Indian cricket has seen a significant transformation in terms of financial rewards for its players, particularly in the modern era where endorsements, match fees, and contracts contribute to a cricketer’s wealth. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plays a crucial role in this process by paying cricketers a substantial salary, both for domestic and international matches.
This article takes a detailed look at the salary structure of Indian cricketers, how much they earn per match, and other financial aspects of their careers, including player contracts, endorsements, and additional sources of income.
The Structure of BCCI Contracts
The BCCI offers a pay structure for Indian cricketers that includes salaries based on their contract status, which is typically divided into four categories—A+, A, B, and C. Each category corresponds to a player’s experience, performance, and stature in international cricket. These salaries are designed to reward both active players and those who may not feature in all formats regularly but still play a role in Indian cricket.
Breakdown of Player Categories
| Category | Annual Salary | Match Fees (Test, ODI, T20I) | Annual Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | ₹7 crore | ₹15 lakh (Test), ₹6 lakh (ODI), ₹3 lakh (T20I) | Bonus varies based on performance |
| A | ₹5 crore | ₹15 lakh (Test), ₹6 lakh (ODI), ₹3 lakh (T20I) | Bonus varies based on performance |
| B | ₹3 crore | ₹15 lakh (Test), ₹6 lakh (ODI), ₹3 lakh (T20I) | Bonus varies based on performance |
| C | ₹1 crore | ₹15 lakh (Test), ₹6 lakh (ODI), ₹3 lakh (T20I) | Bonus varies based on performance |
Player Categories Explained
- A+ Category: The top tier reserved for India’s most established cricketers, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. These players receive the highest annual salary and substantial match fees.
- A Category: Cricketers who are regular members of the national squad but not at the highest tier. Players like Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane have typically been in this category.
- B Category: These players may be part of the national team or be in the squad for specific tours or series. Players like Kedar Jadhav or Umesh Yadav may fall into this category.
- C Category: The most junior or occasional players, typically including emerging talent or those who feature in limited tours. Players like Shardul Thakur and Hanuma Vihari have been categorized under this tier.
How Much Do Indian Cricketers Earn Per Match?
While the BCCI contract forms the bulk of their salary, cricketers also receive match fees, which are paid per format (Test, One-Day International, and T20 International). Below is a detailed look at how much Indian cricketers earn for each format:
Match Fees for International Cricket
| Format | Test Match Fee | ODI Match Fee | T20I Match Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ Category | ₹15 lakh | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
| A Category | ₹15 lakh | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
| B Category | ₹15 lakh | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
| C Category | ₹15 lakh | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
Total Earnings Per Series for Indian Cricketers
The earnings per series depend on how many matches a cricketer plays in each format. Let’s assume the following typical scenarios for a series:
- Test Series: 3 to 5 matches
- ODI Series: 3 to 5 matches
- T20I Series: 3 to 5 matches
Here’s an estimate of how much an Indian cricketer could make from a series, depending on the format and their contract category.
| Format | Test Series Earnings (5 Matches) | ODI Series Earnings (5 Matches) | T20I Series Earnings (5 Matches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ Category | ₹75 lakh | ₹30 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
| A Category | ₹75 lakh | ₹30 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
| B Category | ₹75 lakh | ₹30 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
| C Category | ₹75 lakh | ₹30 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
Example of Earnings Per Series
- Test Series (5 matches): ₹75 lakh (₹15 lakh per match × 5 matches)
- ODI Series (5 matches): ₹30 lakh (₹6 lakh per match × 5 matches)
- T20I Series (5 matches): ₹15 lakh (₹3 lakh per match × 5 matches)
Thus, for a cricketer in the A+ Category, playing three different formats in a year could potentially yield around ₹1.2 crore from match fees alone.
Endorsements and Other Sources of Income
While match fees form the foundation of a cricketer’s income, the endorsement deals and commercial contracts significantly elevate their financial standing. Indian cricketers are some of the highest-paid athletes globally due to these lucrative deals. Let’s take a look at the endorsement earnings:
Major Endorsement Deals for Top Indian Cricketers
| Cricketer | Estimated Annual Endorsement Earnings |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | ₹150-200 crore |
| Rohit Sharma | ₹50-75 crore |
| MS Dhoni | ₹50-60 crore |
| KL Rahul | ₹25-35 crore |
| Shikhar Dhawan | ₹20-25 crore |
Other Sources of Income
- IPL Contracts: Cricketers earn substantial money from their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The highest-paid IPL cricketers can earn upwards of ₹15-20 crore per season.
- Public Appearances and Media Deals: Cricketers make additional income from public speaking engagements, media appearances, and other promotional activities.
- Business Ventures: Many Indian cricketers also engage in business ventures, including fashion lines, sports academies, and endorsements with various brands.
For instance, MS Dhoni has amassed wealth from his ventures such as his brand Seven, his team Chennaiyin FC (in the Indian Super League), and numerous endorsements.
Impact of IPL on Cricketer Salaries
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the salary structure of Indian cricketers. Players are paid substantial sums for playing in the IPL, which typically runs for 2 months every year. Here’s a breakdown of earnings for Indian cricketers from IPL:
IPL Salary Breakdown for Top Indian Cricketers
| Player | IPL Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | ₹15 crore |
| Rohit Sharma | ₹15 crore |
| MS Dhoni | ₹12 crore |
| KL Rahul | ₹11 crore |
| Shikhar Dhawan | ₹8 crore |
Conclusion: The Financial Landscape for Indian Cricketers
The salary structure of Indian cricketers has evolved significantly over the years. With BCCI contracts, match fees, and endorsements, India’s top cricketers are among the highest-paid athletes in the world. Here’s a recap of how much Indian cricketers earn:
- BCCI Contracts: The salaries range from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore annually, depending on the category (A+, A, B, C).
- Match Fees: Cricketers earn ₹15 lakh for Test matches, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20Is.
- Endorsements: Top cricketers like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni earn substantial income from brand endorsements, running into hundreds of crores annually.
- IPL Earnings: Top cricketers can earn up to ₹15-20 crore per season, depending on their performances and the contracts with their respective franchises.
Together, these income streams ensure that Indian cricketers live a life of financial comfort and success, and their increasing commercial value continues to reflect in their earnings both on and off the field.
