Cricket West Indies awarded retainer contracts to 25 senior men’s players for 2025-26 paying estimated $150,000-$300,000 annually with multi-format stars commanding top-tier $300,000 deals.
Nicholas Pooran’s ₹21 crore LSG IPL retention dwarfs his $240,000 CWI contract by 10x creating financial incentive driving Caribbean players toward franchise cricket over international commitments. Andre Russell’s ₹133 crore net worth establishes West Indies wealth ceiling built through IPL deals totaling ₹120 crore across 13 seasons.
Justin Greaves, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jomel Warrican secured new central contracts while starter deals for Jewel Andrew, Jeddah Blades, and Johan Lane recognize emerging talent. Three new multi-year agreements provide greater security rewarding consistent performers.
Discover in-depth West Indies squad biographies and net worth breakdowns for each player.
| Player Name | Positions Name |
| Rovman Powell | All-rounder |
| Roston Chase | All-rounder |
| Jason Holder | All-rounder |
| Kyle Mayers | All-rounder |
| Andre Russell | All-rounder |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder |
| Justin Greaves | All-rounder |
| Fabian Allen | All-rounder |
| Shamar Springer | All-rounder |
| Shai Hope | Wicket-keeper |
| Nicholas Pooran | Wicket-keeper |
| Johnson Charles | Wicket-keeper |
| Joshua da Silva | Wicket-keeper |
| Brandon King | Batsman |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batsman |
| Evin Lewis | Batsman |
| Keacy Carty | Batsman |
| Alick Athanaze | Batsman |
| Alzarri Joseph | Bowler |
| Jayden Seales | Bowler |
| Andy Roberts | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Fidel Edwards | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Gordon Greenidge | Right-handed opening batsman |
| Desmond Haynes | Right-handed opening batsman |
Top 10 Highest-Paid West Indies Cricketers
Multi-format players earn $300,000 annually while format specialists receive $200,000-$240,000. IPL participation transforms modest CWI retainers into $1-2 million total earnings for franchise-contracted players.
| Player | Role | CWI Contract | IPL 2025 | CPL/Other | Total Earnings |
| Nicholas Pooran | Wicketkeeper | $240,000 | ₹21Cr (LSG) | $200K (CPL) | $2.9M+ |
| Andre Russell | All-rounder | Declined | ₹12Cr (KKR) | $250K (CPL) | $1.7M+ |
| Rovman Powell (c T20I) | All-rounder | $250,000 | ₹3.8Cr (DC) | $180K | $900K+ |
| Shai Hope (c ODI) | Wicketkeeper | $300,000 | Unsold | $120K | $500K+ |
| Alzarri Joseph | Fast bowler | $280,000 | ₹11.5Cr (LSG) | $150K | $1.85M+ |
| Akeal Hosein | Spinner | $270,000 | Unsold | $130K | $480K+ |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batsman | Declined | ₹8.5Cr (RR) | $200K (CPL) | $1.25M+ |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | $240,000 | ₹4Cr (MI) | $140K | $750K+ |
| Roston Chase | All-rounder | $280,000 | Unsold | $110K | $450K+ |
| Keacy Carty | Batsman | $260,000 | Unsold | $100K | $420K+ |
Pooran earned $2.9 million in 2024 combining $240,000 CWI dual-format contract, ₹21 crore LSG IPL retention (up from ₹16Cr 2024), and $200,000 Trinbago Knight Riders CPL captaincy deal.
His explosive batting created franchise demand generating 12x his CWI income through IPL alone.
Russell declined CWI central contract prioritizing franchise cricket earning ₹12 crore KKR IPL salary plus $250,000 CPL, BBL, ILT20 participation. His freelance career generated $1.7 million annually versus $280,000 potential CWI multi-format contract demonstrating financial logic behind international retirement.
Richest West Indies Cricketers by Net Worth
IPL participation transformed Caribbean cricketers into multi-millionaires. Russell, Pooran, and Bravo lead wealth accumulation through strategic franchise commitments spanning 10-15 years.
| Player | Role | Estimated Net Worth | Age | Primary Wealth Source |
| Andre Russell | All-rounder | ₹133Cr ($16M) | 37 | IPL + Global T20 + Endorsements |
| Nicholas Pooran | Wicketkeeper | ₹70Cr ($8M) | 29 | IPL + CPL + CWI |
| Dwayne Bravo (retired) | All-rounder | ₹50Cr ($6M) | 42 | IPL + CPL franchises |
| Kieron Pollard (retired) | All-rounder | ₹50Cr ($6M) | 38 | IPL + MI coaching |
| Shai Hope | Wicketkeeper | ₹14Cr ($1.7M) | 31 | CWI + CPL contracts |
Russell built ₹133 crore through IPL earnings totaling ₹120 crore across 13 seasons (KKR ₹12-16Cr annually 2018-2024), global T20 leagues (CPL, BBL, PSL, ILT20) worth $3 million combined, and endorsements with Wolf777, SS Bats generating ₹5-6 crore yearly.
