the ball and strong brand value ensure his place among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World, making him one of India’s most valuable cricketing assets.
| Format | Average (Bowling) | Run Rate (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 is one of the most dangerous left-arm fast bowlers of the past decade. Renowned for his swing with the new ball, he has troubled the world’s best batters across all formats. Boult retired from international cricket in 2024 but continues to dominate franchise leagues like the IPL, BBL, and other global T20 competitions.
Sponsorship deals with Adidas and Gatorade supplement his league salaries, making him a significant earner among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. His estimated annual income hovers around ₹210 crore, placing him firmly among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. Boult’s decision to focus solely on franchise cricket has allowed him flexibility and extended his career in the shortest format.
| Format | Average (Bowling) | Run Rate (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 remains England’s most explosive limited-overs batsman. Known for his 360-degree shot-making ability, he has been central to England’s white-ball success. Despite losing the captaincy, Buttler retains a central contract with the ECB until 2026, guaranteeing steady earnings. His IPL contract, along with stints in The Hundred and other leagues, adds to his total of ₹212.60 crore annually.
Brand endorsements with Kookaburra and Castore further boost his income. Buttler’s aggressive batting style and ability to finish games make him one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. His versatility across formats and consistent match-winning performances have secured him a regular place among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| 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 one of the most successful captains in limited-overs cricket. Having led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit remains a cricketing superstar. Although retired from Tests and T20Is, his ODI performances, IPL salary of ₹16.30 crore, and central contract earnings keep him among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
Endorsements with CEAT, Adidas, and Hublot add to his total income of ₹216.67 crore. His calm leadership, big-match temperament, and record-breaking double centuries ensure he consistently features among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| 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 IPL |
5. David Warner – Australia
David Warner is one of the most destructive openers in cricket history. Although he retired from international cricket in 2024, he continues to play franchise cricket worldwide, including the IPL and BBL. Warner’s aggressive batting style and social media presence have made him a marketing goldmine.
Partnerships with Spartan Sports, Toyota, and Kayo Sports contribute to his annual earnings of ₹219.35 crore, making him one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. Warner’s relentless approach at the crease and ability to adapt to any T20 league environment ensure he remains firmly among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World, even post-retirement.
| 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 is a modern-day batting genius. Known for his unconventional technique and unmatched consistency, he has been pivotal for Australia in Test cricket. Despite retiring from ODIs, Smith remains under a central Cricket Australia contract and earns from the IPL and BBL. Endorsements with New Balance and Gillette add to his wealth, bringing his annual income to around ₹230 crore.
His name among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World reflects both his cricketing class and commercial appeal. Smith’s enduring success and marketability ensure he continues to stand tall among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| 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 is one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket today. Known for his express pace and deadly yorkers, he holds the record for the highest IPL auction price at ₹24.75 crore. His central contract with Cricket Australia, combined with IPL earnings, puts his total income at ₹242.56 crore.
Starc’s dominance in big matches and his reputation as a game-changer cement his place among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. His match-winning abilities and market value ensure he remains firmly positioned among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| Format | Average (Bowling) | Run Rate (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, is a fast-bowling all-rounder with a sharp cricketing brain. He has led Australia to multiple ICC finals and has been retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for ₹18 crore. His central contract with Cricket Australia and endorsement deals keep his annual income at ₹248.78 crore.
As one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World, Cummins’ combination of leadership, skill, and commercial presence is unmatched. His ability to deliver in big moments while maintaining a strong brand presence secures his place among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| Format | Average (Bowling) | Run Rate (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 is the undisputed king of cricket’s financial charts. His unmatched consistency, aggressive batting, and brand power make him the richest active cricketer in the world. Kohli earns ₹7 crore annually from his BCCI central contract and ₹21 crore from his IPL salary. Endorsements with Puma, MRF, and Audi, plus his own brand One8, contribute to his total income of ₹305.49 crore.
As the face of Indian cricket, Kohli’s name is synonymous with success, both on and off the field, making him the number one among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World. His unmatched influence in both cricket and business ensures he remains firmly among the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
| 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 IPL |
FAQs
Q1. Who is the highest paid cricketer in the world in 2025?
A: Virat Kohli tops the list of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World with an annual income of ₹305.49 crore.
Q2. Do cricketers earn more from contracts or endorsements?
A: For top players, endorsements often surpass their central and league contracts, especially for stars like Kohli and Rohit.
Q3. Which bowler earns the most in 2025?
A: Pat Cummins is the highest-paid bowler in 2025, with an income of ₹248.78 crore, making him one of the Highest Paid Cricketers in the World.
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