Cricket is a globally popular sport, and players participating in it earn significant amounts of money through their performances. Many cricketers are renowned for their high salaries. Among them, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have emerged as top earners in Australian cricket, thanks to a 7.5% increase in their salaries. Additionally, their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) significantly boosts their earnings.
From the list above, Virat Kohli stands out as the highest-paid cricketer globally. However, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are not far behind in terms of earnings. India’s current captain, Rohit Sharma, ranks sixth on the list and continues to be celebrated for his contributions. A notable pattern in the list is that all these players participate in the IPL, underscoring the tournament’s role in significantly increasing players’ incomes.
Let’s delve deeper into the reasons why these players command such substantial earnings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Cricketers in the World
| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | $36.2 million |
| 2 | Pat Cummins | Australia | $29.5 million |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | $28.7 million |
| 4 | Steve Smith | Australia | $27.4 million |
| 5 | David Warner | Australia | $26.1 million |
| 6 | Rohit Sharma | India | $25.8 million |
| 7 | Jos Buttler | England | $25.2 million |
| 8 | Trent Boult | New Zealand | $24.9 million |
| 9 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | $24.6 million |
| 10 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | $24.3 million |
1. Virat Kohli – $36.2 million
First and foremost, Virat Kohli is a Grade A+ player under the BCCI’s central contract system, which guarantees him a substantial annual salary along with per-match fees. Additionally, Kohli represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, earning a significant portion of his income from the franchise. Altogether, his annual earnings amount to approximately $36.2 million.
Virat Kohli is not only an exceptional cricketer but also a global sports icon, thanks in part to the era of commercialization and social media in which he rose to prominence. These factors have amplified his reach and popularity worldwide.
Over the years, Kohli has shattered numerous records, many of which are hard to keep track of. He is the highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals (T20Is), holds the record for the fastest 13,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and has scored the most fifties in T20 cricket, among many other achievements. Listing all of his records would be an exhaustive endeavor, as his career continues to redefine excellence in the sport.
2. Pat Cummins – $29.5 million
Next on the list is 2023 World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins, who has an annual salary of $29.5 million. Pat Cummins has gained immense popularity since being appointed as Australia’s captain. However, his crowning moment came when he led his team to victory in the 2023 World Cup, defeating India on their home turf. This achievement has solidified his reputation and made him a hot commodity among IPL selectors.
In the main auction of IPL 2024, Pat Cummins emerged as the second most expensive player, surpassed only by his compatriot and fellow fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, who ranks third on this list.
3. Mitchell Starc – $28.7 million
When it comes to speed and accuracy in bowling, one name that instantly comes to mind is Mitchell Starc. This lethal Australian pacer is renowned for his deadly yorkers and exceptional skills with the ball. With an annual salary of $28.7 million, Starc ranks just behind Pat Cummins among Australia’s highest-paid cricketers. However, in the IPL 2024 auction, Starc fetched a higher price than Cummins, securing a whopping $2.97 million deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Starc holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 200 wickets in ODI cricket, showcasing his dominance in the format. Additionally, he is a capable lower-order batter, making valuable contributions when the team needs him.
In the IPL, Starc was previously associated with Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before making a high-profile move to KKR in 2024.
4. Steve Smith – $27.4 million
When it comes to Test cricket, one name that stands out is Steven Smith. This Australian superstar is a modern-day legend whose incredible records and averages speak volumes about his extraordinary talent. Despite not participating in this year’s IPL, Smith still earns a staggering $27.4 million annually, underscoring his value in the cricketing world.
Steven Smith holds the record as the fastest player to score 8,000 Test runs and has accumulated nearly 10,000 runs in his illustrious Test career so far. His leadership credentials are equally impressive, having captained Australia across all three formats of the game. This combination of exceptional performance and leadership solidifies Smith’s place among the highest-paid cricket players globally.
