Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stands as the wealthiest cricket organization globally. Consequently, the remuneration and financial rewards bestowed upon Indian cricketers by the BCCI annually are substantial. A cricketer from India who actively participates in all three formats or consistently features in the national team commands a significant income. In a recent development, the BCCI has classified 26 players and granted them central contracts, categorized into four distinct grades.
The following outlines the salaries of all 26 Indian cricketers who hold central contracts for the year 2023
26. KS Bharat (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat is part of the considerations for the Indian Test side. Holding a Grade C category central contract, he receives an annual remuneration of INR 1 crore from the BCCI. In addition to this, Bharat earns 15 lacs for each Test match he plays as a match fee. Furthermore, he is a member of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and receives a salary of INR 1.2 crore per season.
25. Arshdeep Singh (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh earned his spot in the Indian team through impressive displays in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and capitalized on the opportunity. Demonstrating consistent performance, he emerged as a crucial component of the Indian bowling attack in the white-ball format. Arshdeep holds a Grade C central contract, receiving an annual stipend of INR 1 crore. Additionally, he earns match fees of 6 lacs and 3 lacs for ODIs and T20Is, respectively. Notably, Arshdeep is also a part of the Punjab Kings in the IPL, commanding a salary of INR 4 crore per season.
24. Sanju Samson (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Despite limited playing opportunities in cricket, Sanju Samson boasts a significant fan base in India. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a part of the Indian white-ball squad for a couple of years, although he hasn’t been extensively featured. Sanju Samson retains his Grade C status with the BCCI, earning an annual sum of INR 1 crore. Having participated in 12 ODIs and 17 T20Is, he receives match fees of Rs. 6 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs for ODIs and T20Is, respectively. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Samson commands a substantial salary of INR 14 crore per season as a member of the Rajasthan Royals.
23. Washington Sundar (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Washington Sundar, a spin bowling all-rounder, holds a Grade C categorization within the BCCI. Despite grappling with injuries, Sundar has remained in consideration for ODIs and T20Is. In addition to his central contract with an annual value of INR 1 crore, he receives match fees of Rs. 6 lakhs for ODIs and Rs. 3 lakhs for T20Is. As a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sundar is compensated with INR 8.75 crore per season by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
22. Kuldeep Yadav (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Kuldeep Yadav, an Indian cricketer, holds a Grade C central contract with a stipend of INR 1 crore. He plays a crucial role in the white-ball format and has showcased his skills in Test cricket as well. Throughout his career, Kuldeep has participated in eight Tests, 83 ODIs, and 28 T20Is. His match fees include Rs. 15 lakhs for Tests, Rs. 6 lakhs for ODIs, and Rs. 3 lakhs for T20Is. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kuldeep receives a salary of INR 2 crore per season from the Delhi Capitals.
21. Yuzvendra Chahal (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Yuzvendra Chahal is a prominent figure within the Grade C category. Despite not having played any Test cricket to date, he stands out as one of the preferred spinners in the white-ball format. In addition to his annual contract fee, Chahal receives payment per match for his appearances in ODIs and T20Is. Furthermore, he is a member of the Rajasthan Royals team, earning a per-season fee of INR 6.5 crore.
20. Deepak Hooda (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Deepak Hooda is another noteworthy figure within the Grade C category. Recently, he was regarded as India’s new No. 3 batter, and he continues to be a part of the white-ball set-up. Hooda has accumulated experience by playing in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is to date. In addition to his earnings from the BCCI, he receives a substantial amount of INR 5.75 crore per season as a member of the Lucknow Super Giants.
19. Ishan Kishan (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Ishan Kishan, the cricketer who achieved the fastest ODI double century, has emerged as a crucial player for India, particularly in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Kishan seized the opportunity and recently made his Test debut against the West Indies. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he holds a Grade C designation and has participated in 2 Tests, 15 ODIs, and 27 T20Is in his career. Additionally, Kishan commands a substantial per-season fee of INR 15.25 crore as a part of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
18. Shardul Thakur (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Shardul Thakur consistently features as a key member of the Indian Test and ODI squads, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Valued for his skills as a competent lower-order batsman, Thakur is often chosen as the fourth seamer in both Test and ODI formats. His annual contract with the BCCI is set at INR 1 crore, with additional earnings from match fees. Furthermore, Thakur is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, securing a substantial INR 10.75 crore per season. It’s noteworthy that Shardul Thakur experienced a demotion from Grade B to Grade C in 2023.
