Income Tax Paid by Indian Cricketers in FY 2023-24: Who Paid the Most?

The IPL, in particular, has significantly increased players’ incomes, with top players earning huge salaries and endorsement contracts. Some players have signed lucrative contracts with major brands and earn large amounts of money through brand endorsements.

In India, the income tax system is progressive, which means the tax rates increase as the income bracket increases. The tax rate structure for the financial year 2023-24 is as follows:

rank

player name

Income Tax Paid (Rs Crores)

1

Virat Kohli

66

2

MS Dhoni

38

3

Sachin Tendulkar

28

4

Sourav Ganguly

twenty three

5

Hardik Pandya

13

6

Ritha Pant

10

7

Ajinkya Lahani

8

8

Jasprit Bumrah

7

9

Shikhar Dhawan

6

10

Kuala Lumpur Rahul

5

Top 10 tax paying cricketers in India

Here are the 10 highest tax payers from India in the financial year 2023-24: Who contributes the most to the country’s tax system? Let us know!

1) Virat Kohli – Rs 66 crore

Virat Kohli tops the list with tax payment of Rs 66 crore in FY24. His income comes from lucrative match fees, IPL contracts and numerous endorsement deals with brands like Puma and Audi.

Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 1,000 crore, making him one of the richest athletes in the world. His marketability and consistent performance have solidified his status as a leader in sports and business.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Kohli earns around Rs 7 crore per year from his central contract.
  • IPL Earnings: His IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore is worth Rs 15 crore.
  • Endorsements: Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes in the world and earns a lot of money through endorsements with brands like Puma, Audi and MRF, with his total annual earnings reportedly being around Rs 252.72 crore.

2) MS Dhoni – Rs 38 Crores

Legendary former skipper MS Dhoni paid a tax of Rs 38 crore. Despite retiring from international cricket, he has remained a prominent figure in the IPL and has received various recognitions including Reebok and TVS Motors.

His net worth is estimated at Rs 1,200 crore. Dhoni’s business ventures, including joint ownership of his cricket academy and Chennaiyin Football Club, have contributed to his financial success.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Dhoni’s earnings from BCCI are very substantial, even after retirement.
  • IPL Contract: As captain of the Chennai Super Kings, he earns around Rs 15 crore.
  • Endorsements and Venture Capital: Dhoni has numerous endorsements and co-ownership stakes in sports franchises such as FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, which fetch him an annual income of around Rs 1359.3 crore.

3) Sachin Tendulkar – Rs 28 crore

Sachin Tendulkar paid Rs 28 crore in taxes despite retiring many years ago. His enduring popularity translated into lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Coca-Cola and Adidas. Tendulkar’s net worth is approximately Rs 1,000 crore, which he owes to investments in sports-related businesses and various charitable activities.

Main sources of income:

  • Endorsements: Tendulkar earns around Rs 50 crore annually from endorsements with brands like Adidas and MRF.
  • Investments: His investments in various businesses and properties increased his wealth.
  • Mentor role: He also earns income by playing a mentor role in the IPL team and his total annual income is around Rs 76.96 crore.

4) Sourav Ganguly – Rs 23 Crore

Sourav Ganguly paid Rs 23 crore in taxes. A former captain and current BCCI president, his income comes from cricket management and endorsements. Ganguly’s net worth is estimated at Rs 300 crore and his business acumen extends to various ventures, including media appearances and cricket commentary.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Salary: As BCCI president, Ganguly’s salary is very high.
  • Endorsements: He has numerous brand endorsements which keep his income stable.
  • Media Appearances: His role in cricket commentary and analysis also contributes to his earnings.

5) Hardik Pandya – Rs 13 crore

Hardik Pandya paid Rs 13 crore in taxes. As an active player for Titans in the India and Gujarat IPL, his earnings have also been recognized by brands like Hala Play and Gillette. His net worth is approximately Rs 80 crore, reflecting his rising star status in cricket and marketing appeal.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Pandya earns revenue through a central contract with BCCI.
  • IPL Earnings: His IPL contract with Gujarat Titans is an important source of income.
  • Endorsements: He is associated with brands like Hala Play and Gillette and earns around Rs 24.87 crore annually.

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6) Rishabh Pant – Rs 10 Crore

Rishabh Pant’s tax liability is Rs 10 crore. The young wicketkeeper-batsman rose through the ranks quickly with considerable IPL earnings and endorsements from brands like PUMA. As he continues to grow both on and off the field, his net worth is estimated to be around Rs 50 crore.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Salary: Being a key player, Pant’s earnings from BCCI are very substantial.
  • IPL Earnings: His contract with Delhi Capitals has significantly increased his earnings.
  • Brand Endorsements: His popularity has led to lucrative endorsement deals, with a total revenue of approximately Rs 29.19 crore annually.

7) Ajinkya Rahane – Rs 8 Crore

Ajinkya Rahane paid Rs 8 crore in taxes. Known for his elegant batting style, he earns income through match fees and endorsements with companies such as Dream11. His net worth is approximately Rs 60 crore.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Rahane earns income through BCCI contract as a veteran player.
  • IPL Salary: IPL earnings contribute a lot to his earnings.
  • Endorsements: He is also involved in brand endorsements, which adds to his financial portfolio.

8) Jasprit Bumrah – Rs 7 Crore

Jasprit Bumrah paid Rs 7 crore in taxes this fiscal year. One of the top bowlers in the world, he has a lucrative IPL contract and endorsements with brands like Gillette. His net worth is estimated to be around Rs 50 crore.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Bumrah’s central contract provides a steady source of income.
  • IPL Earnings: His contract with Mumbai Indians is lucrative.
  • Endorsements: Bumrah’s endorsement deals have boosted his annual income, totaling around Rs 23.25 crore.

9) Shikhar Dhawan – Rs 6 Crore

Shikhar Dhawan paid Rs 6 crore in taxes. His income comes from playing for India and Delhi Capitals in the IPL and from endorsements with brands like Adidas. His net worth is approximately Rs 80 crore.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Salary: Dhawan earns his income through a central contract with BCCI.
  • IPL Earnings: His IPL contract contributes significantly to his total earnings.
  • Brand Endorsements: He has various endorsements that keep him financially stable with a total annual income of approximately Rs 19.11 Crore.

10) KL Rahul – Rs 5 Crore

KL Rahul contributed Rs 5 crore in taxes this year. Being an integral part of the Indian team and captain of the IPL Kings XI Punjab, he has several endorsement deals to supplement his income. His net worth is approximately Rs 70 crore.

Main sources of income:

  • BCCI Contract: Being an exceptional player, Rahul’s earnings from BCCI are very substantial.
  • IPL Earnings: His contract with Kings XI Punjab has significantly increased his earnings.
  • Endorsements: He is engaged in several endorsement deals and earns approximately Rs 23.19 million annually.

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