5. David Warner – $26.1 million
David Warner is a household name in cricket, known for his explosive batting and remarkable consistency. A true crowd favorite, Warner has always been in the limelight for his brilliant performances. Though he recently retired from Test cricket, he continues to represent Australia in the shorter formats and remains a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide, including the IPL. His annual income of $26.1 million reflects his enduring presence in the game.
Warner spent a significant part of his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he not only delivered stellar performances but also captained the team with great success. In 2022, he made a move to the Delhi Capitals. Warner’s name is etched in IPL history, holding numerous records, including the most 50+ scores in the tournament—an achievement that puts him ahead of even Virat Kohli.
6. Rohit Sharma – $25.8 million
Current Indian captain and one of the most destructive batters in ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma, ranks sixth on this list with an impressive annual salary of $25.8 million. Rohit hardly needs an introduction—his remarkable career and record-breaking performances speak for themselves.
Rohit holds the unique distinction of being the first batter to score three double centuries in ODIs, a feat unmatched in cricket history. In T20Is, he continues to shine as the first player to score five centuries and stands second only to Virat Kohli in terms of career runs. Moreover, his vast experience is reflected in his record for playing the most T20Is in the history of cricket.
With his unparalleled achievements and consistent performances, Rohit Sharma remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket.
7. Jos Buttler – $25.2 million
Jos Buttler, also known as ‘Jos the Boss,’ is England’s captain for the shorter formats and a wicketkeeper-batter of exceptional talent. Though Buttler gained significant recognition through his IPL performances, his impact has extended far beyond domestic cricket.
He made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians, quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence with his explosive batting. Buttler boasts the third-highest career strike rate in ODIs and holds the record for the most catches by a wicketkeeper in a single ODI innings (6).
His performance in the 2022 IPL season was nothing short of remarkable, amassing an astonishing 863 runs while playing for Rajasthan Royals, including four centuries. Buttler’s brilliance in the shorter formats is undeniable, and his leadership qualities have greatly benefited England, leading them to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
8. Trent Boult – $24.9 million
After a long list of batters, we turn to two of the most formidable bowlers in the history of cricket. Trent Boult, the deadly pacer from New Zealand, is a nightmare for any batter. His versatility is unmatched—he can bowl effectively in the initial overs, the middle phase, and even during the death overs. On top of that, Boult is an exceptional fielder, often making vital contributions in the field.
While Trent Boult has opted to focus on major tournaments for New Zealand, his presence in global T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, keeps him in the headlines. With an impressive annual income of $24.9 million, Boult continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
9. Jasprit Bumrah – $24.6 million
Jasprit Bumrah is the other bowler I mentioned earlier, and he’s just as lethal. If you asked Bumrah to deliver six yorkers in an over, he would do so with remarkable ease. Much like Trent Boult, Bumrah is a 3D bowler, capable of performing in any situation, making him one of the most valuable assets to any team.
Bumrah has been a key player for Mumbai Indians since they picked him in the IPL, and the franchise has never let go of him, a testament to his immense value. As an A+ player under the BCCI’s contract, Bumrah earns a remarkable annual salary of $24.6 million, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after bowlers in world cricket.
10. Kane Williamson – $24.3 million
Kane Williamson is one of those cricketers who is hard to dislike, even if he’s on the opposite team. His humility and down-to-earth nature have made him a beloved figure, almost as if he’s here to carry on MS Dhoni’s legacy, but in New Zealand’s colors. Williamson has been the captain of the New Zealand cricket team since 2016, and he is the fastest player to score 6,000 runs for his country.
Williamson also holds the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings, underscoring his exceptional skills. He’s one of New Zealand’s most valuable players, consistently contributing to match-winning performances. Under his leadership, New Zealand made history by winning the first-ever ICC Test Championship.
In the IPL, Williamson plays for Gujarat Titans and commands an annual salary of $24.3 million, reflecting his standing as one of the game’s elite players.
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