17. Shikhar Dhawan (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Shikhar Dhawan stands as the most prominent figure within the Grade C category of the BCCI. Notably, the Indian board has excluded him from ODIs, where he previously held the role of a regular opener. The emergence of Shubman Gill has led to Dhawan being overlooked altogether. While he is currently under a central contract, indications suggest that the BCCI may not extend his contract next year. Dhawan continues to earn INR 8.25 crore per season as a player for the Punjab Kings.
16. Umesh Yadav (Grade C) – INR 1 Crore + Match Fee:
Experienced Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav concluded his last ODI appearance in October 2018 and his last T20I in the same month. Despite these limitations, the team management has provided him with opportunities in Test matches. While Mohammed Siraj is delivering commendable performances and Shardul Thakur showcases batting prowess, Umesh Yadav has not been afforded many chances. Despite his Grade C status with accompanying match fees, the pacer’s involvement in the team has been limited. Additionally, Umesh Yadav is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), earning a per-season fee of INR 2 crore.
15. Shubhman Gill (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
Shubman Gill’s remarkable performances in the past year have elevated him to the status of India’s all-format batsman. He has taken over the roles of Dhawan in ODIs and KL Rahul in Tests and T20Is. Recognizing his contributions, the BCCI has categorized him in the Grade B tier, entitling him to an annual contract of INR 3 crore. In addition to this, for each game played across formats, Gill earns match fees of Rs. 15 lakhs for Tests, Rs. 6 lakhs for ODIs, and Rs. 3 lakhs for T20Is. Furthermore, he commands a substantial payment of INR 8 crore from the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
14. Suryakumar Yadav (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
Suryakumar Yadav has established himself as India’s premier T20I batsman, earning him inclusion in ODIs and Tests. While he remains a key player in the shorter format, his performances in the other two formats have not been as noteworthy. Recognizing his exceptional T20I skills, he has been assigned to the Grade B category. Suryakumar Yadav recently made his Test debut against Australia in 2023, having participated in 1 Test, 25 ODIs, and 48 T20Is. Additionally, he receives an annual payment of INR 8 crore from the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
13. Mohammed Siraj (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
In the past 6–7 months, Mohammed Siraj has ascended through the ranks, stepping into the leadership role of the Indian bowling attack in Tests and ODIs in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His impressive performances suggest a potential move to Grade A in the upcoming year. Presently placed in Grade B with an annual contract of INR 3 crore, Siraj also earns a substantial per-match fee. Furthermore, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Royal Challengers Bangalore is compensating him with INR 7 crore per season.
12. Shreyas Iyer (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
Despite facing challenges with injuries and being sidelined for the last few months, Shreyas Iyer has successfully claimed the position of India’s new No. 4 batter in ODIs. Remarkably, he is a part of all three formats and has exhibited strong performances in recent times. Currently placed in the Grade B category, Iyer has contributed to 10 Tests, 42 ODIs, and 49 T20Is in his career. Additionally, he leads the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and receives a substantial payment of INR 12.25 crore per season.
11. KL Rahul (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
Former Indian vice-captain KL Rahul, who held a Grade A contract worth INR 5 crore in 2022, faced a downgrade to Grade B (INR 3 crore) in 2023 due to inconsistent performances across formats. Despite grappling with injuries, Rahul remains a part of India’s three formats, assuming the role of the new No. 5 in ODIs and featuring in the top order in other formats. Remarkably, he captains the Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and commands a substantial payment of INR 17 crore per season.
10. Cheteshwar Pujara (Grade B) – INR 3 Crores + Match Fee:
Experienced Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara holds a Grade B designation within the BCCI. Pujara, a consistent presence in the Indian Test squad, has even served as the vice-captain on several occasions. Despite being excluded from the team for the West Indies tour, he continues to receive an annual contract of INR 3 crore and an additional match fee of Rs. 15 lakh for each Test match.
