Highest paid cricketers: Ever wondered how much top cricketers earn from their national contracts? We break down the massive salaries of stars like Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins, and Joe Root.
Cricket’s Million-Dollar Men: Who Earns the Most from Their Country?
In the World of cricket, players earn huge sums from T20 leagues like the IPL, brand endorsements, and advertisements. But the foundation of their income, and a matter of great pride, is the central contract they receive from their national cricket board. This contract is a reward for their hard work and a sign of their importance to the team.
So, who are the highest-paid cricketers in the world right now based on these national contracts?
Look at the top earners from the biggest cricketing nations.
The Elite Club: More Than Just Match Fees
A central contract is an annual salary that a player receives from their country’s cricket board. Players are usually grouped into different grades or tiers based on their performance, experience, and importance to the team across different formats (Test, ODI, T20). The players in the top grade naturally get the highest salary. This amount is separate from the match fees they earn for every game they play.
Here’s a look at some of the cricket world’s highest earners.
The Indian Powerhouses: A League of Their Own
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the richest cricket board in the world, and it makes sure its top players are well compensated. The BCCI has a Grade A+ category for its most valuable players, who are essential across all three formats of the game.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja: These four pillars of Indian cricket are in the elite Grade A+ category.
They each earn a massive INR 7 crore (approximately $840,000) annually from their central contract. Their consistent performances and leadership roles justify their place at the top of the pyramid.
England’s Main Man: Joe Root
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also revamped its contract system to reward its key players handsomely. Topping their list is the modern-day legend, Joe Root.
Joe Root: As one of the best batsmen in the world, Root has a multi-year contract with the ECB. His earnings from this central contract are estimated to be around £800,000 to £900,000 (approximately $1 million to $1.14 million), making him one of the highest-paid cricketers globally from a national contract. His consistency in Test cricket is the bedrock of England’s batting lineup.
Australia’s Captain Fantastic: Pat Cummins
Cricket Australia (CA) also ensures its top performers are among the best paid in the world. Their leader and one of the best fast bowlers today, Pat Cummins, is at the pinnacle of their pay scale.
Pat Cummins: The Australian Test and ODI captain earns a salary of around AUD 2 million (approximately $1.3 million) from his central contract. This figure can go even higher with captaincy bonuses and match fees. Cummins’ role as a leader and a world-class performer makes him an invaluable asset to the Australian team.
How Do These Contracts Work?
It’s not just a simple salary. These contracts are designed to keep players motivated and focused on playing for their country.
Graded System: Most boards use a graded system. For example, the BCCI has grades A+, A, B, and C. A player’s grade can be upgraded or downgraded based on their performance over the year.
Format Specific: Some boards, like the ECB, have started giving contracts based on the format a player specializes in. A player who only plays Test cricket might have a different contract from someone who plays all three formats.
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Bonuses: On top of the annual salary, players earn bonuses for winning matches, series, and major tournaments like the World Cup. Individual performances, like scoring a century or taking five wickets, also come with financial rewards.
Is It All About the Money?
While the salaries are impressive, for most cricketers, playing for their country is the ultimate dream. The central contract is a symbol of recognition and a source of security that allows them to focus completely on their game. It represents the board’s faith in their ability and their commitment to the national team.
The huge earnings also reflect the commercial success of cricket. The sport has a massive global following, and broadcasters and sponsors are willing to pay billions of dollars for television rights and team sponsorships. A portion of this revenue is then passed on to the players, who are the stars of the show.
The Future of Player Contracts
As cricket continues to evolve, especially with the rise of T20 franchise leagues, national boards are finding new ways to make their contracts more attractive. Multi-year deals, like the one Joe Root has, provide long-term security and show a commitment from both the player and the board.
The financial health of cricket is strong, and as long as the fans keep tuning in, the top players will continue to be rewarded handsomely for their incredible talent and dedication. They are the entertainers, the heroes, and the heart of the game we all love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the highest-paid cricketer from a national contract?
While figures vary slightly, players like Australia’s Pat Cummins and England’s Joe Root are at the very top, with earnings from their central contracts estimated to be over $1 million per year.
How much do Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn from the BCCI?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in the BCCI’s Grade A+ category and earn INR 7 crore (around $840,000) annually from their central contracts. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are also in this top tier.
What is a central contract in cricket?
A central contract is an annual salary paid by a country’s cricket board to its top players. It provides them with financial security and ensures their availability to play for the national team.
Do players get paid for each match they play?
Yes, in addition to their annual central contract salary, players also receive a separate match fee for every Test, ODI, and T20 International they play.
Why are Indian cricketers paid so much?
The BCCI is the wealthiest cricket board in the world due to the massive popularity of cricket in India, which leads to lucrative television rights deals and sponsorship agreements. This allows them to pay their players very well.
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