Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026 with an estimated net worth of $170 million (₹1,415 crore).
The “God of Cricket” continues to dominate wealth rankings even after retirement, thanks to unmatched brand value, decades of endorsements, and strategic business investments.
His wealth far exceeds active players, proving that cricket legacy translates to lifelong earning potential.
Beyond Tendulkar, several retired and active players have built massive fortunes by diversifying income streams beyond match fees.
Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World 2026
| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth (INR) | Status |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170 Million | ₹1,415 Crore | Retired |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127 Million | ₹1,060 Crore | Semi-Retired |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125 Million | ₹1,040 Crore | Active |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | $70 Million | ₹582 Crore | Retired |
| 5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | $60 Million | ₹500 Crore | Retired |
| 6 | Shane Watson | Australia | $40 Million | ₹335 Crore | Retired |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | $38 Million | ₹315 Crore | Retired |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | $35 Million | ₹292 Crore | Retired |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | $45 Million | ₹375 Crore | Semi-Retired |
| 10 | Virender Sehwag | India | $40 Million | ₹332 Crore | Retired |
How Sachin Tendulkar Built His $170 Million Fortune
Sachin’s wealth didn’t come overnight. Over 24 years of international cricket combined with relentless brand building created a financial empire. Here’s where his money comes from:
Income Streams:
- Endorsements: Coca-Cola, Adidas, BMW, Phillips, Britannia, VISA, MRF (₹6-8 crore per brand annually).
- Cricket Board Contracts: Central contract + Test + IPL = substantial recurring income during career.
- Sports Franchises: Co-owns Kerala Blasters FC (Indian Super League football team).
- Business Ventures: Restaurants, sports academies, startup investments, real estate.
- Media & Appearances: Commentary roles, speaking engagements, documentary deals.
- Brand Royalties: Percentage cuts from products and partnerships beyond upfront deals.
The key difference between Sachin and others: his brand value hasn’t diminished post-retirement. Companies still pay premium rates for his association because the “God of Cricket” label carries unmatched credibility globally.
Why Retired Players Are Often Richer Than Active Ones
Many cricket fans wonder why retired players dominate the wealth list. The answer: time. Sachin, Dhoni, and Ponting have had decades to accumulate, invest, and build business empires. Active players have higher annual salaries but shorter career spans.
Additionally, retired players earn significantly from:
- Coaching fees — IPL franchises pay ₹5-10 crore for premium coaches.
- Commentary contracts — International broadcasters pay ₹2-4 crore annually for established ex-players.
- Speaking engagements — Corporate events, cricket forums, motivational tours.
- Passive income — Previous investments mature and generate returns.
- Business ownership — Complete control over ventures without playing commitments.
The Modern Era: Active Players Closing the Gap
While retired legends dominate, active players are accumulating wealth faster than previous generations. Virat Kohli, at ₹1,040 crore, is approaching Tendulkar’s total and may surpass him within 5-10 years if he continues earning at current rates.
Why current players earn more per year:
- IPL franchise salaries: ₹15-25 crore per season (unprecedented 15 years ago).
- Global T20 league payments: Additional ₹5-15 crore from overseas franchises.
- Social media endorsements: ₹1-3 crore per sponsored post for top players.
- Personal brand ventures: One8 (Kohli’s lifestyle brand) generates ₹100+ crore revenue annually.
Kohli’s fitness brand and fashion line, along with Dhoni’s SEVEN sportswear brand, show how cricketers are building consumer empires that extend beyond cricket.
Income Sources for Richest Cricketers
Modern cricketers don’t rely on match fees alone. Here’s the breakdown:
Cricket-Related Earnings (30-40%)
- Central board contracts
- IPL franchise salaries
- International match fees
- Domestic league payments
- Coaching and commentary roles
Brand Endorsements (40-50%)
- Global brands (Nike, Adidas, BMW, Pepsi)
- Financial services (Dream11, Cars24, insurance)
- Beverages and food (alcohol, energy drinks, restaurants)
- Technology (phones, apps, electronics)
- Per endorsement deal: ₹1-8 crore depending on player tier
Business Ventures (20-30%)
- Fashion and lifestyle brands
- Fitness and wellness academies
- Sports franchises (team ownership stakes)
- Real estate investments
- Restaurants and hospitality
- Media production companies
Passive & Digital Income (10-20%)
- Social media sponsorships
- YouTube and content creation
- Royalties from appearances and documentaries
- Dividend income from business stakes
- Speaking engagement fees
Women Cricketers: A Rapidly Growing Wealth Segment
Women’s cricket has finally attracted serious investment. The richest female cricketer is Ellyse Perry with an estimated net worth of $14 million, reflecting the massive financial gap still present.
However, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) launch in 2023 has accelerated wealth accumulation for top female players, with 2025-2026 expected to see significant jumps.
Women cricketers earn through:
- WPL contracts (₹1-3 crore per season, rising annually)
- International board payments (still lower than men but improving)
- Endorsements (growing brands targeting female athletes)
- Content creation (high engagement rates on social media)
FAQs
Who is the richest cricketer in the world?
Sachin Tendulkar with $170 million net worth. Even after retirement over a decade ago, his brand value and investments continue generating massive income. He’s followed by MS Dhoni ($127 million) and Virat Kohli ($125 million).
Can Virat Kohli become richer than Sachin Tendulkar?
Possibly. Kohli’s annual earnings exceed Tendulkar’s, but Tendulkar’s 24-year career and accumulated wealth provide a substantial head start. If Kohli continues at current earnings and makes smart investments for another 10-15 years, he could surpass Tendulkar’s net worth.
How much does a top IPL player earn per season?
Top players earn ₹15-25 crore from IPL salary alone. When combined with international contracts and endorsements, annual income for elite players reaches ₹50-100 crore. Franchise ownership stakes provide additional passive income.
Why are most richest cricketers from India?
India’s cricket economy dominates globally. The IPL generates ₹25,000+ crore annually, and brand sponsorship rates in India are the highest. Indian players also benefit from a massive population and consuming market. Seven of the top ten richest cricketers are Indian.
What percentage of cricket wealth comes from endorsements versus actual cricket?
For retired players, endorsements often exceed cricket earnings (40-50% of wealth). For active players, it’s more balanced, with cricket contracts, endorsements, and business ventures each contributing 30-40%. Passive income and investments comprise 10-20% for established players.
