The BCCI uses a grading system to pay players based on their Tests, ODIs, and T20I performance. As the wealthiest cricket board in the world, Indian players earn some of the highest salaries.
In case you are curious enough to know more about Indian cricket player salaries, this is where you need to be.
This article examines how Indian cricket players are paid, including their salaries, match fees, and the extra money they earn from playing in other leagues or doing brand endorsements.
Overview Of BCCI Central Contracts
There are a total of four categories in BCCI central contracts, ranging from 1 crore to 7 crore. Here, take a quick look at BCCI central contracts:
| Grade | Salaries |
|---|---|
| Grade A+ | INR 7 Crores |
| Grade A | INR 5 Crores |
| Grade B | INR 3 Crores |
| Grade C | INR 1 Crore |
Indian Cricket Player Fees As Per Format
Indian cricket players’ salaries are categorized by the BCCI’s grading system, where each player is paid an annual salary based on their grade.
Grade A+ players receive INR 7 Crores, Grade A players receive INR 5 Crores, Grade B players receive INR 3 Crores, and Grade C players earn INR 1 Crore. This salary is separate from the match fees.
In addition to their grade-based salary, players earn match fees per format.
- INR 15 lakhs for each Test
- INR 6 lakhs for each ODI
- INR 3 lakhs for each T20I.
Players who don’t make it to the playing XI get half of the match fee.
This way, the match fees are an extra payment on top of the base annual salary, ensuring players are compensated for each game they play. This system applies to both men’s and women’s cricket teams, with additional incentives.
Detailed Breakdown Of Indian Cricket Players Salaries By Category For The 2023-2024 Season
Have a look here to learn about the India cricket players’ salaries in detail:
Grade A+ Players (INR 7 Crore)
1. Virat Kohli (Debut: 2008) –
One of cricket’s finest, known for setting records with fierce focus and skill. His consistency and mental toughness make him a pillar in all formats. Virat Kohli also became the highest-paying Indian cricketer in 2024 because of his salary and other brand deals.
2. Rohit Sharma (Debut: 2007) –
xIndia’s captain has an effortless stroke play style, often making big scores look easy. His leadership and calm nature help guide the team during tough moments.
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Debut: 2016) –
A bowler with a unique action and ability to deliver under pressure. His lethal yorkers make him India’s go-to player in critical match situations.
4. Ravindra Jadeja (Debut: 2009) –
A dynamic all-rounder known for scoring quick runs and taking crucial wickets. His superb fielding skills add immense value to the team in every format.
Grade A Players (INR 5 Crore)
1. R Ashwin (Debut: 2010) –
A master spinner with a deep understanding of the game, especially effective in Tests. His tactical variations make him a tough opponent for any batsman.
2. Mohammed Shami (Debut: 2013) –
Known for his powerful seam and swing, Shami can break through tough batting orders. His speed and accuracy make him a constant threat in any format.
3. Mohammed Siraj (Debut: 2017) –
An energetic pacer who’s quickly risen in international cricket. His consistency and skill with the new ball make him a vital asset, especially in Tests.
4. KL Rahul (Debut: 2014) –
A versatile batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, valued for his adaptability. His solid technique makes him reliable across all formats.
5. Shubman Gill (Debut: 2020) –
A young star with elegance and maturity beyond his years. Known for his consistency at the top order, he’s a key player for India’s future.
6. Hardik Pandya (Debut: 2016) –
A powerful all-rounder, especially impactful in limited-overs cricket. His aggressive batting and fast-bowling options bring balance to the lineup.
Grade B Players (INR 3 Crore)
1. Suryakumar Yadav (Debut: 2021) –
Known for his bold, inventive shot-making, particularly in T20s. His adaptability and aggression in the middle order make him an exciting player to watch.
2. Rishabh Pant (Debut: 2017) –
A fearless batsman and wicketkeeper who thrives under pressure. His unconventional yet effective play style makes him a game-changer in crucial situations.
3. Kuldeep Yadav (Debut: 2017) –
A skilled wrist-spinner who adds variety to India’s attack. His wicket-taking ability in the middle overs is crucial for controlling games.
4. Axar Patel (Debut: 2014) –
An effective all-rounder with sharp left-arm spin and lower-order batting ability. His economical bowling helps keep runs in check during high-stakes games.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Debut: 2023) –
An aggressive young opener with a fearless approach to scoring. His performances show promise for a long future in Indian cricket.
Grade C Players (INR 1 Crore)
1. Rinku Singh (Debut: 2023) –
A hard-hitting batsman with a reputation for powerful finishes. His domestic performances mark him as a promising addition to the team.
