5 Indian Cricketers whose brand earnings exceed their BCCI contract wages

5 Indian Cricketers whose brand earnings exceed their BCCI contract wages. In some cases, dwarfing their contracted pay by huge margins.

There used to be a time when cricket was just another sport in the country. The players received enough to sustain a livelihood. However, winning the World Cup in 1983 changed everything. The players were not just players anymore. They became sporting icons. A situation that magnified during the Golden Era of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

Also read: Navdeep Saini sanctioned for breaching ICC code of conduct

Ever since, the players were elevated to demi-god status. Companies around the world and the nation began taking notice of the trend and pumped huge money into the game through sponsorships and advertisements, greatly increasing the earnings of the players. In some cases, towering their centrally contracted pay. Here are 5 Indian cricketers whose brand earnings exceed their BCCI contract wages.

Shikhar Dhawan

The Dynamic Southpaw started his career in 2010. However, with Sachin, Sehwag and Gambhir dominating the openers spot, it was impossible for Dhawan to break through into the side. The left-hander would have to wait for another three years before he could solidify his place in the side. And that he did in style by hitting the fast Test century by any batsmen on debut.

A brilliant showing in the IPL a few months later, earned him a place in the Champions trophy squad. Dhawan slammed the highest runs in the tournament to seal a permanent spot in the squad and began his love story with ICC events.

Dhawan endorses products of GS Caltex, boAt and Alcis Sports among many others. In all, the Delhi dasher pockets 5.2 crores from sponsorships which is more than his annual contracted wage of 5 crores.