What is the Monthly Salary of Indian Cricketers?: The financial landscape of cricket has transformed dramatically over the years, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation like India. Indian cricketers, once paid modest salaries, now enjoy lucrative contracts that reflect their status as global sports icons. This article delves into the monthly salaries of Indian cricketers, highlighting the various factors that contribute to their earnings, along with notable player examples.
The Basics of Cricketers’ Salaries
Indian cricketers are compensated through multiple streams, including:
1. Central Contracts
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awards annual contracts to players based on their performance and experience. These contracts are categorized into different grades (A+, A, B, and C), with each grade carrying a fixed salary.
2. Match Fees
Players earn match fees for every game they participate in, whether it’s a Test, ODI, or T20 match. These fees can vary depending on the format.
3. BCCI Bonuses
The BCCI often provides bonuses for exceptional performances, such as winning series or tournaments.
4. Endorsements
Many Indian cricketers earn a significant portion of their income through endorsements and sponsorship deals with brands.
Central Contracts and Salaries
As of 2023, the BCCI’s annual contract structure is as follows:
Grade A+: ₹7 crore (approximately $850,000) per year
Grade A: ₹5 crore (approximately $610,000) per year
Grade B: ₹3 crore (approximately $370,000) per year
Grade C: ₹1 crore (approximately $125,000) per year
To put this into a monthly perspective:
Grade A+: players earn around ₹58 lakh (approximately $7,300) monthly.
Grade A: players take home about ₹41.67 lakh (approximately $5,100) monthly.
Grade B: players receive around ₹25 lakh (approximately $3,100) monthly.
Grade C: players earn around ₹8.33 lakh (approximately $1,000) monthly.
Notable Examples of Salaries
1. Virat Kohli
One of the most recognized athletes globally, Virat Kohli is a Grade A+ player. With an annual salary of ₹7 crore, his monthly income from the BCCI alone is ₹58 lakh. Coupled with numerous endorsements, Kohli’s earnings soar well into the range of ₹200 crore (approximately $25 million) annually.
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 107 | 10 | 4233 | 212 | 43.63 |
| ODIs | 265 | 257 | 36 | 10866 | 264 | 49.16 |
| T20Is | 159 | 151 | 19 | 4231 | 121* | 32.05 |
| FC | 123 | 198 | 19 | 9219 | 309* | 51.50 |
| List A | 336 | 324 | 44 | 13108 | 264 | 46.81 |
| T20s | 448 | 435 | 52 | 11830 | 121* | 30.88 |
2. Rohit Sharma
The current captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma also holds a Grade A+ contract, earning ₹7 crore per year. His leadership on the field and strong brand presence contribute to his overall earnings, which significantly exceed his base salary due to endorsement deals.
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 107 | 10 | 4233 | 212 | 43.63 |
| ODIs | 265 | 257 | 36 | 10866 | 264 | 49.16 |
| T20Is | 159 | 151 | 19 | 4231 | 121* | 32.05 |
| FC | 123 | 198 | 19 | 9219 | 309* | 51.50 |
| List A | 336 | 324 | 44 | 13108 | 264 | 46.81 |
| T20s | 448 | 435 | 52 | 11830 | 121* | 30.88 |
3. Jasprit Bumrah
As one of the leading fast bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah is a Grade A player, earning ₹5 crore annually from the BCCI. His unique bowling style and consistent performance have attracted several endorsement deals, further enhancing his income.
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 39 | 75 | 7638 | 3502 | 173 | 20.24 |
| ODIs | 89 | 88 | 4580 | 3509 | 149 | 23.55 |
| T20Is | 70 | 69 | 1509 | 1579 | 89 | 17.74 |
| FC | 67 | 121 | 12904 | 5865 | 265 | 22.13 |
| List A | 114 | 113 | 5935 | 4410 | 201 | 21.94 |
| T20s | 233 | 232 | 5235 | 6015 | 295 | 20.38 |
4. MS Dhoni
Though retired from international cricket, MS Dhoni remains a significant figure in the sport. His previous Grade A+ contract and continued endorsements keep his earnings substantial, demonstrating the financial benefits of a successful cricketing career.
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 90 | 144 | 16 | 4876 | 224 | 38.09 |
| ODIs | 350 | 297 | 84 | 10773 | 183* | 50.57 |
| T20Is | 98 | 85 | 42 | 1617 | 56 | 37.60 |
| FC | 131 | 210 | 19 | 7038 | 224 | 36.84 |
| List A | 423 | 364 | 99 | 13353 | 183* | 50.38 |
| T20s | 391 | 342 | 147 | 7432 | 84* | 38.11 |
5. Hardik Pandya
A rising star in Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya holds a Grade B contract, earning ₹3 crore annually. With his growing popularity and impressive performances, his endorsement income is rapidly increasing, showcasing the financial potential for young talents.
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 11 | 18 | 1 | 532 | 108 | 31.29 |
| ODIs | 86 | 61 | 9 | 1769 | 92* | 34.01 |
| T20Is | 105 | 82 | 23 | 1641 | 71* | 27.81 |
| FC | 29 | 46 | 1 | 1351 | 108 | 30.02 |
| List A | 107 | 79 | 14 | 2103 | 92* | 32.35 |
| T20s | 271 | 236 | 68 | 4934 | 91 | 29.36 |
The Impact of T20 Leagues
The advent of T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), has further escalated the earnings of Indian cricketers. Players can earn astronomical salaries during the IPL season, often surpassing their annual BCCI contracts. For instance, in the 2022 IPL auction, players like Ishan Kishan and Deepak Chahar fetched bids exceeding ₹15 crore (approximately $1.8 million) for a single season.
The monthly salaries of Indian cricketers reflect not only their talent and hard work but also the massive commercial potential of cricket in India. With central contracts, match fees, and lucrative endorsement deals, the top players enjoy a lifestyle that many can only dream of. As cricket continues to evolve, particularly with the growing influence of T20 leagues, the financial landscape for Indian cricketers is likely to become even more prosperous, ensuring that they remain some of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Also Read: At What Age Do Cricketers Typically Retire?
