Highest Paid Cricketers 2025: Cricket is one of the most popular sports globally, and it has created several millionaires through national team contracts, franchise leagues, and sponsorships. The top cricketers earn hefty salaries by playing for their national teams, competing in lucrative leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), and signing endorsement deals. These earnings highlight the financial success of cricket players at the international level. Here’s a detailed look at the highest-paid cricketers in the world in 2025:
Rishabh Pant Becomes Highest Paid Cricketers 2025 For IPL
The 2024 IPL auction witnessed a historic moment as Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history after being signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for an astounding Rs 27 crore. Following his release from the Delhi Capitals, Pant’s transfer became the highlight of the auction, attracting intense bidding from multiple franchises. This massive deal is a testament to Pant’s explosive batting skills, match-winning abilities, and dynamic presence on the field. The Lucknow Super Giants’ record-breaking bid reflects their strong ambition to rebuild their squad with game-changing players.
Shreyas Iyer’s Big Move to Punjab Kings
Close on Pant’s heels was Shreyas Iyer, a charismatic leader and proven performer in the IPL. The Punjab Kings secured Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in this year’s auction. Having played a crucial role in leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to multiple victories, Iyer’s leadership skills and consistent batting performances made him one of the most sought-after players. Punjab Kings’ significant investment in Iyer underlines their strategy to strengthen their squad with an experienced leader who brings both talent and motivation to the team.
This auction has undoubtedly reshaped team dynamics, with franchises making bold moves to secure top-tier players.
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Earnings (USD) |
| 1 | Pat Cummins | Australia | $2.7 million |
| 2 | Rishabh Pant | India | $2.5 million |
| 3 | Shreyas Iyer | India | $2.2 million |
| 4 | KL Rahul | India | $1.8 million |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | $1.68 million |
| 6 | Virat Kohli | India | $1.3 million |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | India | $1.25 million |
| 8 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia | $1.2 million |
| 9 | Kraigg Brathwaite | West Indies | $960,000 |
| 10 | Temba Bavuma | South Africa | $840,000 |
| 10 | Jofra Archer | Rajasthan Royals | 12.50 crore |
1. Pat Cummins (Australia) – $2.7 million
Australian cricket team captain Pat Cummins is currently the world’s best-paid cricketer of 2024. His salary comprises an IPL deal worth $700,000 and a Cricket Australia deal worth $2 million, including a bonus for being a captain. His four-year contract with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket adds to his earnings. Cummins has become a world-class fast bowler and an asset as a leader, hence the highest-paid cricketer in the world.
2. Rishabh Pant (India) – $2.5 million
Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, signed a huge IPL contract of $1.65 million per year. His BCCI contract also contributes an additional $850,000 to his overall income, making him one of the richest cricketers. Pant’s hard-hitting batting and match-winning knocks have turned him into an indispensable player for India across all formats. Despite injuries, he remains one of the best-paid cricketers globally.
3. Shreyas Iyer (India) – $2.2 million
Shreyas Iyer was among the costliest purchases during the 2024 IPL auction with a $1.6 million contract. His income is also supplemented by his national contract with the BCCI, which adds another $600,000. Iyer has been a reliable international and domestic performer and thus is one of the richest Indian cricketers. His capacity to hold up the innings and score match-winning innings has turned him into a vital component of the Indian team.
4. KL Rahul (India) – $1.8 million
KL Rahul is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen from India and has proven himself as a regular performer in any format. His direct earnings are from his BCCI contract and his IPL contract. Recently, he was picked up by the Delhi Capitals in the IPL for nearly $1 million annually. Even though he is competing with Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper position within the Indian team, Rahul’s consistency as a batsman and versatility to play in several positions make him among the best-paid cricketers in India.
5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – $1.68 million
Mitchell Starc, the Australian speedster, became the most pricey IPL player in history in 2023 when he was picked up for $4.5 million AUD. Even though his price decreased a lot in the 2024 IPL auction, he still receives a large amount of money as salary. He has a national contract with Cricket Australia and an expensive IPL contract, so there is a stable income. Having established himself as among the top international fast bowlers in the business, Starc remains an immense asset to global and franchise-level cricket.
6. Virat Kohli (India) – $1.3 million
Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers ever, remains among the top earners even after relinquishing captaincy. He has been faithful to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL since 2008, where he has received huge contracts. His BCCI retainer contract also adds heavily to his salary. Although his on-field income is impressive, Kohli earns much more from endorsements, sponsorships, and commercial interests. With a huge fan base, he is one of the richest and most powerful cricketers in the world.
7. Rohit Sharma (India) – $1.25 million
Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test team captain, is universally considered to be among the best white-ball batsmen of all time. He has several records in international cricket and has been a part of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL since 2011. His income mainly consists of his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is around $700,000. Moreover, his IPL deal and endorsement contracts help to boost his total earnings and make him among the wealthiest cricketers on the planet.
8. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – $1.2 million
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been a game-changer in white-ball cricket with his destructive batting, useful off-spin, and brilliant fielding abilities. He has represented several franchises across various T20 leagues over the years, but his primary income is from his national contract with Cricket Australia, which is around $950,000. Maxwell was bought recently in the IPL for $770,000, which will fetch him about $250,000 a year for the next three years. While his IPL pay has reduced from the previous years, he is still among the top-earning cricketers in the world.
9. Kraigg Brathwaite (West Indies) – $960,000
West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite is a specialist in anchoring an innings as an opening batsman. He has been one of the most consistent players in the West Indies side over the years. Unlike other countries’ players, Brathwaite’s major income is from his national contract with the West Indies Cricket Board. He also plays county cricket for England, although county cricket wages are not as high as in high-profile T20 competition such as the IPL or Big Bash League (BBL). His reliability and experience in Test cricket have earned him a high retainer, and he is one of the highest-paid Caribbean cricketers.
10. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – $840,000
Temba Bavuma is the captain of South Africa’s national cricket team and has established himself across all formats of the game. At 1.62 meters tall, he has surprised with his immense talent and reliability. His national team contract from Cricket South Africa is his major source of earnings and provides a fixed income. Bavuma is a vital component of South Africa’s batting order and remains one of the most reliable players. His robust leadership skills and in-game performances make him one of the best-paid cricketers from his nation.
