The evolution of women's cricket over the last decade has been nothing short of revolutionary. Once sidelined and underfunded, female cricketers now enjoy global recognition, lucrative contracts, and a rapidly growing fan base. With the rise of franchise leagues like the Women's Premier League (WPL), Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), and The Hundred Women's Competition, female athletes are not only smashing records but also securing substantial wealth.
In 2026, some of the finest talents in the cricketing world have parlayed their success on the field into off-field fortunes. India's historic run to their first-ever ICC Women's World Cup title in November 2025 has only accelerated this - from endorsement deals and brand sponsorships to hefty central contracts and media engagements, the top 5 richest women cricketers have crafted empires worth crores.
1. Ellyse Perry (Australia)
Estimated Net Worth: Rs 120 Crore (approx. $12.6-14 Million USD)
Role: All-rounder
Ellyse Perry is regarded as one of the most complete all-rounders in cricket history. As the only Australian to represent the country in both football and cricket, she has built a diverse sporting and branding legacy.
How She Built Her Wealth
Perry has consistently received top-tier Cricket Australia contracts and has been a standout player for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL. She was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the WPL 2026 season. Her brand collaborations include Adidas and Commonwealth Bank.
Income Sources
- Cricket Australia contract
- WBBL & WPL salaries
- Brand endorsements
- Media and publishing deals
2. Meg Lanning (Australia)
Estimated Net Worth: Rs 75 Crore (approx. $7.9 Million USD)
Role: Former Captain & Batter
Meg Lanning's leadership helped Australia dominate international cricket for nearly a decade. She retired from international cricket in 2023, but her financial success has continued through franchise cricket and endorsements.
How She Built Her Wealth
Lanning was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the WPL 2026 mega-auction and picked up by UP Warriorz, alongside her WBBL career with Melbourne Stars. She has been associated with brands including Nike and Kayo Sports.
Income Sources
- Past central contracts (career earnings)
- WPL & WBBL earnings
- Brand endorsements
- Speaking and media engagements
3. Mithali Raj (India)
Estimated Net Worth: Rs 40-45 Crore (approx. $4.2-4.7 Million USD)
Role: Former Captain & Legendary Batter
Mithali Raj is a pioneer of Indian women's cricket. With a decorated 20-year career, she remains a cultural icon and business personality even post-retirement.
How She Built Her Wealth
She held top-tier BCCI contracts until her retirement in 2022 and has continued to build her profile through media and mentoring work. Mithali's biopic 'Shabaash Mithu' and brand endorsements with L'Oréal expanded her income streams.
Income Sources
- BCCI contract (till 2022)
- Commentary and mentorship roles
- Film-related earnings
- Endorsements and speaking
4. Smriti Mandhana (India)
Estimated Net Worth: Rs 35 Crore (approx. $3.7 Million USD)
Role: Opener & RCB Captain
Smriti Mandhana is one of the most recognised names in Indian cricket. Her elegance on the field and relatability off it make her a fan favourite and brand magnet - and her 434 runs in the 2025 World Cup, the most ever by an Indian in a Women's World Cup, cemented her as one of the country's biggest stars.
How She Built Her Wealth
Mandhana now captains Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was retained for WPL 2026 at Rs 3.5 crore, among the highest retention fees in the league. She endorses Hero, Nike, Red Bull, Mastercard, and Garnier, among others.
Income Sources
- BCCI & WPL contracts
- International league appearances
- Advertising and social media
- Brand partnerships
5. Harmanpreet Kaur (India)
Estimated Net Worth: Rs 26 Crore (approx. $2.7 Million USD)
Role: Current Captain
India's white-ball captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, led the team to its first-ever ICC Women's World Cup title in November 2025, beating South Africa in the final in Navi Mumbai - the defining moment of her captaincy.
How She Built Her Wealth
Harmanpreet was India's first WBBL player and is associated with Indian brands including Punjab National Bank. She was retained by Mumbai Indians for Rs 2.5 crore ahead of WPL 2026 and continues to lead India in T20 and ODIs.
Income Sources
- BCCI A-grade contract
- Franchise salaries (WPL, WBBL)
- Brand partnerships
- Leadership and mentoring initiatives
