In March, the BCCI announced 27 central contracts, which was down from 28 in 2021. Players are placed in four categories: Grade A+ – where they receive a yearly salary of INR 7 crore – Grade A – where they receive INR 5 crore – Grade B – where they receive INR 3 crore- and Grade C – where they receive INR 1 crore per year.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, who have produced varying cricket scores in the last few months, were retained in Grade A+ while five others were retained in Grade A. Based on the grades and IPL salaries, here is a list of the top five earning Indian cricketers in 2022.
- Ravindra Jadeja
This year Ravindra Jadeja has burst into the top five earning Indian cricketers for the first time in his career. This was thanks to Chennai Super Kings retaining him in their costliest spot, ahead of MS Dhoni, and paying him a salary of INR 16 crore for the IPL. With that and his Grade A India central contract, his total minimum salary is INR 21 crore.
- KL Rahul
After coming back into the Test team and making his place in the limited-overs teams as well, KL Rahul will likely be a Grade A+ player by next year. For now, he is a Grade A player who earns INR 5 crore from his central contract. From his Lucknow Super Giants contract, he earns INR 16 crore. So his total minimum salary is INR 21 crore.
- Rishabh Pant
Just like Jadeja and Rahul, Rishabh Pant was the first retained player by his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals. As a result, he also makes it to the top five earning Indian cricketers list with a minimum earning of INR 21 crore. His IPL salary is INR 16 crore and his Grade A salary is INR 5 crore.
- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has dropped captaincy on all fronts, including the IPL, but remains among the highest paid players in the country. His IPL contract is worth INR 15 crore and his Grade A+ contract pays him INR 7 crore, which puts his total minimum salary per year at INR 22 crore.
- Rohit Sharma
In 2022, Rohit Sharma is the highest paid cricketer in India. His IPL salary with Mumbai Indians is INR 16 crore whereas his Grade A+ contract with the Indian team guarantees INR 7 crore to him per year. His total minimum salary per year is INR 23 crore.