The 15 Highest-Paid Cricketers in the World – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

February 28, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Cricket has become one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with top players earning staggering amounts through contracts, match fees, and sponsorships. While some players secure massive salaries from their national teams and franchise leagues, a significant portion of their income also comes from endorsement deals with global brands.

In this article, we take a closer look at the highest-paid cricketers in the world in 2025.

15. Shreyas Iyer – £14,573,000 per year

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a key middle-order batsman for India and has solidified his place in the national team. He is also a crucial part of Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, where his salary contributes significantly to his earnings. His sponsorship deals with brands like CEAT and BoAt further boost his income.

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14. Andre Russell – £14,873,000 per year

Andre Russell, from Jamaica, is one of the most sought-after all-rounders in T20 cricket. His explosive batting and fast bowling make him a valuable player for franchises around the world, especially in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and Big Bash League. Russell also earns significant revenue from endorsements with companies such as SG and Jio.

13. KL Rahul – £15,750,000 per year

KL Rahul has proven himself as one of India’s most technically gifted batsmen across all formats. He captains Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, securing a high salary from the franchise. Off the field, he has lucrative deals with brands like Puma, Boat, and Red Bull, making him one of the top earners in cricket.

12. MS Dhoni – £17,325,000 per year

Despite retiring from international cricket, MS Dhoni remains one of the most marketable cricketers in the world. His legendary status with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League ensures he continues to earn a significant salary. His endorsements with India Cements, Oppo, and Gulf Oil contribute heavily to his total earnings.

11. Ben Stokes – £18,530,000 per year

England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. His match-winning performances for England and his valuable presence in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings add to his high salary. He also benefits from sponsorships with brands like New Balance and Red Bull.

10. Kane Williamson – £19,160,000 per year

New Zealand’s former captain is widely respected for his consistency and leadership. While his salary in domestic and franchise leagues is lower compared to others on this list, his endorsement deals with companies like Rockit Apples, Powerade, and Asics significantly increase his total earnings.

9. Jasprit Bumrah – £19,400,000 per year

Jasprit Bumrah is India’s leading fast bowler, known for his deadly yorkers and unmatched accuracy. He plays a crucial role for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, and his salary is supplemented by endorsements with Zaggle, Dream11, and ASICS.

8. Trent Boult – £19,650,000 per year

One of the best left-arm fast bowlers in the world, Trent Boult has been a key figure in international cricket for New Zealand. His salary from franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League, combined with sponsorships from Adidas and Gatorade, makes him one of the highest earners in the sport.

7. Jos Buttler – £19,870,000 per year

Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball vice-captain, is one of the most explosive batsmen in modern cricket. His high salary comes from his contract with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and England’s central contract. Sponsorships with Vitality, Gray-Nicolls, and Castore further add to his total earnings.

6. Rohit Sharma – £20,250,000 per year

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s national team, is one of the most accomplished batsmen in cricket history. His earnings come from his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his leadership role at Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, and sponsorships with Adidas, Hublot, and CEAT Tyres.

5. David Warner – £20,500,000 per year

David Warner has been one of Australia’s most consistent batsmen across formats. He plays a major role in Australia’s national team and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Warner’s endorsements with Spartan Sports, Toyota, and Kayo Sports also contribute significantly to his income.

4. Steve Smith – £21,550,000 per year

Steve Smith is known for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting style, making him a vital asset for Australia. His earnings come from international cricket, franchise leagues, and endorsement deals with New Balance and Gillette.

3. Mitchell Starc – £22,650,000 per year

Mitchell Starc is one of the fastest and most lethal bowlers in cricket. His recent record-breaking contract in the Indian Premier League, along with sponsorship deals from Kookaburra and Hublot, has pushed him into the top three highest-paid cricketers in the world.

2. Pat Cummins – £23,250,000 per year

Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, is a highly valuable cricketer in both Tests and limited-overs formats. His earnings include a lucrative Indian Premier League contract, his salary from Cricket Australia, and endorsement deals with Gillette and New Balance.

1. Virat Kohli – £28,550,000 per year

Virat Kohli is the highest-paid cricketer in the world, thanks to his incredible on-field performances and unmatched brand value. His contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, his leadership role at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, and endorsements with Puma, Audi, MRF Tyres, and several global brands make him cricket’s biggest financial powerhouse.