9. Axar Patel (Grade A) – INR 5 Crores + Match Fee:
Axar Patel, the versatile spin all-rounder, has made a significant impact, earning a well-deserved placement in the prestigious Grade A category. Serving as a key player across all three formats for India, Axar’s consistent presence in the team is notable, whether he is actively playing or not. His commendable performances have earned him the Grade A contract with the BCCI, and he receives compensation for participating in every international match. Additionally, Axar Patel represents the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), securing a per-season fee of INR 9 crore.
8. Rishabh Pant (Grade A) – INR 5 Crores + Match Fee:
Rishabh Pant, who encountered an accident in December 2022, has been sidelined since then. Despite his absence, the BCCI has retained him in Grade A with an annual contract of INR 5 crore. Pant remains India’s primary choice as a wicketkeeper across all formats, recognized for his match-winning abilities. Even after a seven-month hiatus, India has struggled to identify a suitable replacement for him in the team. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pant serves as the captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) and commands a substantial per-season fee of INR 16 crore.
7. Mohammed Shami (Grade A) – INR 5 Crores + Match Fee:
Mohammed Shami stands as the sole pacer representing India in the Grade A category. Renowned for his pivotal role in the Indian Test bowling attack, Shami has gained added significance in the white-ball setup following Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. In addition to his central contract and per-match fee, Shami also secures a considerable INR 6.25 crore as part of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
6. Ravichandran Ashwin (Grade A) – INR 5 Crores + Match Fee:
Ravi Ashwin, India’s premier Test spinner, holds a position in the Grade A category according to the BCCI. As the first-choice spinner in Test cricket, he earns Rs. 15 lakhs per Test match. While Ashwin has been absent from white-ball games for a considerable period, his proficiency remains in focus. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), the off-spinner commands a salary of INR 5 crore as a part of the Rajasthan Royals.
5. Hardik Pandya (Grade A) – INR 5 Crores + Match Fee:
Hardik Pandya holds a position in the Grade A category despite captaining the T20I team. The criteria for the A+ category involve participation in the Test team, which Hardik currently does not. His active roles are limited to ODIs and T20Is, where he receives match fees of Rs. 6 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs, respectively. Additionally, Pandya serves as the captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), earning a substantial per-season fee of INR 15 crore.
4. Ravindra Jadeja (Grade A+) – INR 7 Crores + Match Fee:
Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has made a significant advancement and is now part of the prestigious A+ category, entitling him to an annual contract of INR 7 crore. This elevation is a result of his standing as one of India’s primary players across all three formats, playing a pivotal role in the team’s major plans. In addition to his contract and match fees, Jadeja commands a substantial per-season payment of INR 16 crore from the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Grade A+) – INR 7 Crores + Match Fee:
Despite Jasprit Bumrah missing the majority of the 2022 season and not featuring in any games in 2023, the BCCI has retained him in the elite A+ category, acknowledging his immense value to the team. Bumrah stands as one of the foremost names in the global pace-bowling department and holds a leadership role in the Indian bowling team. He receives a substantial amount from the board and additional compensation for participating in international games. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bumrah commands a significant per-season fee of INR 12 crore as a player for the Mumbai Indians.
2. Rohit Sharma (Grade A+) – INR 7 Crores + Match Fee:
Indian captain Rohit Sharma undeniably holds a prominent position in the A+ category, being the first player to feature in any list. Despite senior players being sidelined from the T20I squad, Rohit continues to lead the team in Tests and ODIs. His compensation includes an annual contract of INR 7 crore along with a per-match fee. Additionally, as the team captain, Rohit receives a captain’s bonus ranging from 25 to 50 percent of the match fee. This makes him the highest-paid player in the Indian team presently. Furthermore, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit charges a significant INR 16 crore per season from his franchise.
1. Virat Kohli (Grade A+) – INR 7 Crores + Match Fee:
Even though Virat Kohli is no longer the captain, he remains the face of Indian cricket and is reportedly considered one of the wealthiest cricketers. His substantial earnings encompass an annual contract of INR 7 crore, along with corresponding match fees from the BCCI. Additionally, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise compensates him with a significant INR 15 crore per season. Kohli’s financial portfolio is further enriched by income from brand endorsements, promotions, events, and various other sources.
