Several Indian cricketers come under the category of tax-paying individuals who are mandated to fulfil their essential national duty by paying taxes on time. As honest citizens, this list starts with a prolific cricketer, Virat Kohli, who paid off 66 crore as taxes in the Financial Year (2023-24). Besides him, there are more star cricketers who are nation builders, becoming the pillars of the Indian economy even after their retirement from International cricket.
Apart from the contracts with The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the famous Indian cricketers earn through endorsements, business ventures and cricket commentary. According to the New Income Tax Slab and Rates for FY 2023-24, an individual is required to pay 30% tax for an annual income exceeding More than Rs.15 lakh. Additionally, a surcharge rate of 37% is applicable for the same financial year for earnings above ₹5 crore. Let’s have a look at the top 5 highest tax-paying cricketers in India.
1. Virat Kohli – 66 Crore
.The run machine. Virat Kohli is also a great person off the field for his highest contribution to paying taxes. In FY24, he paid off INR 66 crore as income tax to the government of India, as Kohli’s total net worth is reportedly valued at approximately 1,000 crore. Kohli is a highly valuable personality, triggering several endorsement deals with Audi, Puma and other top-tier brands chasing him for marketing their products. As a self-made and energetic cricketer, Kohli has earned the status of one of the richest athletes across the world.
| Income Sources | Income |
|---|---|
| Match fees (BCCI Contract) | 7 crore per annum |
| IPL contract (Royal Challengers Bangalore) | 15 crore |
| Endorsement deals (Audi, MRF, Puma) etc. | 252 crore annually |
2. MS Dhoni – 38 Crore
Captain Cool is a trademark owned by MS Dhoni, who is known for his calm demeanour on the field. Even after retirement, the BCCI pays him 70,000 per month as part of his monthly pension, being eligible to get the highest pay-off post retirement for his extensive international career.
Dhoni played his last international cricket match in 2020, but his illustrious career extended as he has remained an instrumental player in the IPL. He is a go-to star cricketer for advertisements, as his appearances with TVS Motors and Reebok spiked his income.
Dhoni also runs several businesses, including his own cricket training centre known as MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA). As Chennaiyin FC’s co-owner, he has also earned significantly, adding to his financial success. Earlier, MS Dhoni allowed the filmmakers to make ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’, and he earned 45 crore for giving rights to make this biopic. Today, Dhoni’s net worth is valued at nearly INR 1,200 crore. Dhoni paid 38 crore in the form of taxes.
| Income Sources | Income |
|---|---|
| BCCI Contract | 70,000 (monthly pension) |
| IPL contract (Chennai Super Kings) | 15 crore |
| Endorsement & Ventures | 135.93 crore |
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 28 Crore
The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, played his last International Match (200th Test Match) on November 16, 2013, against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He retired from ODI cricket in 2012. Even though he bid farewell to International cricket over a decade ago, Tendulkar paid taxes worth INR 28 crore.
Tendulkar’s fame converts into an iconic deal with well-known companies like Adidas and Coca-Cola. His incredible cricket career has spanned 24 years since 1989. Owning a distinctive legacy, Tendulkar’s net worth is valued at nearly INR 1,000 crore. After his retirement, his passion for cricket still shines as he remains in the spotlight during T20 league matches along with his strategic investments for enriching sports-related ventures.
| Income Sources | Income |
|---|---|
| Investments | – |
| Endorsements | 50 crore annually |
| Mentorship Roles | 76.96 crore annual |
4.Sourav Ganguly – 23 Crore
Well-known as Dada and the Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly paid INR 23 crore as taxes. He also worked as the BCCI president after his successful stint as a former Indian captain. The prominent sources of his income became endorsements, cricket commentary and cricket administration. His net worth is valued at INR 300 crore.
5. Hardik Pandya – 13 Crore
Hardik Pandya has a credible image in the arena of cricket. His active presence in the Indian team and IPL franchises contributes to his lucrative income. After gaining fame as an electrifying all-rounder, he garnered valuable endorsements from Gillette and Hala Play, adding INR 24.87 crore to his income. Hardik’s net worth is valued at nearly INR 80 crore. In the last financial year, he paid off INR 13 crore in the form of taxes.
