In the present times, the game of Cricket in many modes is more than a sport in the world. It is life itself for millions of fans around the globe. Cricketers over the years have learned to make money and earn millions from various sources.
Do you remember or know that World Series Cricket (WSC) was a commercial professional cricket competition staged between 1977 and 1979. It was organized by Kerry Packer and his Australian television network-‘Nine Network’. WSC series ran in commercial competition to establish international cricket. It did drastically change the nature of cricket. And, its influence continues to be felt even today, almost after five decades.
In fact, three main factors caused the formation of WSC:
1. A widespread view that players were not paid sufficient amounts to make a living from cricket or reflect their market value; and, 2. That following the development of color television and increased viewer audiences of sports events, the commercial potential of cricket was not being achieved by the established cricket boards; and, 3. Packer wished to secure the exclusive broadcasting rights to Australian cricket, then held by the non-commercial, government-owned Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), to realize and capitalize on the commercial potential of cricket.
After the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) refused to accept Channel Nine’s bid to gain exclusive television rights to Australia’s Test matches in 1976, Packer set up his own series by secretly signing agreements with leading Australian, English, Pakistani, South African and West Indian players. Among them were most notably England captain Tony Greig, West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, Australian captain Greg Chappell, then future Pakistani captain Imran Khan and former Australian captain Ian Chappell. Packer was aided by businessmen John Cornell and Austin Robertson, both of whom were involved with the initial setup and administration of the series.
For this, Australian Captain Ian Chappell summed up the quality of World Series Cricket by saying it was the toughest cricket he ever played (having all the best players in the world involved).
Coming back to the present richest cricketers; it is strange to share that their source of income is not only from playing this game, but player contracts, endorsement deals, sponsorships, commercial advertisements and business ventures play a very important role in the cricketers’ income.
Tournaments including Indian Premier League (IPL); T20 leagues and other have opened doors to unimaginable amounts of revenue for players. This allows them to show their fantastic skills while earning huge sums of money.
With cricketers being the highest-paid sportsmen in today’s world, they enjoy massive fame and have an unparalleled influence. They are ambassadors for multi-national corporations, business investors, and idols for millions of fans around the globe. Their performances on the field and charisma off it have made them widely marketable and successful in more than a few capacities.
Presently, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is the highest-paid cricketer in the world, with estimated earnings of around $36.2 million every year from matches and IPLs. He is an A+ player for the BCCI due to which he brings in a hefty monthly sum. In addition to this, he also earns from several endorsement contracts he has from leading brands such as Puma, Audi, MRF and more.
Here is the list of some of the top highest-paid cricketers in the world as of 2024; take a look at their annual income also:
1. Virat Kohli India $36.2 million
2. Pat Cummins Australia $29.5 million
3. Mitchell Starc Australia $28.7 million
4. Steve Smith Australia $27.4 million
5. David Warner Australia $26.1 million
6. Rohit Sharma India $25.8 million
7. Jos Buttler England $25.2 million
8. Trent Boult New Zealand $24.9 million
9. Jasprit Bumrah India $24.6 million
10. Kane Williamson New Zealand $24.3 million
The earnings of these cricketers demonstrate the sport’s lucrative nature, particularly with the introduction of T20 leagues such as the IPL and global endorsement opportunities. Their financial success reflects their remarkable skills, marketability, and the global popularity of cricket.
Moreover, cricketers are also the “Most-Followed” on Instagram/Social Media. In fact, Cricket has developed into one of the most popular games across the globe, making millions of fans connected and emotional about the sport. In this situation, cricketers are not just a few sports stars, they’re global icons with millions patting on their backs.
Thanks to social media, we can closely know about these exceptional players like never before by witnessing their personal lives, training routines, and special moments off the field. Well, some cricketers have gained massive followings, making them not only legends of the game but also social media sensations. The top 10 most-followed cricketers in the world on social media platforms are:
Virat Kohli (310 M) is a global cricket icon, known for his determination and strong physique encourages millions of people to follow their dreams and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Having led India to numerous triumphs, including the Test Championship final, the former captain has amassed more than 75 international centuries.
Sachin Tendulkar (49.7M) is known as the “God of Cricket,” has made the most runs in cricket history and 100 international centuries. Sachin inspires young people. He also actively promotes sports and engages in charitable endeavors.
MS Dhoni (49.4M): Captain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an example of composure under pressure inspires resilience and leadership in both life and athletics. He is the only captain to win all the Champions Trophy, ODI, and T20 ICC titles. Dhoni exemplifies consistency and leadership.
Rohit Sharma (42.1M)-the hitman of India, is renowned for his explosive batting and has set multiple records, including three ODI double-hundreds. As the current captain of India, he sets an example as a trustworthy cricket player and captain, encouraging consistency and teamwork.
Hardik Pandya (35.9M); With his flashy style and confidence, Hardik inspires his fans to work toward maintaining a healthy balance in their lives and to face challenges head-on. His zeal is evident in the amazing change from the loud noises of his development to his early status as a brilliant all-rounder.
Suresh Raina (27.5M): A major contributor to India’s 2011 World Cup victory, Raina strikes a balance between personal and professional life and is also known for his philanthropy. He is adored for his ability to field and his upbeat outlook.
AB de Villiers (26.2M): “Mr. 360” AB De Villers, a South African cricket player, is renowned for his adaptability and sportsmanship. He is a cricket genius, having multiple records who inspires followers to create and adapt in any discipline.
KL Rahul (21.2M): With his sharp stylish persona, KL Rahul’s social media reflects fitness, travel, and fashion, influencing a modern lifestyle. As a top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, he has proved his value in all formats.
Yuvraj Singh (20.3M): He is a cancer survivor, inspires millions with his story of resilience and determination. He encourages courage and determination and is well-known for hitting six sixes in a single over during the 2007 T20 World Cup. Yuvraj also raises charity and spreads awareness about cancer as well.
Shikhar Dhawan (18.7M): Fondly nicknamed as the “Gabbar”, he has this amazing persona that makes life enjoyable to him. He constantly goes about inspiring one to savor each moment of life with a smile.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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