Cricket, a sport steeped in history and tradition, has evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending boundaries and captivating millions. Its journey from modest beginnings to a lucrative career option for athletes is a testament to its growing appeal. In 2024, the landscape of cricket has seen a dramatic transformation, especially in the financial remunerations of its players.
The surge in player earnings is not just a reflection of their on-field prowess but also a barometer of the sport’s commercial success. Endorsements, media rights, and the proliferation of lucrative leagues around the globe have propelled cricket players to the forefront of the highest-paid athletes. Our focus will be to highlight these remarkable individuals who have not only excelled in their sport but have also reaped the benefits of its commercialization, setting new benchmarks in the history of cricket earnings.
Here’s a summary of the top earners in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and their base salaries across different formats of the game:
Highest-Paid Cricketers in IPL 2024:
- Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders): ₹24.75 crore ($3.22 million)
- Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): ₹20.5 crore ($2.67 million)
- Sam Curran (Punjab Kings): ₹18.5 crore ($2.41 million)
- Cameron Green (Royal Challengers Bangalore): ₹17.5 crore ($2.28 million)
- KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants): ₹17 crore ($2 million)
- Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants), Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings), Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals), Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders), and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians): ₹16 crore ($1.92 million each).
Top Cricketers by Base Salary in 2024:
- Virat Kohli: $690k monthly
- Joe Root: $400k monthly
- Eoin Morgan: $320k monthly
- Rohit Sharma: $170k monthly
- Aaron Finch: $150k monthly
- Kraigg Brathwaite: $80k monthly
- Temba Bavuma: $70k monthly
- Kieron Pollard: $47k monthly.
These figures underscore the immense financial rewards at the pinnacle of professional cricket, driven by both on-field excellence and off-field marketability.
The future of cricket player earnings appears poised for further growth, with emerging markets and technological advancements opening new revenue streams. This evolving scenario presents both opportunities and challenges, potentially reshaping the sport’s economic structure and its impact on players’ careers and choices. As we look ahead, the intersection of sport, finance, and global appeal will continue to define the journey of cricket and its stars.
