If you are a cricket lover, you might be curious about the salary of the new Aussie test captain Pat Cummins stacks up against his teammates, especially after someone leaked Cricket Australia’s internal rankings earlier this year.
Additionally, you might think that the test captain of the Australian national team would be a shoo-in for a position in the list of the top 10 highest-paid cricketers.
However, despite earning almost half a million dollars more than his top-ranked teammate Josh Hazlewood, Cummins’ $2 million salary still sees him miss out on it. Indeed, even with his $200k bonus as captain and playing in the Indian Premier League, Australian cricket paychecks still fall short compared to those of international competitors.
A recent release by Its Only Cricket shows that many of the highest-paid players in the sport currently are successful participants of the IPL or other T20 competitions around the world. However, a couple of names might surprise you. But they feature because cricket values consistency over star power, unlike other sports’ rich lists.
So who are the top ten highest-paid cricketers in the game currently? Here is the list (based on 2022 income).
10. Kane Williamson – New Zealand
Kane Williamson is a well-known New Zealand cricketer who has made a lasting impression on the sport. He is currently considered one of the ‘Fab Four’ batsmen in men’s cricket, captivating fans worldwide with his graceful stroke play, exceptional technique, and exceptional leadership skills.
Williamson started playing cricket at a young age and showed immense talent and promise. He made his international debut for New Zealand at just 20 years old, quickly establishing himself as a prolific batsman with a solid technique and the ability to construct innings with immense patience and precision.
Throughout his career, Williamson has demonstrated remarkable consistency, scoring runs in all formats of the game. His unwavering focus, mental strength, and ability to adapt to different conditions have earned him admiration and respect from teammates and opponents.
As captain, Williamson has led the New Zealand cricket team to unprecedented success, achieving historic milestones such as reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup finals in 2019. His calm demeanour, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire his teammates have made him an exceptional leader, beloved by fans and fellow cricketers.
Off the field, Williamson is known for his humility, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport. He embodies the true spirit of the game, always conducting himself with grace and dignity. His ability to handle pressure situations with composure and his genuine respect for the sport have endeared him to fans worldwide.
Over the years, Williamson has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performances. He was ranked as the number one batsman in test cricket in 2020 and has received the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal multiple times, recognising him as the best New Zealand cricketer of the year.
Beyond his individual achievements, Williamson has played a crucial role in the resurgence of New Zealand cricket on the global stage. His leadership and contribution to the team have propelled them to new heights and cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
Monthly salary: $37k
Net worth: $10 million
9. Kieron Pollard – West Indies
Kieron Pollard is a dynamic Trinidadian-born cricketer known for his explosive batting, athletic fielding, and effective bowling. Over the years, he has significantly impacted the game of cricket with his powerful style of play and charisma.
Pollard first gained attention for his hard-hitting strokeplay and ability to easily clear the boundaries, making his ODI debut against South Africa in 2007, just shy of his 20th birthday.
Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, he possesses immense strength and the capability to strike the ball with sheer power. His ability to launch towering sixes and score quick runs has made him a feared batsman in the limited-overs formats, especially in T20 cricket.
Besides his batting prowess, Pollard showcases his versatility by contributing with both bat and ball. He is a valuable medium-pace bowler who can break partnerships and provide crucial breakthroughs. His athleticism and agility on the field have also resulted in numerous remarkable catches and vital run-outs.
Pollard has enjoyed success in various domestic T20 leagues worldwide, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has represented the Mumbai Indians in the IPL for over a decade, where he has played a pivotal role in leading the team to multiple championship victories, showcasing his leadership skills and tactical understanding.
Although he has never played test cricket for the West Indies, he has significantly contributed to the team’s success in the shorter game formats. He has been part of the West Indies squad that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, playing crucial match-winning innings and displaying his ability to perform under pressure.
Monthly salary: $47k
Net worth: $15 million
8. Temba Bavuma – South Africa
It may surprise you to see Temba Bavuma coming in at number eight. However, there is no doubt this talented Cape Town-born cricketer has significantly impacted the South African cricket scene.
Known for his elegant batting style, solid technique, and exceptional fielding abilities, the diminutive 5 foot 3 cricketer is a key player for the national team.
