Indian cricketers are among the world’s highest-paid athletes, thanks to the financial juggernaut that is the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the lucrative retainership agreements offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
These dual income streams, IPL contracts and BCCI central contracts, create a unique financial ecosystem where top players amass significant wealth, reflecting their on-field prowess and marketability,
The BCCI central contracts for 2024-25 categorize players into four grades (A+, A, B, and C), with annual salaries ranging from INR 7 crore for Grade A+ to INR 1 crore for Grade C. Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah, saw record-breaking bids, with franchises splurging on star players, pushing total earnings to unprecedented heights.
Below is an article on the top highest-earning Indian cricketers for 2025, based on combined IPL salaries and BCCI contracts.
Top 5 Highest-Earning Indian Cricketers for 2025
- Rishabh Pant (INR 32 crore)
Rishabh Pant tops the list as the most expensive Indian player in IPL history, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) securing him for a record INR 27 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. His Grade A BCCI contract adds INR 5 crore, bringing his total to a staggering INR 32 crore.
Pant’s remarkable comeback after a life-threatening car accident in 2022, combined with his explosive batting and wicket-keeping, has cemented his status as a cricketing superstar.
- Shreyas Iyer (INR 29.75 crore)
Shreyas Iyer’s blockbuster INR 26.75 crore deal with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025 catapults him to second place after he received an INR 3 crore Grade B BCCI contract.
After being dropped from the BCCI contracts last season, Iyer’s redemption through stellar domestic and international performances, including key contributions in the Champions Trophy 2025, has boosted his market value. His leadership skills make him a prized asset.
- Virat Kohli (INR 28 crore)
Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing icon, remains a financial powerhouse with a combined earning of INR 28 crore. Retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 21 crore, Kohli’s on-field consistency and global brand value are unmatched. His Grade A+ BCCI contract, worth INR 7 crore, reflects his pivotal role across formats, despite retiring from T20Is.
Also read: From Shardul Thakur to Avesh Khan - Players whose BCCI central contract got snubbed
- Jasprit Bumrah (INR 25 crore)
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, combines an INR 18 crore IPL 2025 contract with Mumbai Indians (MI) and an INR 7 crore Grade A+ BCCI contract, totaling INR 25 crore. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations across formats makes him indispensable. Bumrah’s match-winning performances have kept him at the forefront of Indian cricket’s financial elite.
- Ravindra Jadeja (INR 25 crore)
Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile all-rounder, earns a combined INR 25 crore, with INR 18 crore from his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retention and INR 7 crore from his Grade A+ BCCI contract. His value as a left-arm spinner, lower-order batter and electric fielder, coupled with iconic performances like the IPL 2023 final heroics, justifies his massive paycheck.
Beyond the top earners, several Indian cricketers are making significant financial strides in 2025. Venkatesh Iyer (INR 23.75 crore), Rohit Sharma (INR 23.30 crore), Shubman Gill (INR 21.50 crore), Hardik Pandya (INR 21.35 crore), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (INR 21 crore) are the other notable names in this list, driven by high-value IPL 2025 contracts and BCCI central contracts.
Also read: BCCI Announces New Player Contract List, 34 Players Make The Cut
