Cricket is a rapidly growing and increasingly popular sport at the international level. Many young people are now choosing cricket as a career. The game has a huge fan following, with people passionate about both playing and watching it. Cricket is especially popular in countries like India, Australia, England, and Sri Lanka. For many, it’s more than just a game—it brings love, respect, and prestige from fans and supporters.
Cricketers also earn a substantial income from the sport, and many are listed among the richest cricket players in the world. In 2017-18, several cricketers made it to the list of the top 10 richest players globally.
1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as Mahi, MSD, and Captain Cool, is one of the most popular Indian cricketers. He was born on July 7, 1981. Dhoni was the captain of the Indian cricket team in all three formats, although he has since retired from Test cricket. His calm attitude under pressure and brilliant batting performances have impressed cricketers worldwide. Known for his sharp cricket strategies, Dhoni is considered one of the most successful players globally.
Dhoni earned immense respect in a short period and is currently ranked as the richest cricketer in the world. He earns his income from the BCCI contract, IPL, and endorsements with major brands. His total annual earnings are around $40 million.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the current captain of the Indian cricket team. He was born on November 5, 1988. Known for his aggressive batting style, Kohli is one of the greatest players in Indian cricket, consistently scoring big runs. He is also one of the most popular cricketers worldwide.
In addition to his cricketing skills, Virat Kohli is famous for his style and is considered one of the most handsome cricketers in the world. He earns his income from the BCCI contract, endorsements with various brands, and playing in the IPL. His total annual income is around $30 million.
3. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is an international cricketer who plays for the West Indies. He was born on September 21, 1979. Known for his ability to play long innings, Gayle’s powerful batting style is popular worldwide. He is renowned for hitting big shots and holds several records that are considered unbreakable in the cricketing world.
Gayle earns his income from the West Indies Cricket Board, brand endorsements, and various T20 leagues. His total annual income is approximately $7.5 million.
4. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag is one of the most outstanding players in Indian cricket. Born on October 20, 1978, and nicknamed “Viru,” he was known for opening the innings for the Indian team. Sehwag’s aggressive batting style and ability to hit big shots made him a fan favorite. While cricket formats have evolved, Sehwag’s style of play remained unchanged. He set numerous records that young cricketers aspire to break.
Sehwag earns his income through the IPL, and his annual earnings are around $5.8 million. He remains one of the most popular players in Indian cricket and ranks 4th among the top 10 richest cricketers in the world.
5. Shane Watson
Shane Watson is an Australian cricketer who has played for Australia at the international level. Nicknamed “Watto,” his close friends, family, and teammates call him by this name. Born on June 17, 1981, Watson is a brilliant all-rounder and is considered one of the top all-rounders in the world. His batting and bowling performances have been outstanding at the international level, and he is known for his ability to play a wide range of shots.
Watson earns his income through brand endorsements and playing in various T20 leagues. His annual earnings are approximately $5.5 million.
6. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh is an Indian cricketer who has represented India at the international level. He was born on December 12, 1981, and started his cricket career at a young age, setting several unbreakable records. Notably, he hit 6 sixes in 6 balls against England in a T20 match, becoming the only Indian to achieve this feat in the format. His outstanding performance in the 2011 ICC World Cup earned him the Man of the Tournament award.
Yuvraj earns his income through brand endorsements and IPL contracts, with an annual income of approximately $5.5 million. He is known for being an aggressive batsman in the Indian team.
7. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi is one of the most popular cricketers from Pakistan, standing out among other Pakistani players. Born on March 1, 1980, Afridi is known for his aggressive playing style, with the ability to hit big shots all around the ground. His attacking approach has made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Afridi is the only Pakistani cricketer to feature in the list of the richest players in the world. He earns his income from the PCB central contract and various T20 leagues, with an annual income of approximately $5.3 million.
8. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir is a star player for the Indian cricket team. He was born on October 14, 1981, and is known for his solid batting skills and consistency. Gambhir played as an opener for India, playing a crucial role in many matches. Although he is no longer part of the Indian team, his performances in the IPL and first-class cricket remain impressive.
Gambhir earns his income through brand endorsements and the IPL, with an annual income of approximately $5 million, placing him 8th among the richest cricketers.
9. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is a South African cricketer who has represented South Africa at the international level. Born on February 17, 1984, he is known for his exceptional batting skills and plays a key role in the team. Nicknamed “Mr. 360,” de Villiers can hit shots all around the ground, earning him the reputation of a Superman in cricket.
He is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the game. AB de Villiers earns his income from the South Africa central contract, brand endorsements, and the IPL, with an annual income of approximately $3.5 million.
10. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke is an Australian cricketer who has represented Australia at the international level. He served as the captain of the Australian team and was born on April 2, 1981. Clarke is known for his exceptional talent and is considered one of the richest cricketers in Australia.
He earns his income through brand endorsements, with an annual income of approximately $2.9 million. Clarke is recognized as one of the top 10 richest cricket players in the world.
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