Bavuma’s journey in cricket began at a young age, showcasing his natural talent and passion for the game. He made his international debut for South Africa in 2014, becoming the first black African cricketer to score a century for the country. This historic achievement not only marked a significant milestone for Bavuma personally but also highlighted the strides being made in diversifying South
African cricket.
As a batsman, Bavuma is known for his compact technique, patience, and ability to anchor an innings. He has displayed a remarkable ability to adapt to different conditions and formats of the game, making valuable contributions to the team’s batting lineup. Bavuma’s ability to counter-attack and play aggressive shots when required has added a dynamic dimension to his batting repertoire.
In addition to his batting prowess, Bavuma is an exceptional fielder, renowned for his quick reflexes and agility. He has taken stunning catches in the outfield and has been a vital presence in the slip cordon. His commitment to excellence on the field has earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.
Off the field, Bavuma is seen as a humble and composed individual, known for his calm demeanour and sportsmanship. He has inspired aspiring cricketers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, as he has shattered barriers and shown that talent knows no boundaries.
Monthly salary: $70k
Net worth: $2.3 million
7. Kraigg Brathwaite – West Indies
Kraigg Brathwaite seems to have been around for years. Yet he is still only 30 years old. Born in Barbados, the West Indies’ current test match captain rose to prominence in 2008, when at the tender age of just 16, he scored an impressive 73 for Barbados on his first-class debut.
Known for his resolute batting technique, strong defence, and ability to occupy the crease for long periods, Brathwaite has established himself as the cornerstone of the Windies’ top order.
Brathwaite made his international debut for the West Indies in 2011 at 18, becoming the youngest West Indian to score a century on debut.
An outstanding player of spin bowling, he is known for his ability to grind out an innings in challenging conditions. So far, he has scored over 5300 test runs and has a highest score of 212 against Bangladesh.
Monthly salary: $80k
Net worth: $9 million
6. Aaron Finch – Australia
It might surprise you to discover that Aaron Finch is the only Aussie on this list.
The likeable Victorian is an accomplished cricketer who has left a lasting mark on Australian cricket. Now in the twilight of his career, he is known for his aggressive batting style, powerful hitting, and exceptional leadership skills.
Finch made his international debut for Australia in 2011 and, until his recent retirement, had been a consistent presence at the top of the order in limited-overs cricket.
Best known for his explosive stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset, his aggressive batting style has earned him the reputation of being one of the most destructive batsmen
in the world.
Finch’s achievements in limited-overs cricket include several record-breaking performances. He holds the record for the highest individual score in a T20 International, with a breathtaking innings of 172 runs against Zimbabwe in 2018. Additionally, he has been instrumental in Australia’s success in ICC tournaments, including winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
Beyond his batting exploits, Finch has also showcased his leadership abilities on numerous occasions. He has captained the Australian team in limited-overs cricket, leading them to success in various bilateral series and tournaments. His astute tactical acumen, calm under pressure, and ability to foster team unity earned him respect as a captain and a role model for his teammates.
Monthly salary: $150k
Net worth: $5.5 million
5. Rohit Sharma – India
India’s present test match captain, Rohit Sharma, comes in at number five.
One of the country’s most iconic figures, he has an elegant batting style, exquisite stroke play, and the ability to score big hundreds – making him one of cricket’s most prolific run-scorers.
Sharma has enjoyed a long and successful career, making his international debut for India in 2007. As a batsman, he boasts exceptional timing, impeccable technique, and the ability to play shots all around the ground. He possesses a wide range of strokes and is a high-percentage boundary hitter.
Sharma’s achievements in limited-overs cricket are numerous. He holds the record for the highest individual score in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with a phenomenal 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. He is also the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition bowling attacks.
Furthermore, Sharma has played a vital role in India’s success in ICC tournaments. He has been a critical member of the teams that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver on the big stage has made him a crucial asset for the Indian team.
Beyond his batting prowess, Sharma is a dedicated and hardworking cricketer. He also has humility and a down-to-earth nature that has earned him admiration from fans and fellow professionals.
