The era of Indian women cricketers struggling for recognition and basic pay is definitely over. Top 5 Highest Paid Women Cricketers in India. Thanks to landmark decisions like the equal match fee policy and the exponential commercial success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the financial landscape has undergone a true revolution. Today, the elite cricketers of India are not just global sporting icons; they are powerful, wealthy brands in their own right. Their immense popularity and consistent performance have paved the way for them to become the highest paid women cricketers in India.
The wealth of these players is derived from a strategic trifecta: their annual BCCI retainer contracts, lucrative WPL salaries, and multi-crore endorsements. This financial ecosystem has allowed these stars to build substantial fortunes. We dive into the FORTUNE amassed by the top five highest paid women cricketers in India as of 2025, exploring the sources of their unprecedented wealth.
The Financial Pillars of the Elite
Before meeting the top earners, it’s crucial to understand the three revenue streams that define the highest paid women cricketers in India:
- BCCI Central Contract: An annual retainer based on performance grade (Grade A: ₹50 Lakh).
- Match Fees: Equal to men’s cricket (₹15 Lakh per Test, ₹6 Lakh per ODI, ₹3 Lakh per T20I).
- WPL Salary: A massive income source, often exceeding the annual retainer.
- Endorsements & Investments: The true engine of multi-crore net worths, with deals often valued in the tens of lakhs per brand.
The Top 5 Highest Paid Women Cricketers in India
The rankings below are based on the players’ estimated net worth in 2025, reflecting their total career earnings and current market value.
1. Mithali Raj: The Trailblazing Millionaire
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹40–45 Crore
- Key Earnings Source: Longevity, post-retirement commentary/broadcast roles, mentorship (Gujarat Giants), and high-value brand endorsements established over two decades.
Despite retiring from international cricket, Mithali Raj remains the wealthiest woman cricketer in India. Her career was defined by record-breaking runs, unwavering leadership, and an ability to popularize the game when few were watching. This consistency built a foundation of trust that continues to generate wealth through endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and her influential role in sports development. She established the benchmark for the highest paid women cricketers in India for the next generation.
2. Smriti Mandhana: The Golden Girl of Indian Cricket
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹32–34 Crore
- WPL Salary: ₹3.4 Crore (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- BCCI Contract: Grade A (₹50 Lakh)
Smriti Mandhana is the active player who best embodies the new financial era of Indian women’s cricket. Her elegant batting and global popularity have made her the sport’s most marketable face. She commands the highest WPL salary in the league, a massive ₹3.4 Crore, which serves as the largest single component of her annual income. Furthermore, her portfolio of endorsements—featuring global brands like Nike, Hyundai, and Red Bull—earns her between ₹50–75 Lakh per deal, cementing her status among the highest paid women cricketers in India. Her success is a direct measure of the commercial value of modern women’s cricket.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur: The Leader Who Commands Rewards
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹24–26 Crore
- WPL Salary: ₹1.8 Crore (Mumbai Indians)
- BCCI Contract: Grade A (₹50 Lakh)
As the captain who led India to their historic 2025 World Cup victory, Harmanpreet Kaur’s brand value is at an all-time high. Her aggressive batting style and formidable leadership translate directly into marketability. While her WPL salary (₹1.8 Crore) is slightly less than Mandhana’s, her overall influence and endorsement list (including Puma, Mountain Dew, and Asian Paints) are rapidly closing the gap. Her strong central contract, plus her status as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Punjab, add substantial financial stability, ensuring she remains one of the highest paid women cricketers in India.
4. Shafali Verma: The Young Powerhouse
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹8–11 Crore
- WPL Salary: ₹2.0 Crore (Delhi Capitals)
- BCCI Contract: Grade B (₹30 Lakh)
Shafali Verma’s inclusion in this list highlights the rapid financial acceleration for young talent. At just 21, her fearless, explosive batting makes her a global phenomenon and a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Her impressive WPL contract, combined with her Grade B BCCI retainer, forms a strong cricketing salary base. However, her true wealth comes from endorsements with brands like Rexona and Bank of Baroda. Her rapid rise demonstrates that the WPL has created a sustainable, multi-crore career path for the new generation of highest paid women cricketers in India.
5. Deepti Sharma: The All-Round Asset
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹8 Crore
- WPL Salary: ₹2.6 Crore (UP Warriorz)
- BCCI Contract: Grade A (₹50 Lakh)
Deepti Sharma is a quintessential example of how consistent, high-value performance translates into financial reward. As an all-rounder, she is indispensable in all three formats of the game, reflected by her Grade A BCCI contract. Her exceptional performance in the WPL earned her a highly lucrative ₹2.6 Crore contract with UP Warriorz. This high WPL salary, combined with major endorsements from brands like Boost, makes her one of the top annual earners and secures her spot among the highest paid women cricketers in India.
The Future: More Stars, Bigger Paychecks
The financial success of these players is more than a personal victory; it signals a fundamental shift in the sports economy. The establishment of the WPL has proven that the audience and commercial interest in women’s cricket are massive, leading to multi-crore franchise contracts and escalating brand endorsement fees for every one of the highest paid women cricketers in India.
As the next WPL auction approaches and the Indian team continues its dominance, the net worth of these stars—and the wealth of those rising through the ranks—will only continue to climb. This generation of cricketers is not just breaking records on the field, but redefining what it means to be a financially empowered female athlete in India.
