The Big Money in Indian Cricket: Top Earners and Taxes Paid
Cricket is not just a sport in India, it’s a religion. Ever since the historic 1983 World Cup triumph, the craze for the game has only grown exponentially. Apart from the thrill of watching the matches, fans are always curious about the earnings of their favorite cricketers – and the numbers are truly mind-boggling!
One of the biggest sources of income for top Indian cricketers is the Indian Premier League (IPL), which revolutionized the game since its inception in 2008. However, it’s not just their on-field performance that brings in the big bucks. Endorsement deals play a major role in boosting the brand value of these players. As the popularity of a cricketer grows, so do their earnings.
But with great wealth comes great responsibility, and that includes paying taxes. According to a report by Fortune India, some of India’s top cricketers are also among the highest taxpayers in the country for the financial year 2023-24. Leading the pack is batting maestro Virat Kohli, who has reportedly paid a whopping Rs 66 crore in taxes. He is followed by the legendary MS Dhoni (Rs 38 crore) and the iconic Sachin Tendulkar (Rs 28 crore).
Other notable cricketers on the list include Sourav Ganguly (Rs 23 crore) and Hardik Pandya (Rs 13 crore). However, it’s interesting to note that the overall list is topped by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who also co-owns the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. Shah Rukh Khan has paid a staggering Rs 92 crore in taxes for the same financial year.
It’s clear that success in the world of cricket not only brings fame and fortune but also significant financial responsibility. As fans, it’s fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes numbers that make our favorite players true champions both on and off the field.