His Jamaica properties portfolio valued ₹15 crore creates additional wealth.
Pooran accumulated ₹70 crore rapidly through IPL contracts escalating from ₹4.2Cr (2019 PBKS) to ₹21Cr (2025 LSG retention), CWI salary averaging $220,000 annually since 2017, CPL Trinbago deals totaling $1.2 million, and brand partnerships with Caribbean telecommunications companies.
Hope’s ₹14 crore stems entirely from CWI contracts averaging $260,000 annually over eight years, CPL participation worth $600,000 combined, and endorsements with West Indian brands. His limited IPL access (unsold 2024-2025) restricted franchise wealth compared to T20 specialists.
CWI Central Contract Structure and Match Fees
Cricket West Indies’ retainer system pays $150,000-$300,000 across 25 senior men plus starter contracts ($60,000-$100,000) for emerging talent. Multi-year agreements provide stability absent from annual contract cycles.
Multi-Format Players ($300,000): Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein earn highest retainers playing Tests, ODIs, T20Is.
Dual-Format Players ($240,000): Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Keacy Carty selected for ODI/T20I creating second tier.
Format Specialists ($200,000): Test-only or limited-overs specialists receive lower retainers reflecting reduced commitments.
Starter Contracts ($60,000-$100,000): Jewel Andrew, Jeddah Blades, Johan Lane transition from academy to senior pathway.
Match Fees: Test $5,750, ODI $2,300, T20I $1,735 per game (2017 documented rates, current undisclosed).
India’s ₹7 crore ($832K) BCCI Grade A exceeds West Indies’ $300,000 maximum by 2.8x. Australia’s $1.1 million CA top tier creates 3.7x disparity demonstrating revenue gaps forcing Caribbean players toward franchise cricket.
IPL and CPL Franchise Earnings
Six West Indians secured IPL 2025 contracts creating $500,000-$2.5 million supplementary income. Caribbean Premier League provides domestic earning pathways paying $80,000-$250,000 for marquee players.
IPL 2025: Nicholas Pooran (LSG – ₹21Cr), Alzarri Joseph (LSG – ₹11.5Cr), Andre Russell (KKR – ₹12Cr), Shimron Hetmyer (RR – ₹8.5Cr), Romario Shepherd (MI – ₹4Cr), Rovman Powell (DC – ₹3.8Cr).
CPL Salaries: Platinum category $180,000-$250,000, Diamond $120,000-$180,000, Gold $80,000-$120,000 per season.
Combined IPL and CPL generate $600,000-$3 million annually for West Indies’ top 10 players. Pooran’s ₹21 crore IPL salary represents 87x higher than $2,300 ODI match fee creating impossible financial choice between CWI duties and franchise commitments.
FAQs
Who is West Indies’ highest-paid cricketer?
Nicholas Pooran earns $2.9 million annually combining $240,000 CWI dual-format contract, ₹21 crore LSG IPL retention, and $200,000 Trinbago Knight Riders CPL captaincy deal. His explosive T20 batting creates franchise demand generating 12x his CWI retainer through IPL participation alone.
How much does CWI pay centrally contracted players?
CWI awards 25 senior contracts paying $150,000-$300,000 annually: multi-format players ($300K), dual-format ($240K), format specialists ($200K), plus starter contracts ($60K-$100K) for emerging talent. Match fees add $1,735-$5,750 per game creating total compensation $200,000-$350,000 yearly before franchise income.
Which West Indies cricketers are in IPL 2025?
Six Caribbean players secured IPL 2025 contracts: Nicholas Pooran (LSG – ₹21Cr), Andre Russell (KKR – ₹12Cr), Alzarri Joseph (LSG – ₹11.5Cr), Shimron Hetmyer (RR – ₹8.5Cr), Romario Shepherd (MI – ₹4Cr), Rovman Powell (DC – ₹3.8Cr). Combined earnings total ₹61.3 crore supplementing CWI contracts.
What is Andre Russell’s total net worth?
Andre Russell’s net worth stands at ₹133 crore ($16 million) accumulated through 13 IPL seasons earning ₹120 crore total, global T20 leagues (CPL, BBL, PSL, ILT20) generating $3 million combined, endorsements with Wolf777, SS Bats worth ₹5-6 crore yearly, and Jamaica property portfolio valued ₹15 crore.
Why do West Indies players decline central contracts?
Financial necessity drives Caribbean stars toward franchise cricket paying 5-10x CWI retainers. Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer declined $280,000-$300,000 contracts earning $1.2-1.7 million through IPL, CPL, BBL participation demonstrating unsustainable CWI compensation versus global T20 league opportunities creating talent exodus crisis.