2. Tilak Verma (Debut: 2023) –
Known for his stability and dependability, particularly in middle-order positions. His performances in domestic cricket indicate potential for future formats.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Debut: 2021) –
A calm and composed opener, known for his technical skills and consistency. His rise in T20 leagues highlights his adaptability across formats.
4. Shardul Thakur (Debut: 2017) –
A dependable pacer and handy lower-order batsman, often delivering under pressure. Known for taking key wickets, he brings depth to India’s lineup.
5. Shivam Dube (Debut: 2019) –
Recognized for his powerful hitting, particularly in T20s. His occasional medium-pace bowling adds depth to the team’s all-round options.
6. Ravi Bishnoi (Debut: 2022) –
A young leg-spinner with impressive control and wicket-taking ability in pressure situations. His variations have made him a valuable T20 asset.
7. Jitesh Sharma (Debut: 2023) –
Known for aggressive batting and quick runs in domestic formats, particularly T20s. His skill adds depth to India’s batting options.
8. Washington Sundar (Debut: 2017) –
An all-rounder known for his off-spin and dependable lower-order batting. His calmness in tight situations is a valuable asset.
9. Mukesh Kumar (Debut: 2023) –
A promising fast bowler with good swing control, particularly in domestic cricket. His recent entry into international cricket has shown great potential.
10. Sanju Samson (Debut: 2015) –
Known for his aggressive approach at the top order in T20s. His wicket keeping skills and fast scoring are valuable assets in shorter formats.
11. Arshdeep Singh (Debut: 2022) –
A young left-arm pacer who’s effective in the death overs. His ability to take crucial wickets under pressure has marked him as a rising star.
12. KS Bharat (Debut: 2022) –
He is a consistent wicketkeeper-batsman known for his sound technique. His steady playstyle provides reliability in the middle order.
13. Prasidh Krishna (Debut: 2021) –
Known for his raw pace and ability to trouble batsmen with bounce. His ODI performances show potential for future formats.
14. Avesh Khan (Debut: 2021) –
A powerful T20 bowler known for his yorkers and consistent line. His recent performances highlight him as a reliable fast-bowling option.
15. Rajat Patidar (Debut: 2023) –
A skilled middle-order batsman known for his partnership-building ability. His domestic performance hints at strong potential for international formats.
16. Sarfaraz Khan (Debut: 2024) –
A high-scoring batsman in domestic cricket, known for his aggressive style. His performance has made him a strong candidate for international play.
17. Dhruv Jurel (Debut: 2024) –
A young wicketkeeper-batsman recognized for resilience under pressure. His quick scoring ability adds depth to the lower order.
Indian Cricket Players – Additional Earnings
Indian cricketers supplement their salaries through several additional earnings. Players receive specific match fees for each match played independent of their annual contract. The BCCI offers INR 15 lakh for each Test, INR 6 lakh for each ODI, and INR 3 lakh for each T20I.
These fees apply only to players in the playing XI, while those not playing receive half the amount.
The BCCI also introduced a Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to encourage consistent Test performance. This incentive structure adds to players’ incomes based on the number of Tests played in a season.
| Number of Tests Played | Incentive per Match (Playing) | Incentive per Match (Non-playing) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 6 Tests | INR 30 lakh | INR 15 lakh |
| 7 or more Tests | INR 45 lakh | INR 22.5 lakh |
Finally, cricketers boost their income significantly through the IPL and other leagues, with player contracts independently negotiated. Brand endorsements and sponsorship deals further enhance earnings.
Does The Indian Women’s Cricket Team Get The Same Salary?
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team receives the same per-match fees as the men’s team across all formats.
Grade A (INR 50 Lakh)
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Smriti Mandhana
- Deepti Sharma
Grade B (INR 30 Lakh)
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Shafali Verma
- Richa Ghosh
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Grade C (INR 10 Lakh)
- Meghna Singh
- Devika Vaidya
- Sabbineni Meghana
- Anjali Sarvani
- Sneh Rana
- Radha Yadav
- Harleen Deol
- Yastika Bhatia
- Pooja Vastrakar
Conclusion: Indian Cricket Players Salaries Are Divided Into Four Categories
The salary system for Indian cricketers shows that the BCCI values its players and rewards them for their skill and hard work. Players who perform well in all formats are paid accordingly, and extra incentives for Test cricket show that the traditional format is also highly valued.
The extra money they make from leagues and endorsements also adds to their earnings and public profile.
Now we’re waiting for another new salary contract and it would be so interesting to see which player makes which category. This is important as it motivates them to keep performing well, making India a strong team in world cricket.
Leave a Comment