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

The IPL, in particular, has significantly boosted players' earnings, with top players commanding massive salaries and endorsement deals. Some players have lucrative contracts with major brands, earning substantial amounts through brand endorsements.

In India, the income tax system is progressive, meaning that tax rates increase with higher income brackets. For the financial year 2023-24, the tax rates are structured as follows: 

• Income up to ₹2.5 lakh is tax-free.
• Income between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh is taxed at 5%.
• Income between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh is taxed at 20%.
• Income above ₹10 lakh is taxed at 30%. 

An additional 4% cess is levied on income tax for health and education. In the financial year 2023-24, Indian cricketers paid significant income tax contributions. 

Leading the pack was Virat Kohli, who paid ₹66 crore in taxes. MS Dhoni followed with ₹38 crore, and Sachin Tendulkar contributed ₹28 crore. In this article, we will look at the top income tax payments made by Indian cricketers in FY 2023-24. 

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List of Income Tax Paid by Indian Cricketers in FY 2023-24: Detailed Overview

Here's the complete list of income tax paid by Indian cricketers in FY 2023-24. The list includes:

Top 10 Tax-Paying Indian Cricketers

Here are the Top 10 Tax-Paying Indian Cricketers in FY 2023-24: Who Contributed the Most to the Nation’s Tax System? Let’s know!

1) Virat Kohli – ₹66 Crore

Virat Kohli topped the list, paying ₹66 crore in taxes for FY24. His earnings stem from a lucrative combination of match fees, IPL contracts, and numerous endorsement deals with brands like Puma and Audi. 

Kohli's net worth is estimated at around ₹1,000 crore, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally. His marketability and consistent performance have solidified his status as a leading figure in sports and business.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Kohli earns approximately ₹7 crore annually from his central contract.
• IPL Earnings: His IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore is valued at ₹15 crore.
• Endorsements: Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes globally, earning substantial income from endorsements with brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF, reportedly making around ₹252.72 crore annually overall.

2) MS Dhoni – ₹38 Crore

MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain, paid ₹38 crore in taxes. Despite retiring from international cricket, he remains a significant figure in the IPL and has various endorsements, including Reebok and TVS Motors.

His net worth is estimated at ₹1,200 crore. Dhoni's business ventures, including his cricket academy and co-ownership of Chennaiyin FC, contribute to his financial success.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Dhoni's earnings from the BCCI are significant, even post-retirement.
• IPL Contract: As captain of Chennai Super Kings, he earns around ₹15 crore.
• Endorsements and Ventures: Dhoni has numerous endorsements and co-ownership stakes in sports franchises like FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, contributing to his annual income of approximately ₹135.93 crore.

3) Sachin Tendulkar – ₹28 Crore

Sachin Tendulkar, despite retiring years ago, paid ₹28 crore in taxes. His enduring popularity translates into lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Coca-Cola and Adidas. Tendulkar's net worth is around ₹1,000 crore, bolstered by investments in sports-related businesses and a variety of philanthropic activities.

Primary Sources of Income:

• Endorsements: Tendulkar earns about ₹50 crore annually from endorsements with brands like Adidas and MRF.
• Investments: His investments in various businesses and properties add to his wealth.
• Mentorship Roles: He also earns from mentorship roles in IPL teams, with total annual earnings of around ₹76.96 crore.

4) Sourav Ganguly – ₹23 Crore

Sourav Ganguly contributed ₹23 crore in taxes. As a former captain and current BCCI president, his income comes from cricket administration and endorsements. With a net worth estimated at ₹300 crore, Ganguly's business acumen extends into various ventures, including media appearances and cricket commentary.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Salary: As BCCI president, Ganguly receives a substantial salary.
• Endorsements: He has numerous brand endorsements that keep his income steady.
• Media Appearances: His role in cricket commentary and analysis also contributes to his earnings.

5) Hardik Pandya – ₹13 Crore

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

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Pandya earns through his central contract with BCCI.
• IPL Earnings: His IPL contract with Gujarat Titans is a significant source of income.
• Endorsements: He has deals with brands like Hala Play and Gillette, contributing to an annual income of approximately ₹24.87 crore.

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6) Rishabh Pant – ₹10 Crore

Rishabh Pant's tax contribution was ₹10 crore. The young wicketkeeper-batsman has quickly risen through the ranks with significant IPL earnings and endorsements from brands like PUMA. His net worth is estimated at around ₹50 crore as he continues to grow both on-field and off-field.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Salary: Pant's earnings from BCCI are substantial as a key player.
• IPL Earnings: His contract with Delhi Capitals adds significantly to his income.
• Brand Endorsements: His popularity has led to lucrative endorsement deals, resulting in total earnings of about ₹29.19 crore annually.

7) Ajinkya Rahane – ₹8 Crore

Ajinkya Rahane paid ₹8 crore in taxes. Known for his elegant batting style, he earns through match fees and endorsements with companies like Dream11. His net worth is about ₹60 crore.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Rahane earns through his BCCI contract as an established player.
• IPL Salary: His earnings from the IPL contribute significantly to his income.
• Endorsements: He also engages in brand endorsements that add to his financial portfolio.

8) Jasprit Bumrah – ₹7 Crore

Jasprit Bumrah contributed ₹7 crore in taxes this fiscal year. As one of the top bowlers globally, he has lucrative IPL contracts and endorsements with brands such as Gillette. His net worth is estimated at around ₹50 crore.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Bumrah's central contract provides a steady income stream.
• IPL Earnings: His contract with Mumbai Indians is lucrative.
• Endorsements: Bumrah has endorsement deals that enhance his annual earnings, totalling around ₹23.25 crore.

9) Shikhar Dhawan – ₹6 Crore

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

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Salary: Dhawan earns through his central contract with BCCI.
• IPL Earnings: His IPL contract contributes significantly to his overall income.
• Brand Endorsements: He has various endorsements that keep him financially stable, with total annual earnings of around ₹19.11 crore.

10) KL Rahul – ₹5 Crore

KL Rahul contributed ₹5 crore in taxes this year. As an integral part of the Indian team and captain of Punjab Kings in the IPL, he has several endorsement deals that boost his income. His net worth stands around ₹70 crore.

Primary Sources of Income:

• BCCI Contract: Rahul's earnings from BCCI are substantial as a prominent player.
• IPL Earnings: His contract with Punjab Kings adds significantly to his income.
• Endorsements: He engages in multiple endorsement deals that contribute to an annual income of approximately ₹23.19 crore.

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