In brief
- Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in 2026, with an estimated net worth of $170 million.
- MS Dhoni ($127 million) and Virat Kohli ($125 million) complete the top three.
- Ricky Ponting ($70 million) is the richest non-Indian cricketer.
- Endorsements, the IPL and business investments drive most of these fortunes.
As of October 2026, Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world, with an estimated net worth of about $170 million. MS Dhoni ($127 million) and Virat Kohli ($125 million) follow, according to 2026 estimates compiled by Business Today and other Indian media.
Indian players dominate the top three because of the size of the Indian market. IPL contracts, BCCI central contracts and large endorsement deals mean the top Indian stars earn far more than players from other countries.
All figures below are estimates. Cricketers do not publish their accounts, and the value of private investments, property and business stakes can change rankings.
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| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Estimated net worth | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | $70 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | $60 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 6 | Shane Warne | Australia | $50 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | $48 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | $45 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 9 | Virender Sehwag | India | $40 million | 2026 media estimates |
| 10 | Shane Watson | Australia | $40 million | 2026 media estimates |
1. Sachin Tendulkar: $170 million
Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in the world, more than a decade after he retired in 2013. He holds the records for most runs and most centuries in both Test and one day international cricket.
His income now comes mainly from brand endorsements, business investments and appearances. He has been a co-owner of the Kerala Blasters football club and has backed several startups and consumer brands. Business Today put his net worth at about $170 million in August 2026.
2. MS Dhoni: $127 million
MS Dhoni captained India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He retired from international cricket in 2020 but has stayed with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, where he has won five titles as captain.
His wealth comes from IPL contracts, a long list of endorsements, real estate and investments in sports, fitness, technology and consumer startups. He also has a farm business in Ranchi.
3. Virat Kohli: $125 million
Virat Kohli is the richest active cricketer on this list. He retired from T20 internationals after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and from Test cricket in May 2025, but continues to play ODIs and the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their first IPL title in 2025.
He earns from his IPL contract, his BCCI central contract and endorsements with brands such as Puma, MRF, Audi and Tissot. He has also built businesses including the fashion label Wrogn and the One8 brand. Some reports place his net worth slightly higher, at $126 to 127 million.
4. Ricky Ponting: $70 million
Ricky Ponting led Australia to two ODI World Cup wins, in 2003 and 2007. He scored more than 13,000 Test runs, second only to Tendulkar at the time he retired in 2012.
Since retiring, he has earned from commentary, coaching and consultancy. He has coached in the IPL for several seasons, including with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.
5. Brian Lara: $60 million
Brian Lara still holds the highest individual Test score, 400 not out against England in 2004, and the highest first class score of 501 not out.
His income comes from his playing career, endorsements, commentary and media work. He also works as an ambassador for cricket events and has held coaching and mentoring roles in franchise cricket.
6. Shane Warne: $50 million
Shane Warne, one of the greatest leg spinners in the history of the game, died in March 2022 at the age of 52. His estimated net worth of about $50 million reflects his wealth at the time of his death.
Warne took 708 Test wickets and led Rajasthan Royals to the first IPL title in 2008. After retiring, he earned from commentary, endorsements, a poker career and his own business ventures.
7. Jacques Kallis: $48 million
Jacques Kallis is widely seen as one of the best all rounders ever, with more than 13,000 Test runs and nearly 300 Test wickets for South Africa.
He played in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, and later coached Kolkata. His income also includes endorsements and commentary.
8. Chris Gayle: $45 million
Chris Gayle built much of his fortune in T20 leagues around the world. He holds the record for most sixes in T20 cricket and the highest IPL score, 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013.
He played for teams in India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Caribbean, and has earned from endorsements and media appearances.
9. Virender Sehwag: $40 million
Virender Sehwag was the first Indian to score a Test triple century and later scored a second one. He was part of the team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup.
After retiring, he has earned from commentary, endorsements and his school in Haryana, and has a large social media following.
10. Shane Watson: $40 million
Shane Watson won two ODI World Cups with Australia and two IPL titles, in 2008 with Rajasthan Royals and 2018 with Chennai Super Kings. He also won the IPL Most Valuable Player award twice.
He now works as a coach and commentator in franchise cricket, adding to his earnings from playing and endorsements.
How we ranked these
We ranked players by estimated net worth using 2026 figures published by Business Today (August 2026) and Adda247. Where reports differ, we used the more widely cited figure. All numbers are estimates, not verified financial statements.
The list includes retired players and one late player, Shane Warne, because career earnings, endorsements and investments often keep growing after a player stops playing. For other sports, see our lists of the richest tennis players and richest baseball players.
Sources: Business Today, richest cricketers in 2026, Adda247, richest cricketer in the world in 2026, ESPNcricinfo.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026?
Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026, with an estimated net worth of about $170 million. Most of his income comes from endorsements, business investments and appearances, more than a decade after his retirement in 2013.
What is Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2026?
Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated at about $125 million in 2026, with some reports placing it at $126 to 127 million. He earns from his IPL contract, BCCI contract, endorsements with brands such as Puma and MRF, and businesses like Wrogn and One8.
Is MS Dhoni richer than Virat Kohli?
Yes, by a small margin. MS Dhoni’s net worth is estimated at about $127 million, slightly ahead of Virat Kohli at about $125 million. Dhoni’s wealth comes from IPL contracts, endorsements, real estate and investments in startups and fitness businesses.
Who is the richest cricketer outside India?
Ricky Ponting of Australia is the richest cricketer outside India, with an estimated net worth of about $70 million in 2026. His income comes from his playing career, endorsements, commentary and coaching roles in the IPL and other leagues.
How do cricketers earn most of their money?
Top cricketers earn from national contracts, T20 league contracts such as the IPL, and brand endorsements. Many also invest in businesses, property and startups. After retiring, commentary, coaching and media work add further income.
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