Monthly salary: $170k
Net worth: $25 million
4. Eoin Morgan – England
English cricket fans will tell you that Eoin Morgan is worth his weight in gold.
Morgan’s cricketing journey began in Ireland, where he represented the national team before making his way to England. He made his international debut for England in 2009 and quickly caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity with his aggressive batting and innovative stroke play.
His attacking style and composure under pressure have earned him a reputation as one of the most destructive batters in limited-overs cricket. His ability to improvise and play unconventional shots was awe-inspiring as a batsman. He also possessed a wide array of strokes, including the ability to score all around the ground and clear boundaries effortlessly.
However, Morgan’s best contribution to English cricket is undoubtedly his leadership of the limited-overs teams. He was appointed the One-Day International (ODI) team captain in 2014 and led the team to unprecedented success. Under his captaincy, England won their first-ever Cricket World Cup in 2019, a historic achievement that captivated the nation. Morgan’s calm and tactical approach to leadership and his emphasis on aggressive and fearless cricket transformed the team into a formidable force in white-ball cricket.
In addition to his international exploits, Morgan has had a successful career in domestic T20 leagues worldwide. He has represented various teams, including the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has consistently impressed with his performances.
Monthly salary: $320k
Net worth: $15 million
3. Joe Root – England
He might not want to bat at three for England, but Joe Root comes in at that number on this list.
Arguably the pillar of the English cricket team, Root holds the records for most Test matches played as England test match captain (64), as well as most wins as captain (27) and losses (26). Additionally, he was included in England’s greatest all-time Test XI, as compiled by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2018 to commemorate the country’s 1,000th Test match.
Root also played a pivotal role in England’s victory at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was the team’s top run-scorer. His outstanding performances have earned him the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award and the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World title for 2021. In June 2022, Root joined the ranks of only 14 batters to score 10,000 Test runs, and he is only the second Englishman to achieve this feat.
Root debuted for England at age 21 in India, scoring an impressive 73 in his first knock. His batting is characterised by a sound technique, flawless timing, and remarkable consistency, possessing a wide range of strokes and exceptional adaptability to different playing conditions.
Perhaps most notably, in his 100th Test match, Root scored a double century.
Monthly salary: $400k
Net worth: $3.3 million
2. Dean Elgar – South Africa
Dean Elgar’s name might surprise many on this list, especially as he doesn’t play in the IPL and is generally not picked in other T20 leagues.
However, as the current captain and a 10-year veteran of the South African cricket team, his salary is sufficient to warrant inclusion at number two.
The backbone of the South African batting line-up, the gritty and tenacious opener is renowned for his ability to dig deep in challenging conditions. He is adept at occupying the crease for long periods and wearing down opposition bowlers with his discipline and solid defensive technique.
The only South African opener to carry his bat twice, his top score in test cricket is 199.
Monthly salary: $440k
Net worth: $40 million
1. Virat Kohli – India
Virat Kohli is a cricketing phenomenon. So seeing him take out the top spot as world cricket’s highest earner shouldn’t be surprising.
Kohli’s achievements in international cricket are staggering. He holds numerous records, including the fastest century in One-Day Internationals and the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in that format. He has also achieved the rare feat of scoring 20,000 international runs in the shortest span of time. Kohli’s consistency in scoring runs has earned him widespread acclaim and established him as a modern-day batting legend.
Known for his exceptional batting skills, incredible consistency, and fierce competitiveness, Kohli is championed as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, if not all time.
After making his international debut for India in 2008, he quickly rose through the ranks to become captain in all three formats of the game.
His immaculate technique, flawless timing, and ability to score runs across all conditions are legendary. He also possesses a wide range of strokes and an incredible hunger for big scores – his highest test score is 254.
Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and perform under pressure has also earned him the reputation of being a master of run-chases. Additionally, he is also an outstanding fielder and possesses excellent leadership abilities.
Notably, too, ‘King Kohli’ is the only cricketer in the list of the Top 100 highest-paid athletes for 2022, coming in at 61. Thanks mainly to the $31 million in endorsement deals he has managed to secure.
Monthly salary: $690k
Net worth: $140 million