Richest cricketers in the world 2026
The fortunes at the top of cricket — and the reality everywhere else. Rankings by estimated net worth, updated July 2026.
| # | Player | Country | Est. net worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170m |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127m |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125m |
The top three, explained
1. Sachin Tendulkar ($170m) — Endorsements, investments and equity stakes built on a 24-year career.
2. MS Dhoni ($127m) — CSK legend with a sprawling business and endorsement portfolio.
3. Virat Kohli ($125m) — Cricket’s biggest active earner at an estimated $12m per year.
Beyond the podium, the rich list is dominated by Indian internationals and IPL-era stars, with women's cricket earnings rising fast as WPL salaries and global endorsement deals grow.
The other end of the scale
The money story nobody covers is what cricketers outside the Full Member elite earn. An Associate international may earn less than a thousandth of Kohli's annual income. We break down the full economics — central contracts, ICC event money, franchise deals and endorsements — in our explainer on how Associate cricketers get paid, and publish earnings estimates on every player profile, including Nepal's highest earner, Sandeep Lamichhane.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely estimated to be the richest cricketer in the world in 2026, with a net worth of around $170 million built from his playing career, endorsements and business investments.
Who is the highest-paid active cricketer?
Virat Kohli is the highest-paid active cricketer, earning an estimated $12 million per year from his BCCI contract, IPL salary and endorsement deals.
How much do Associate nation cricketers earn?
Vastly less. A typical contracted Associate international earns from a few thousand to low six figures per year depending on the country, franchise league deals and endorsements. Nepal’s highest earner, Sandeep Lamichhane, has an estimated net worth of $1–2 million — exceptional for an Associate player.
Are these net worth figures official?
No. Cricketers rarely disclose earnings. All figures are editorial estimates compiled from public reporting on contracts, league salaries and endorsement deals.
All figures are editorial estimates compiled from public reporting as of July 2026. Cricketers and boards rarely disclose exact earnings.