India’s Richest Female Cricketers: Meet the Wealthiest Women Cricketers in India and Their Salaries

In recent years, Indian women’s cricket has undergone a quiet revolution — on the pitch, in the boardrooms, and now, financially. The victories are no longer just about runs scored or records broken: they’re also about pay packets, endorsements, league salaries and new forms of recognition. As the sport continues to ascend in popularity and commercial value, a new question has emerged: Who are the richest women cricketers in India — and how did they get there?

This article takes an intimate look at the rise of women’s cricket in India, the evolving pay structures, the stars who have built strong financial profiles, and what this all means for future generations of female athletes.

---

The Changing Landscape of Women’s Cricket in India

Not long ago, women’s cricket in India was a niche pursuit: limited coverage, modest pay, fewer opportunities. Today it’s moving into the mainstream.

Several shifts are key:

• Increased media attention and broadcast coverage mean fans are more engaged, sponsors more interested.

• Women’s Premier League (WPL) and other franchise formats have provided new income streams.

• The governing body Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has updated contracts, match-fees and policies around pay-equity for women. mint+2India TV News+2

• Global attention on gender parity in sport has raised the value of female athletes.

The result: Indian women cricketers are earning more, commanding bigger fees and attracting endorsements. But the journey is far from over.

---

How Women’s Cricket is Paid in India: Contracts, Leagues, Endorsements

To understand who the wealthiest are, it helps to understand the financial framework.

Central contracts (BCCI)

For senior Indian women players, the BCCI classifies them into Grades A, B and C:

• Grade A: ₹50 lakh per annum

• Grade B: ₹30 lakh

• Grade C: ₹10 lakh turftown.in+2India TV News+2
  In addition, match-fees for Women’s internationals were aligned with men’s recent levels: for example ODI: ₹6 lakh, T20I: ₹3 lakh. mint
  While this marks progress, it remains far below the men’s contract levels (men have Grade A+ at ~₹7 crore) NDTV Sports+1

Franchise leagues (WPL)

The establishment of the Women’s Premier League has opened new avenues of earning: auction salaries, match fees, brand visibility. In the WPL, players like Smriti Mandhana fetched large sums at the auction (e.g., ₹3.4 crore) Olympics+1

Endorsements, appearances and off-field earnings

Beyond cricket, the richest players have accumulated wealth through brand deals, media roles, commentary jobs and public appearances. Net-worth profiles now reflect years of cricket + brand partnerships. For example, Mithali Raj is estimated at ₹40-45 crore in 2025. The Times of India+1

---

Meet the Top Earners in India’s Women’s Game

While many players still earn modestly, a select group stand out for their earnings, longevity and brand presence. Here are some of the richest Indian women cricketers as of 2025:

Mithali Raj

Trailblazer and legend. Though retired from international cricket, Mithali’s income comes from her long career, endorsements and media work. Estimates place her net-worth around ₹40-45 crore. The Times of India+1
Her central contract earnings, international match fees, commentary roles and brand deals combine to make her India’s richest female cricketer.

Smriti Mandhana

The stylish left-hander is one of the most marketable names in the sport. With a WPL contract of ₹3.4 crore and several endorsements, her net-worth is estimated around ₹32-34 crore. The Times of India
She’s still in the early phases of her career, meaning her earnings trajectory has many years ahead.

Harmanpreet Kaur

Captain of the Indian women’s side, and known for explosive batting, Harmanpreet’s net-worth is placed around ₹24-26 crore. Indiatimes+1
Her income sources: BCCI contract, WPL salary (e.g., ₹1.8 crore reported) BollywoodShaadis, endorsements, overseas leagues.

Shafali Verma

Young, fearless and in high demand. Her WPL salary (~₹2 crore) and endorsements bring her estimated net-worth to around ₹8-11 crore. The Times of India
Though still early in her career, she has strong earning potential.

Deepti Sharma

An all-rounder who commands respect and deals, her net-worth is estimated around ₹8 crore. The Times of India
She earned ~₹2.6 crore in a recent WPL auction. Wikipedia

Jemimah Rodrigues

Known for flair and versatility, her net-worth is around ₹5 crore, aided by WPL deals (~₹2.2 crore) and brand visibility. The Times of India

Pooja Vastrakar

Fast-bowler and all-rounder, estimated net-worth around ₹3-5 crore. Her WPL signing (~₹1.9 crore) and endorsements contribute. The Times of India

---

The Off-Field Impact: How Money Reflects Change

These figures aren’t just about personal wealth—they represent deeper shifts in the sport and society.

✅ Increased Visibility + Market Value

When women cricketers command multi-crore salaries, it signals commercial confidence in the sport. Brands are backing female talent. Fans are following.

✅ Incentive for Young Talent

Young girls now see cricket as a viable career path — not just passion. Higher earnings, better contracts and league earnings all help.

✅ Equality and Financial Equity

Though women’s contracts still lag, the move toward equal match-fees (₹15 lakh for Tests, ₹6 lakh ODI, ₹3 lakh T20I) is a major milestone. mint+1

✅ Sustainability of Women’s Cricket

When players can earn living-wages, invest in training, and commit full-time, the sport improves in quality. That boosts viewership, sponsorship and infrastructure.

---

Challenges That Remain

Despite the progress and rising salaries, challenges persist.

⚠️ Gap Between Top and Rest

While the top few earn crores, many players still earn modest sums. The earnings divide remains wide.

⚠️ Short Career Span + Uncertainty

Injuries, competition, format changes and shorter international opportunities mean financial stability is less guaranteed.

⚠️ Dependence on Leagues and Endorsements

Much of the income beyond national contracts comes from leagues and endorsements — which fluctuate with market conditions.

⚠️ Sustainability of Earnings

As money flows in, players and administrators must ensure long-term contracts, pension schemes, career transition support and mental health resources.

---

The Future: What’s Next for Women’s Cricket Earnings in India

The landscape looks promising. Key trends to watch:

• Higher auction values in future WPL seasons — as franchises compete for talent.

• Global league opportunities for Indian players — increasing their income and exposure.

• Larger brand deals as female cricketers become mainstream icons — not just niche sports stars.

• Improved domestic contracts and better support systems — more full-time employment, professional infrastructure.

• Growing visibility and fan-engagement — live TV, digital streaming, social media followings.

• More equitable pay structures and matching men’s contracts over time.

---

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Numbers

The story of India’s richest female cricketers is about more than bank balances. It’s about breaking barriers, shifting perceptions, and opening doors for future generations. When a young girl sees Smriti Mandhana or Harmanpreet Kaur or Mithali Raj earning crores, endorsing brands, appearing in mainstream media — she realises cricket can be a career, not just a dream.

These women have earned their money the hard way — years of training, sacrifice, pressure, travel and performance. Their pay-days reflect not just individual success, but collective progress.

As the sport continues to grow, we may see a world where every selected women cricketer is financially secure, valued and visible. Until then, the achievements of the current top earners light the path for those who follow.

Because in women’s cricket today, wealth is not just a measure of market value — but a marker of change.