Highest Paid: Over the past decade, women’s cricket has experienced tremendous growth and visibility, with more media coverage, increased sponsorship deals, and higher pay for female cricketers. The highest-paid female cricketer in the world is a significant milestone in this evolution, demonstrating how the sport is slowly but surely catching up with its male counterpart. As of 2025, the highest-paid female cricketer is Smriti Mandhana, the star Indian cricketer, whose earnings surpass those of many of her peers in the global women’s cricketing scene.
This article will delve into Smriti Mandhana’s rise to becoming the highest-paid female cricketer, the factors behind her success, her income sources, and her global impact. Additionally, we will examine the broader context of women’s cricket and how the professionalization of the sport is changing the financial landscape for female athletes.
Highest Paid Female Cricketer
Overview of Smriti Mandhana’s Career
- Full Name: Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1996
- Nationality: Indian
- Role: Left-handed opening batter
- Debut in International Cricket: 2013
- Teams: India Women’s National Cricket Team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (WPL)
- Awards: ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018), numerous national honors
Smriti Mandhana is widely recognized as one of the best women cricketers in the world. Her technical prowess, attacking stroke play, and consistency have made her one of the most sought-after players in women’s cricket. Over the years, Mandhana’s performances have earned her high-profile endorsements, lucrative contracts, and sponsorships that have significantly contributed to her earning potential.
Key Milestones in Mandhana’s Career
- 2013: Debuted for the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team at the age of 17 in a One-Day International (ODI) match.
- 2018: Won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award for her consistent performances across formats.
- 2021: Became the first woman cricketer to sign a multi-million-dollar contract with a major global brand, MRF, marking a significant step forward for female cricketers’ visibility in global advertising.
- 2023: Achieved a career-high ranking in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings, establishing herself as a world-class batter across formats.
Mandhana’s international success, combined with her appearances in various T20 leagues, has positioned her as the highest-paid female cricketer globally.
Smriti Mandhana’s Earnings and Sources of Income
As the highest-paid female cricketer, Smriti Mandhana’s income comes from a variety of sources, including match fees, contracts with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), participation in women’s T20 leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and endorsements with major global brands.
Income Breakdown: Smriti Mandhana’s Sources of Earnings
| Source of Income | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| BCCI Contract | ₹50-60 Lakhs/year (approx. $66,000 – $80,000 USD) |
| Women’s Premier League (WPL) | ₹1.5 Crore (~$200,000 USD) per season |
| Endorsements and Sponsorships | ₹5-6 Crore (~$660,000 – $800,000 USD) per year |
| Match Fees (International) | ₹3-4 Lakhs/match (~$4,000 – $5,000 USD) |
| Brand Ambassadorships and Personal Sponsorships | ₹2-3 Crore (~$250,000 – $400,000 USD) annually |
Total Estimated Annual Earnings: ₹8-10 Crore (~$1 million – $1.3 million USD)
Smriti Mandhana’s Brand Endorsements
One of the primary factors driving Mandhana’s status as the highest-paid female cricketer is her success off the field through brand endorsements. She has secured deals with major companies, making her one of the most visible female athletes in India and globally. Here are some of the brands that Smriti Mandhana has partnered with:
| Brand Name | Industry | Type of Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| MRF | Sports Equipment (Bats) | Brand Ambassador |
| PepsiCo (Mountain Dew) | Beverage Industry | Brand Ambassador |
| Reebok | Sports Apparel | Endorsement |
| Boost | Nutritional Supplement | Brand Ambassador |
| Bajaj Allianz | Insurance | Endorsement |
Smriti’s association with these brands has contributed significantly to her income, and her role as a brand ambassador for MRF is particularly notable. Her deal with MRF was groundbreaking, as it was the first multi-million-dollar endorsement deal for a female cricketer, which opened doors for other women in cricket to secure high-paying sponsorships.
How Smriti Mandhana’s Earnings Compare to Other Female Cricketers
Mandhana’s earnings are far and away the highest among female cricketers, but how do they compare to other leading women cricketers globally? Let’s take a look at the financial figures of some of the other top-paid female cricketers.
Table: Top-Paid Female Cricketers and Their Earnings
| Player | Country | Estimated Annual Earnings | Key Sources of Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | India | ₹8-10 Crore (~$1-1.3 million) | BCCI contract, WPL salary, endorsements |
| Ellyse Perry | Australia | ₹6-8 Crore (~$800,000-$1 million) | Cricket contracts (Australia), WBBL, endorsements |
| Meg Lanning | Australia | ₹5-7 Crore (~$650,000-$900,000) | Cricket contracts (Australia), WBBL, endorsements |
| Heather Knight | England | ₹3-5 Crore (~$400,000-$650,000) | England contracts, WBBL, endorsements |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | England | ₹3-5 Crore (~$400,000-$650,000) | England contracts, WBBL, endorsements |
| Sophia Dunkley | England | ₹2-4 Crore (~$250,000-$500,000) | England contracts, WBBL, endorsements |
The Rise of Women’s Cricket and Financial Growth
The financial success of female cricketers, like Smriti Mandhana, is part of a broader trend where women’s cricket is being increasingly recognized as a commercially viable sport. Here are a few factors contributing to the rising financial stability for women in cricket:
- Women’s Premier League (WPL): The introduction of the WPL in India, launched in 2023, has been a game-changer for female cricketers’ earnings. The league mirrors the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and provides players with significant match fees, sponsorships, and endorsement opportunities. Mandhana’s substantial earnings from the WPL have placed her ahead of other female cricketers.
- Increased Broadcasting and Sponsorship Deals: As women’s cricket gains popularity, there is a growing interest from broadcasters and sponsors. The coverage of women’s cricket, especially through major events like the ICC Women’s World Cup and the Women’s T20 World Cup, has attracted significant viewership, leading to higher payouts for players.
- Global Recognition and Role Models: Players like Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Mithali Raj have become household names, not just in their respective countries, but globally. Their success on the field and endorsement deals have made them role models for young girls aspiring to play cricket.
- Improved Pay Structures: National cricket boards, including the BCCI, have made strides in improving the pay structures for women players. The introduction of better contract categories, match fees, and allowances has enabled female cricketers to earn a more substantial income.
The Path to a More Equal Future
While Smriti Mandhana is currently the highest-paid female cricketer, the journey toward greater pay equity in cricket is still ongoing. The financial growth of women’s cricket is part of a broader trend of increasing gender equality in sports. However, there is still a gap between the earnings of female and male cricketers, especially in terms of endorsements, match fees, and overall tournament earnings.
As more female athletes secure sponsorships, and as women’s leagues like the WPL continue to grow, the financial gap between male and female cricketers is expected to narrow. In the coming years, Smriti Mandhana and her peers will likely continue to lead the charge, setting a precedent for the next generation of female cricketers.
Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana – A Beacon of Change in Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s rise to becoming the highest-paid female cricketer is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the growing recognition of women’s cricket. With her stellar performances on the field, her endorsement deals, and her role in the WPL, Mandhana has not only earned financial success but also paved the way for future generations of female cricketers. Her earnings highlight the increasing professionalization of women’s cricket, and her legacy will inspire many young women to pursue careers in the sport.