7 of the richest cricket stars in 2023 – net worths, ranked: from former India captains MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly to Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting, who now commentates for the Indian Premiere League
They are idolised wherever they go and have millions watching their athletic prowess on the pitch. The sport they play? Cricket.
It has been compared to a religion with its devout and unwavering fans. Of course, with that kind of following, the wealth that goes with the players’ performance is envy-inducing, too.
Here’s a look at some of the richest cricket stars today and how they continue to make money even despite retiring from the game.
7. Brian Lara – US$60 million
He has had restaurants, drinks, meals and even stadiums named after him. The Brian Lara effect looms large across the world, with the cricket sensation dominating the pitch with Sachin Tendulkar in the 1990s and early 2000s. The former West Indies captain remains one of the most recognisable faces in the game. Until August this year, he was the coach for Indian Premiere League (IPL) team, Sunrisers Hyderabad. He’s worth US$60 million, per Economic Times India.
6. Jacques Kallis – US$70 million
A forceful batter and powerful bowler, Kallis is the perfect example of an all-rounder in the game. His record-breaking stats are often used as a reference point for future generations to beat. He retired from international cricket in 2014, but has taken on various consultancy and coaching positions within the game since. Kallis is worth US$70 million, per Augustman.
Kallis has several investments in property and reportedly invested in a sports management company too. He and his wife Charlene became parents to baby girl Chloe in April this year. They also share a son.
5. Sourav Ganguly – US$60 million-US$80 million
Dada, Maharaja, Prince of Kolkata and the “God of the Offside” – these are just some of the nicknames cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has been called. The former India captain has been credited for reigniting “the aggression” the team needed during its tour of South Africa in 2006, per Indian Express.
According to The Sport’s Rush, Ganguly is a brand ambassador for Clear IAS, the Rana Group and Tripura Tourism. He has properties in London and India, and is known to have a love for luxury cars. Ganguly is also the director of cricket for IPL team, the Delhi Capitals, reports Hindustan Times. Reports from Economic Times India and GQ put his net worth between US$60 million and US$80 million.
4. Ricky Ponting – US$70 million-US$95 million
The former Aussie captain and three-time world cup winner is the head coach of IPL team, the Delhi Capitals. According to Hindustan Times, despite the team’s dismal performance, Ponting was confirmed to stay in the position for the next IPL season. The athlete adds to his bank balance by doing several commenting gigs for the IPL and international tours.
Ponting made headlines after spending millions on a home in Melbourne in March. According to Homes to Love, the athlete bought a six-bedroom property in Toorak, which spans 15,070 sq ft. Reports from Economic Times India and Celebrity Net Worth put his net worth between US$70 million and US$95 million.
3. Virat Kohli – US$122 million-US$126 million
In 2020, he made the Forbes list for “the world’s highest-paid athletes’ earnings” with the publication reporting that he made an estimated US$26 million that year alone. He is married to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, with the relationship adding to his already godlike status as a cricket hero in India. His marriage with the actress is widely publicised in Indian media, with their mega-stardom comparable to Hollywood couples whose every move is analysed. His endorsement deals with the likes of Audi, Hero, Puma and Valvoline also add to his wealth, per Forbes. He’s worth between US$122 million and US$126 million, per Economic Times India and GQ.
2. MS Dhoni – US$127 million
The former India captain is known for mentoring many young cricket stars, making him one of the most respected athletes within player circles. Earlier this year, it was announced that his iconic No 7 jersey had been retired – a gesture of respect and admiration for the player.
Lucrative brand partnerships include Pepsi, Big Bazaar, Gulf Oil and Sony Bravia, reports Sportskeeda. His business investments have also lined his pocket. It was widely publicised that he had become a shareholder in 7InkBrews, a company that made chocolates and beverages. His lifestyle brand, Seven, focuses on athletic gear and apparel. Economic Times India puts his net worth at US$127 million.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – US$150 million-US$165 million
Sachin Tendulkar is widely considered to be one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. At 50 years old, Tendulkar has grown his cultlike following in India, with the star being referred to as “India’s son” and “God of Cricket”. There is no doubt that Tendulkar remains one of the most prolific athletes of the game. Per ESPN, he was only 16 when he made his Test debut and broke records for scoring the most hundreds in Tests.
- ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar tops the list this year with his lucrative endorsement deals with BMW India, Adidas, Pepsi and more – he’s also a mentor for IPL team Mumbai Indians
- Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, former players Brian Lara and Jacques Kallis moved on to coaching, and former Aussie captain Ponting is now a commentator for the IPL