Cricket isn’t just a sport in India – it’s a passion that runs through the veins of millions!
As the game keeps getting bigger and better, you might be wondering about how much our cricket heroes earn.
Well, you’re in for a treat because today, we’re going to break down everything about the salary of Indian cricket players in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Think about it – every time you watch a cricket match on TV, billions of rupees are flowing through the system.
The BCCI (that’s the Board of Control for Cricket in India) is now one of the richest cricket boards in the world.
Thanks to huge TV deals and digital rights, our cricket players are earning more than ever before!
Salary Of Indian Cricket Players
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how much Indian cricketers make, from their basic salary to match fees and even those exciting bonus payments for winning matches.
Whether you’re a cricket fan, a curious student, or just someone who wants to know more about the business side of cricket, this guide is perfect for you!
Top income sources of Indian Cricketers
Let’s break down how our cricket stars make their money. It’s not just about playing matches – there are several ways they earn their income.
Main Sources of Income:
- 📄 BCCI Central Contract
- 🏏 Match fees from all formats
- 🏆 Man of the Match rewards
- 🌟 Man of the Series bonuses
- 📺 Brand endorsements
Important Note: These earnings are separate from IPL contracts, which can add many more crores to a player’s yearly income!
Let’s look at this in a simple table:
Income Source | Description | Frequency |
---|---|---|
BCCI Contract | Yearly base salary | Paid annually |
Match Fees | Payment per game played | Per match |
Performance Bonuses | Special rewards | Based on achievement |
Brand Deals | Advertisement earnings | Varies by contract |
Types of BCCI Central Contract
The BCCI has created a smart system to pay players based on their importance to the team and how often they play. Think of it like grades in school – from A+ to C!
Grade A Plus Contract:
- 💰 Yearly Salary: 7 Crore INR
- 🌟 Current Players:
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A Contract:
- 💰 Yearly Salary: 5 Crore INR
- 🌟 Players Include:
- Ravi Ashwin
- Mohammad Siraj
- Shubhman Gill
- Mohammad Shami
- KL Rahul
- Hardik Pandya
Grade B Contract:
- 💰 Yearly Salary: 3 Crore INR
- 🌟 Notable Players:
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
- Rishab Pant
Grade C Contract:
- 💰 Yearly Salary: 1 Crore INR
- 👥 Includes 15 emerging players like:
- Rinku Singh
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shardul Thakur
- And many more promising talents
Indian Cricketers Salary In ODI Format
Let’s talk about how much players earn in One Day Internationals (ODIs). You might have heard rumors about crores per match – but here’s the real story!
Actual ODI Match Fees:
- 🏏 Playing XI Members: 6 Lakhs INR per match
- 🪑 Bench Players: 3 Lakhs INR per match
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Player Status | Match Fee | Notes |
---|---|---|
In Playing XI | 6 Lakhs INR | Full match fee |
On Bench | 3 Lakhs INR | Half of the playing fee |
Salary of Indian Cricketers in Test Match
Test cricket is the longest and most challenging format of the game. It’s like running a marathon compared to a sprint! That’s why players earn more for Test matches.
Test Match Earnings:
- 🏏 Playing XI: 15 Lakhs INR per match
- 🪑 Reserve Players: 7.5 Lakhs INR per match
Why Higher Pay for Tests?
- ⏰ Five days of intense cricket
- 🌞 Long hours in the sun
- 💪 Requires exceptional fitness
- 🧠 Tests mental strength
- 🎯 Demands high skill levels
Indian Cricket Players Salary In T20I
T20 matches are quick and exciting, but they come with the lowest match fees among all formats. Here’s what players earn in T20 Internationals:
T20I Payment Structure:
- 🏏 Playing XI: 3 Lakhs INR per match
- 🪑 Bench Players: 1.5 Lakhs INR per match
Compare all formats:
Format | Playing XI Fee | Bench Fee |
---|---|---|
Test | 15 Lakhs | 7.5 Lakhs |
ODI | 6 Lakhs | 3 Lakhs |
T20I | 3 Lakhs | 1.5 Lakhs |
Annual Salary Of Indian Cricketers
Let’s look at what some of our biggest cricket stars earn annually from BCCI contracts and match fees combined:
Virat Kohli:
- 💰 Annual Earnings: ~8 Crore INR
- 📊 Includes:
- Grade A+ contract
- Match fees from all formats
- Performance bonuses
Rohit Sharma:
- 💰 Annual Earnings: ~8.2 Crore INR
- 🎯 Highlights:
- Test captain
- Grade A+ contract
- Regular in all formats
Jasprit Bumrah:
- 💰 Annual Earnings: ~7.8 Crore INR
- 🎯 Key Points:
- Premier fast bowler
- Grade A+ contract
- Crucial player in all formats
FAQs
- Q: Do Indian cricketers get paid monthly?
A: No, the central contract amount is paid annually, while match fees are paid after each series.
- Q: Which format pays the most per match?
A: Test cricket offers the highest match fee at 15 Lakhs INR per match for playing XI members.
- Q: Do women cricketers get the same salary?
A: No, currently there’s a significant difference in pay scales between men’s and women’s cricket, though efforts are being made to reduce this gap.
- Q: Is IPL salary included in the BCCI contract?
A: No, IPL salaries are completely separate from BCCI contracts and match fees.
- Q: How can a young cricketer get a BCCI contract?
A: Players need to consistently perform well in domestic cricket and play a minimum number of international matches to be eligible for different contract grades.
Conclusion:
Indian cricket has come a long way in terms of player compensation. The current salary structure ensures that our cricketers are well-paid and can focus entirely on their game.
From the prestigious Grade A+ contracts worth 7 crores to the encouraging Grade C contracts for emerging players, the system supports cricketers at various stages of their careers.
The different match fees for various formats recognize the unique challenges each format presents, with Test cricket commanding the highest respect and compensation.
This structure helps maintain the dignity of all formats while ensuring players remain motivated to excel in each.
Remember, these earnings represent just the official BCCI payments – many players earn significantly more through IPL contracts and brand endorsements.
As cricket continues to grow in popularity, we can expect these numbers to rise further, making cricket not just a passionate pursuit but also a lucrative career option for talented young athletes in India.
For aspiring cricketers, this information shows that with dedication, skill, and consistent performance, cricket can be both a fulfilling passion and a well-paying profession.
The key is to focus on performance and let the rewards follow naturally!