Cricket is no longer just a sport; it has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. Cricketers today earn massive amounts of money, not just from playing international matches but through multiple revenue streams, including sponsorships, brand endorsements, league contracts, and personal ventures. In this article, we explore the various ways in which cricketers make millions through matches, backed by factual data from credible sources.
1. Match Fees:
Cricketers receive match fees for representing their national teams in international matches. This fee varies from country to country.
Match Fees for Top Pakistan (PCB Contracts 2024):
- Test Match: PKR 12.5 lakh per match
- ODI Match: PKR 6.4 lakh per match
- T20I Match: PKR 4.1 lakh per match
India (BCCI Contracts 2024):
- Test Match: INR 15 lakh (~PKR 48.3 lakh)
- ODI Match: INR 6 lakh (~PKR 19.3 lakh)
- T20I Match: INR 3 lakh (~PKR 9.6 lakh)
These figures show that even a single match can earn players an amount exceeding the annual income of many professionals.
Source: BCCI Annual Report 2024, PCB Official Statement
2. Central Contracts: Guaranteed Salaries for National Players
Besides match fees, cricket boards offer central contracts to players, ensuring they receive a fixed salary regardless of the number of matches played.
India’s Central Contract System (BCCI 2024)
- Grade A+ Players: INR 7 crore per year
- Grade A Players: INR 5 crore per year
- Grade B Players: INR 3 crore per year
- Grade C Players: INR 1 crore per year
Pakistan’s Central Contract System (PCB 2024)
- Category A Players: PKR 65.7 lakh per month
- Category B Players: PKR 45.52 lakh per month
- Category C Players: PKR 20.35 lakh per month
- Category D Players: PKR 12.67 lakh per month
These contracts provide financial security, allowing players to focus solely on their game.
Source: BCCI & PCB Contract Announcements 2024
3. Sponsorships & Brand Endorsements: The Real Money Makers
One of the largest revenue sources for cricketers comes from sponsorships and brand deals. Companies are willing to pay millions to have their products endorsed by famous cricketers.
- MS Dhoni (India) has over 42 brand deals, earning INR 3.5 to 6 crore per endorsement.
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) signed a PKR 7 crore bat sponsorship deal with CA Sports and has deals with Pepsi, Oppo, Vivo, Ufone, and HBL.
- Virat Kohli (India) earns INR 7 crore per Instagram post, making him one of the highest-paid sports influencers.
Sponsorship deals often surpass match earnings, making them a crucial income source.
Source: Forbes Sports Report 2024, Business Insider India
4. T20 League Contracts: The Big Paychecks
Franchise-based T20 leagues have become one of the highest-paying opportunities for cricketers worldwide. Players often prioritize leagues over international matches due to financial benefits.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction Figures:
- Rishabh Pant (India): INR 27 crore ($3.21 million) for one season
- Sam Curran (England): INR 18.5 crore ($2.2 million)
Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 Salary Structure:
- Platinum Category: $300,000 (~PKR 83 million)
- Diamond Category: $200,000 (~PKR 55 million)
Apart from IPL and PSL, leagues like BBL (Australia), CPL (West Indies), The Hundred (England), and ILT20 (UAE) offer lucrative contracts.
Source: ESPN Cricinfo, IPL & PSL Auction Reports 2025
5. Personal Businesses & Merchandise Sales
Many cricketers invest their earnings into business ventures, creating additional revenue streams.
Cricketers Who Own Businesses
- Virat Kohli: Owns fashion brand WROGN and sports brand One8.
- Shahid Afridi: Launched his clothing & fragrance brand ‘Hope Not Out’.
- Shoaib Malik: Owns perfume brand ‘All Rounder’.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Runs a chain of restaurants and a sportswear brand.
- Yuvraj Singh: Launched investment firm ‘YouWeCan Ventures’.
These businesses help cricketers build long-term financial security beyond their playing careers.
Source: Economic Times India, Dawn News Pakistan
Is Cricket Becoming a Money Game?
Cricket has evolved from a passion-driven sport into a multi-billion-dollar industry. While players are making unprecedented money, it raises the question—is cricket still about the game, or has it become all about money?
India’s policy of restricting its players from foreign leagues ensures international cricket remains a priority. Should other countries adopt the same model, or should players have the freedom to earn as much as possible?
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
