In 2024, the highest-paid cricketers in the world showcase immense talent and marketability. These athletes earn substantial incomes through contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships, reflecting their popularity and impact on the sport, solidifying cricket’s status as a lucrative profession.
1. Virat Kohli
- Monthly Salary: $690k
- Net Worth: $140 Million
Leading Indian cricket across all formats for many years, Virat Kohli stands at the top of the list with an impressive monthly salary of $690k. Given his immense demand, Kohli’s status is undeniable. As a former captain of India and a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, his fans would argue that he is worth every penny.
2. Dean Elgar
- Monthly Salary: $440,000
- Net Worth: $40 million
While Dean Elgar’s position at number two on this list might come as a surprise—especially since he hasn’t been picked by IPL franchises and isn’t typically viewed as a T20 player—there are reasons for his inclusion.
Elgar is a patient opening batsman who has recently retired from international cricket, including the South African Test team. Although he has participated in international limited-overs formats, his primary focus now is on domestic cricket in South Africa and with Essex County Cricket Club in the UK.
3. Joe Root
- Monthly Salary: $400,000
- Net Worth: $3.3 million
Joe Root is often overlooked in the IPL, despite recently signing with a franchise. He has previously played in the Big Bash and for England’s T20 team. Although he recently stepped down as captain of the England Test team—his primary income source—he continues to be a key player in the international red-ball setup.
His monthly salary of $400,000 highlights the significance of central contracts. As a prolific run-scorer in Test cricket, Root’s earnings serve as a reminder to young players that there is substantial financial opportunity in the first-class game.
4. Eoin Morgan
- Monthly Salary: $320,000
- Net Worth: $15 million
Eoin Morgan, the World Cup-winning captain, has been duly rewarded for his remarkable achievements. Leading England in both limited-overs formats for several years, his crowning moment came in 2019 when he guided the team to victory at the World Cup.
This triumph significantly boosted his income, complemented by his participation in the IPL. Although Morgan has retired from professional cricket, he will soon step off this list. Currently, he is providing commentary for Sky Sports Cricket and has been considered for coaching roles, ensuring he continues to earn substantially from the sport.
5. Rohit Sharma
- Monthly Salary: $170k
- Net Worth: $25 Million
Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as the captain of the Indian national team, leading to a significant rise in his salary. Like Kohli, Rohit has been deeply involved in the IPL, captaining the Mumbai Indians during their most successful years. Although he is at a later stage in his career, his recent appointment as national captain suggests that his earnings are likely to increase further.
6. Aaron Finch
- Monthly Salary: $150,000
- Net Worth: $5.5 million
Aaron Finch, the former captain of Australia’s limited-overs teams, has seen his profile rise significantly, earning him a spot on this list. With years of experience in the Indian Premier League and participation in the Big Bash and various franchise leagues, he has established himself as a prominent figure in T20 cricket.
Finch is renowned for his explosive batting, with a record-breaking score of 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018, the highest in international T20 history. While he approaches the twilight of his career and is expected to spend more time in commentary than on the field, he remains one of the top earners in the sport.
7. Kraigg Brathwaite
- Monthly Salary: $80k
- Net Worth: $9 million
Kraigg Brathwaite may be a new name for some, but he is the captain of the West Indies Test team and an accomplished, patient batsman. His performance at the Test level demonstrates the significant financial rewards in red-ball cricket, motivating players to excel in longer formats.
8. Temba Bavuma
- Monthly Salary: $70k
- Net Worth: $2.3 million
Continuing the trend, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma leads the national team in shorter formats. However, he is not typically viewed as a candidate for T20 franchises worldwide. This highlights the significance of central contracts in ICC nations. His $70k monthly salary is substantial enough that it may deter him from pursuing opportunities in the IPL or other tournaments.
9. Kieron Pollard
- Monthly Salary: $47k
- Net Worth: $15 million
Kieron Pollard, the West Indian all-rounder, checks all the boxes on this list. A former captain of his national team, he is a prominent figure in T20 leagues worldwide.
Recently, Pollard played for the Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in IPL history, contributing significantly to their best performances. He is also a T20 World Cup champion with the West Indies, justifying his $47k monthly salary and $15 million net worth.
Now in his late 30s, Pollard is focusing exclusively on the shorter formats, ensuring he remains among the top earners in cricket. As he transitions into coaching, his income from the sport is likely to continue growing.
10. Kane Williamson
- Monthly Salary: $37k
- Net Worth: $10 million
While Kieron Pollard and Kane Williamson have different playing styles, they share similar roles. Williamson captains New Zealand internationally and is a sought-after player in the IPL.
He has led the Sunrisers Hyderabad but switched to the Gujarat Titans during an injury-plagued IPL in 2024. Despite his various commitments to T20 leagues, his primary focus remains on representing New Zealand.
Williamson’s national contract ensures a high salary, which he supplements with substantial earnings from the Indian Premier League.