Introduction: Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam More Than Just a Game – It’s Business Now
Cricket has evolved from just being a sport to becoming a billion-dollar industry, especially in countries like India and Pakistan where cricketers are worshipped like demigods. Naturally, with fame comes fortune. But have you ever wondered how much your favorite stars like Virat Kohli or Babar Azam actually earn? Are Indian cricketers raking in more cash than their Pakistani counterparts?
Let’s break it all down—not just salaries, but endorsement deals, match fees, and what puts one player above the other in the money game.
Indian Cricketers’ Central Contracts – BCCI’s Big Bucks
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is one of the richest cricket boards in the world, and it’s no surprise that their players earn handsomely.
BCCI Central Contract Grades (2024-25)
BCCI divides player contracts into four grades:
Grade A+ – INR 7 Crore/year (approx. $840,000) Grade A – INR 5 Crore/year (approx. $600,000) Grade B – INR 3 Crore/year (approx. $360,000) Grade C – INR 1 Crore/year (approx. $120,000)
H3: Who’s in What Grade?
- Virat Kohli – Grade A
- Rohit Sharma – Grade A+
- Jasprit Bumrah – Grade A+
Kohli’s recent omission from the top A+ bracket raised some eyebrows, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Pakistani Cricketers’ Central Contracts – PCB’s System
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) follows a slightly different model.
PCB Central Contract Categories (2024-25)
Pakistan now has four contract categories:
- Category A – PKR 6.3 million/month (approx. INR 1.87 lakh/month or INR 2.2 crore/year)
- Category B – PKR 3.9 million/month
- Category C – PKR 2.5 million/month
- Emerging – PKR 1.2 million/month
Note: This is base salary. Match fees and bonuses are separate.
Key Pakistani Players
- Babar Azam – Category A
- Mohammad Rizwan – Category A
- Shaheen Afridi – Category A
Despite these top contracts, PCB salaries are still significantly lower than what Indian cricketers earn.
Match Fees – Game by Game, Who Earns More?
India’s Match Fees
- Test Match – INR 15 lakh
- ODI – INR 6 lakh
- T20I – INR 3 lakh
Pakistan’s Match Fees
- Test Match – PKR 1.5 million (approx. INR 4.4 lakh)
- ODI – PKR 1 million (approx. INR 3 lakh)
- T20I – PKR 800,000 (approx. INR 2.4 lakh)
So, per match, Indian players pocket more in every format.
Beyond the Pitch – The Real Money Is in Endorsements
Match fees and contracts are just the tip of the iceberg. The real moolah comes from brand endorsements, IPL contracts, and personal businesses.
Virat Kohli – The Brand King
- Endorsement deals: INR 250+ crore/year
- Brands: Puma, MRF, Audi, Myntra, and many more
- Social Media Influence: 260M+ followers on Instagram
- Net Worth: Estimated over INR 1,000 crore
Kohli is a global brand, and his cricketing career is just a part of his income stream now.
Rohit Sharma – Calm, Cool, and Commercially Smart
- Endorsements: INR 50+ crore/year
- Brands: Adidas, CEAT, Dream11, Oakley
- Net Worth: INR 250+ crore
Jasprit Bumrah – Silent but Profitable
- Brands: boAt, Dream11, Seagram’s Royal Stag
- Known for his premium pace and rising brand value
Babar Azam – A Rising Brand in Pakistan
- Endorsements: Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, Oppo
- Still building his brand compared to Indian counterparts
- Social reach and commercial market not as developed in Pakistan
IPL – The Gamechanger for Indian Players
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed the way Indian cricketers earn. For example:
- Virat Kohli (RCB) – INR 15 crore/year
- Rohit Sharma (MI) – INR 16 crore/year
- Bumrah (MI) – INR 12 crore/year
Pakistan players are banned from IPL due to political reasons, cutting off a huge chunk of potential earnings.
Conclusion: The Stats Don’t Lie, But Respect Goes Both Ways
While Indian cricketers earn significantly more than their Pakistani counterparts, it’s not just about money. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi carry their nation’s pride with grace, just as Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah do for India.
Cricket is about passion, not just paychecks. But yes, the money makes the headlines—and now you know exactly how much your favorite stars make and why.