The richest cricketer in the world in 2026 remains Sachin Tendulkar, and his financial position stands above every other cricketing figure because he has an on-field legacy with wide-ranging business interests. The ranking reflects verified brand contracts, franchise associations, investment activity, property ownership, and post-retirement earnings. The purpose of this article is to present a clear and direct profile of each player’s net worth with structured breakdowns that help the fans know about them.
Before exploring the profile, recognise that modern cricket income expands through leagues, personal branding, digital presence and ownership stakes. Some players earned more after retirement than they did during their careers. The list below brings together these factors to rank the top 10 richest cricketers in the world accurately.
Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World 2026 – Sachin Tendulkar Leads With $170 Million
| Rank | Cricketer | Estimated Net Worth (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | $170 Million |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | $135 Million |
| 3 | MS Dhoni | $130 Million |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | $75 Million |
| 5 | Ricky Ponting | $75 Million |
| 6 | Jacques Kallis | $48 Million |
| 7 | Virender Sehwag | $45 Million |
| 8 | Yuvraj Singh | $40 Million |
| 9 | Steve Smith | $30 Million |
| 10 | AB de Villiers | $25 Million |
#1 Sachin Tendulkar – Net Worth: Approximately $170 million
Sachin Tendulkar remains the richest cricketer in the world, and he holds the top financial position because he has built decades of commercial trust. His net worth sits at $170 million, and he earns this through lifetime endorsement partnerships, profit shares in sports ventures, restaurant ownerships, real estate holdings, and a long-standing brand presence.
Premium companies continue working with him because he represents credibility and longevity rather than trend-based appeal. He places his wealth into technology and sports startups to keep it stable. The Master Blaster also earns from match-associated events, documentaries, and ambassador roles connected with global tournaments. His identity carries heritage and sentiment, and this keeps his commercial value strong every year.
#2 Virat Kohli – Net Worth: Approximately $135 million
Virat Kohli maintains widespread recognition and a strong digital footprint, and this supports a net worth of about $135 million. His partnerships span beverages, sportswear, lifestyle products, and personal fitness brands. He owns a clothing line that adds independent income, and his joint investments in sports teams and gym chains continue to expand his earnings.
Kohli’s performances build a large and loyal fan community that continues to consume his branded material, from merchandise to sponsored content. Companies keep his endorsement rates high because his energy and athletic image connect strongly with younger audiences.
#3 MS Dhoni – Net Worth: Approximately $130 Million
MS Dhoni stands near Kohli financially with a net worth of $130 million. His reserved and thoughtful personality helps him maintain long-running endorsement partnerships across energy drinks, insurance, motorcycles, and sports gear. Dhoni signs profitable deals as a franchise star and continues to appear in promotion campaigns tied to cricketing moments.
He runs farming-related businesses, lifestyle products, and ownership shares in sports teams. His calm image and leadership memory keep his financial presence steady in national and league competitions.
#4 Rohit Sharma – Net Worth: Approximately $75 Million
Rohit Sharma’s net worth stands around $75 million, and his financial growth rises consistently because his captaincy achievements have extended his influence. The former Indian captain’s partnerships include sports gear, consumer technology, beverages, and educational training programs.
He earns income from international match fees, cricket board contracts, and top-tier T20 league earnings. He increased his business interests in recent years by backing fitness ventures and digital engagement platforms. Rohit’s polished and reassuring public personality strengthens his brand reliability, and this supports his future earning potential as well.
5. Ricky Ponting – Net Worth: Approximately $75 Million
The former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, has a net worth of nearly $75 million, and he earns through coaching contracts, commentary positions, ambassadorial work, and investment involvement. He receives a consistent income from his tactical role in franchise cricket, where his leadership experience carries practical value.
Ponting works as a cricket analyst and consultant for broadcast networks, and this adds stability to his finances. His business interests include sports academies and hospitality ventures, and these ventures build long-term income instead of short-term payouts.
#6 Jacques Kallis – Net Worth: Approximately $48 million
Jacques Kallis holds a net worth estimated at $48 million. He developed his financial position through national contracts, international league participation, long-term endorsement partnerships, and structured coaching roles.
He runs his cricket academy and consulting work to ensure a steady income, and his career has strengthened his value. Companies continue involving him in promotional work because his image is too tough to ignore.
#7 Virender Sehwag – Net Worth: Approximately $45 million
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag holds a net worth of around $45 million. He took a different route after retirement and shifted heavily into commentary, digital humour, social media communication, and motivational appearances.
Sehwag collaborates with food brands, online fantasy platforms, and education charities. His cricket schools and speaking events provide consistent earnings. Sehwag has built his public presence through simplicity and directness. The former Indian opener still works in the commentary panel, and that has helped him connect with wider everyday audiences.
#8 Yuvraj Singh – Net Worth: Approximately $40 Million
Yuvraj Singh has a net worth near $40 million, and he supports this through investments in modern startups and lifestyle-oriented brands. His foundation work stats active and well-recognised, and this adds emotional strength to his personal brand.
The southpaw’s major tournament wins continue to resonate strongly with fans, and his endorsement work benefits from a genuine connection instead of performance-based visibility. He appears in public events, speaking forums, wellness collaborations, and selective television features.
#9 Steve Smith – Net Worth: Approximately $30 Million
Steve Smith holds a net worth of around $30 million, and he has built this through international cricket contracts, franchise league offers, brand deals, and property investments. The Aussie great remains active in Test cricket and has also been part of major tournament wins. He maintains a steady endorsement network in sports gear and training-linked products.
His batting technique attracts attention from developing players, and this positions him well to open academies or mentorship programs later in his career.
#10 AB de Villiers – Net Worth: Approximately $25 million
AB de Villiers holds a net worth of around $25 million, and his income continues through franchise league engagements, ambassador roles, coaching programs, and digital media presence. After retiring from international cricket, he remained active in T20 leagues, which extended his commercial visibility across multiple cricket markets.
He works with leading sports brands and lifestyle companies, and his batting reputation keeps him relatable across younger and older fans. The former Proteas captain’s involvement in mentorship projects and cricket training content adds additional income, and his online presence stays strong because supporters connect with de Villiers’ friendly personality and iconic playing style.
Final Take:
Here are the top 10 richest cricketers in the world, and Sachin Tendulkar holds the position of the richest cricketer in the world in 2026 because he made sound long-term financial decisions and sustained his legacy with consistency. Each player in this list shows how cricketing success continues beyond matches through identity, trust and stable investment.
Which current player do you think could rise to the top in the future? Share your view and discuss how career choices might reshape the rankings.
