Understanding Match Fees for Cricketers: How Much Do They Earn?: Match fees are a significant aspect of a cricketer’s income, particularly for those who play at the international level. These fees can vary widely depending on the format of the game (Test, ODI, or T20), the cricket board, and the player’s experience and reputation. Here’s a look at some of the match fees for notable cricketers from various countries.

1. Virat Kohli (India)

As one of the highest-paid cricketers in the world, Virat Kohli’s match fee reflects his status. In 2023, Indian cricketers reportedly earn around ₹15 lakh (approximately $18,000) for each Test match, ₹6 lakh (about $7,200) for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh (around $3,600) for T20 internationals. Kohli, being a top player, may also earn additional bonuses and sponsorship deals.

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave
Tests	115	195	12	8947	254*	48.89
ODIs	295	283	44	13906	183	58.18
T20Is	125	117	31	4188	122*	48.69
FC	147	243	19	11196	254*	49.98
List A	329	316	47	15348	183	57.05
T20s	399	382	71	12886	122*	41.43

Bowling

Format	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Ave	Econ
Tests	115	11	175	84	–	2.88
ODIs	295	50	662	680	136.00	6.16
T20Is	125	13	152	204	51.00	8.05
FC	147	25	643	338	112.66	3.15
List A	329	57	726	741	148.20	6.12
T20s	399	45	460	667	83.37	8.70

2. Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, earns similar match fees to his Indian counterparts. In recent years, reports suggest that players in the Pakistan team earn around $5,000 for ODIs and slightly less for T20s. Test match fees are higher, typically around $10,000.

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave
Tests	55	100	9	3997	196	43.92
ODIs	117	114	13	5729	158	56.72
T20Is	123	116	15	4145	122	41.03
FC	92	155	14	6049	266	42.90
List A	185	181	21	8875	158	55.46
T20s	304	293	44	10942	122	43.94

Bowling

Format	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	Ave
Tests	55	8	90	42	2	21.00
ODIs	117	–	–	–	–	–
T20Is	123	–	–	–	–	–
FC	92	28	816	466	7	66.57
List A	185	30	645	564	12	47.00
T20s	304	5	78	85	4	21.25

3. Joe Root (England)

Joe Root, the England Test captain, reportedly earns around £30,000 (approximately $37,000) per Test match. For ODIs, the fee is generally around £15,000 (about $18,500), while T20 matches are compensated at a lower rate. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also provides match bonuses for series wins.

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave
Tests	148	270	22	12716	262	51.27
ODIs	171	160	23	6522	133*	47.60
T20Is	32	30	5	893	90*	35.72
FC	221	386	33	17771	262	50.34
List A	209	197	29	7735	133*	46.04
T20s	111	101	19	2544	92*	31.02

Bowling

Format	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	Ave
Tests	148	154	5827	3196	70	45.65
ODIs	171	72	1638	1587	27	58.77
T20Is	32	9	84	139	6	23.16
FC	221	230	8544	4587	96	47.78
List A	209	96	2201	2064	40	51.60
T20s	111	53	603	841	29	29.00

4. Steve Smith (Australia)

Steve Smith, one of Australia’s leading batsmen, has similar earnings. In 2023, Australian cricketers reportedly earn around AUD 20,000 (approximately $14,000) per Test match, AUD 15,000 (about $10,500) for ODIs, and AUD 10,000 (around $7,000) for T20 matches. Additional bonuses for match performances and series victories can significantly boost overall earnings.

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave
Tests	109	195	25	9685	239	56.97
ODIs	163	147	19	5583	164	43.61
T20Is	67	55	11	1094	90	24.86
FC	171	297	35	14307	239	54.60
List A	212	194	31	7600	164	46.62
T20s	255	226	48	5633	125*	31.64

Bowling

Format	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	Ave
Tests	109	62	1470	1008	19	53.05
ODIs	163	40	1076	971	28	34.67
T20Is	67	17	291	377	17	22.17
FC	171	132	5365	3719	72	51.65
List A	212	69	2030	1840	47	39.14
T20s	255	52	824	1056	54	19.55

5. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, earns approximately NZD 15,000 (around $9,500) for Test matches, NZD 10,000 (about $6,300) for ODIs, and NZD 5,000 (approximately $3,200) for T20 internationals. As with other players, performance bonuses can enhance his income.

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave
Tests	102	180	17	8881	251	54.48
ODIs	165	157	17	6810	148	48.64
T20Is	93	90	13	2575	95	33.44
FC	170	293	24	13692	284*	50.89
List A	227	215	25	8974	148	47.23
T20s	254	243	39	6442	101*	31.57

Bowling

Format	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	Ave
Tests	102	67	2151	1207	30	40.23
ODIs	165	65	1467	1310	37	35.40
T20Is	93	12	118	164	6	27.33
FC	170	142	6624	3721	86	43.26
List A	227	99	2756	2383	67	35.56
T20s	254	54	770	909	30	30.30

Match fees form an essential part of a cricketer’s earnings, but they are just one component of their overall income, which can include sponsorship deals, endorsements, and participation in domestic leagues like the IPL or BBL. While top players like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith command high fees, emerging players are also gradually seeing their earnings increase as the popularity of cricket continues to grow globally. Understanding these financial aspects provides insight into the economic landscape of professional cricket.

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