Cricket has produced some of the world's most recognisable sporting stars, and many have built substantial fortunes both during and after their playing careers. Alongside international match fees and franchise-league contracts, endorsements, business investments, brand partnerships and media work have helped several cricketers grow their wealth.
In 2026, Sachin Tendulkar is widely reported to be the richest cricketer in the world, followed by former India captain MS Dhoni and batting superstar Virat Kohli. Indian players feature prominently on the list, reflecting the commercial scale of cricket in the country.
Top 20 Richest Cricketers in the World in 2026
The following figures are approximate media estimates, not officially declared or audited personal net worth.
Rank | Cricketer | Country | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170 million |
2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127 million |
3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125 million |
4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | $70 million |
5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | $60 million |
6 | Shane Warne | Australia | $50 million |
7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | $48 million |
8 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | $45 million |
9 | Virender Sehwag | India | $40 million |
10 | Shane Watson | Australia | $40 million |
11 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | $35 million |
12 | Yuvraj Singh | India | $35 million |
13 | Steve Smith | Australia | $30 million |
14 | Rohit Sharma | India | $28 million |
15 | David Warner | Australia | $26 million |
16 | Ben Stokes | England | $25 million |
17 | Shikhar Dhawan | India | $24 million |
18 | Sunil Gavaskar | India | $22 million |
19 | Kapil Dev | India | $21 million |
20 | Suresh Raina | India | $20 million |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – $170 Million
Sachin Tendulkar tops many published 2026 richest-cricketer rankings, with an estimated net worth of around $170 million. The former India batter built his wealth through a legendary international career, long-running brand endorsements, business interests and investments. His commercial influence has continued well beyond his retirement from international cricket in 2013.
2. MS Dhoni – $127 Million
MS Dhoni is among the wealthiest figures in cricket, with an estimated net worth of $127 million. His earnings have come from international cricket, the Indian Premier League, endorsements and business ventures. His association with Chennai Super Kings has also kept him commercially relevant after retiring from international cricket.
3. Virat Kohli – $125 Million
Virat Kohli has built a major commercial profile through cricket contracts, IPL earnings, endorsements and business ventures. His associations with fashion, fitness and lifestyle brands have contributed to his estimated $125 million net worth.
4. Ricky Ponting – $70 Million
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has continued to earn through commentary, coaching, media appearances and business interests after an outstanding international playing career.
5. Brian Lara – $60 Million
West Indies batting legend Brian Lara has earned through his cricket career, commercial partnerships, media work and other ventures.
How Do Cricketers Build Their Wealth?
The richest cricketers typically earn money from several sources:
International and domestic cricket contracts.
IPL and other franchise-league salaries.
Brand endorsements and sponsorship agreements.
Business ventures and investments.
Commentary, coaching and media appearances.
Sports academies, property and other assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest cricketer in the world in 2026?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely reported as the richest cricketer in 2026, with an estimated net worth of around $170 million.
Who is the second-richest cricketer in the world?
MS Dhoni is placed second in this ranking, with an estimated net worth of $127 million.
Is Virat Kohli richer than MS Dhoni?
In the estimates used for this list, MS Dhoni is slightly ahead of Virat Kohli. Other published estimates may show different figures.
