How is the pay structure of Virat Kohli on Ranji Trophy return?

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, made a highly anticipated return to the prestigious Ranji Trophy after a gap of 12 years, representing Delhi in the 2024-25 season against Railways at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. His presence on the field was a major highlight for the crowd, adding an aura of excitement and anticipation to the game. Fans flocked to the stadium, eager to see the cricketing legend in action at the domestic level after over a decade-long hiatus from the tournament. However, despite the immense popularity and adoration Kohli commands, his earnings from this Ranji Trophy match are relatively modest when compared to the astronomical figures he earns through his international career and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

What is Virat Kohli salary in the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match?

Virat Kohli’s salary for international cricket, as well as his IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), far outstrips his match fees for domestic cricket. His lucrative brand endorsements further add to his financial stature, making his Ranji Trophy earnings just a fraction of what he rakes in during the cricketing season. Nevertheless, Kohli's participation in the Ranji Trophy highlights his commitment to Indian cricket, serving as an inspiration for the younger generation of cricketers while also reinforcing the significance of domestic cricket in the broader scheme of the game.

Virat Kohli, a Grade A+ contracted player with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), enjoys a lucrative income from his national duties. He earns a hefty INR 7 crore annually through his central contract, along with INR 15 lakh for each Test match he plays. This is on top of the considerable earnings he garners from brand endorsements, his IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and various other commercial ventures, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the country.

However, his earnings from domestic cricket, including his recent appearance in the Ranji Trophy, are on a much smaller scale. The BCCI has a structured pay scale for domestic cricket, which is significantly lower compared to the rewards Kohli receives from international cricket and the IPL. While his participation in domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy is a nod to his commitment to the game and to promoting grassroots cricket, it doesn’t generate the same financial returns as his global and league cricket commitments. Despite this, Kohli’s presence in domestic cricket helps boost its visibility, inspiring young cricketers across the country.

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's domestic payment structure, the match fees for First Class players are determined by their experience in the game. Players with more than 40 matches under their belt earn a daily match fee of INR 60,000. Those with a track record of 21 to 40 First Class matches receive INR 50,000 per day. For players who have appeared in fewer than 20 First Class matches, the daily match fee is INR 40,000.

The payment scale also extends to non-playing squad members, who earn a fee between INR 20,000 and 30,000 per day, depending on their experience and role within the team. This structured system aims to compensate players based on their level of experience and contribution to the team, creating a fair pay scale for domestic cricket. While these figures might seem modest in comparison to the pay received by high-profile cricketers in international cricket or the Indian Premier League, they provide an important source of income for players in the domestic circuit. The system ensures that the contributions of players, regardless of their experience, are valued within Indian domestic cricket.

Virat Kohli, with 23 Ranji Trophy appearances and a total of 1,547 runs to his name, falls under the category of players with more than 40 First Class matches. Given his extensive experience, Kohli is entitled to a daily match fee of INR 60,000 as per the BCCI’s domestic pay scale. This means that for his participation in the ongoing Ranji Trophy fixture against Railways, Kohli would earn INR 60,000 per day, provided the match lasts its full duration. Since the game stretches over several days, his earnings could accumulate to INR 2,40,000 for the entire match, depending on its length.

Despite the relatively modest earnings from domestic cricket, the BCCI has been working towards bridging the financial gap between Ranji Trophy and IPL players. There have been proposals to increase match fees in an effort to make domestic cricket more financially rewarding and attract more top-tier players to the format. In his return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, Virat Kohli had an underwhelming start with the bat. The 36-year-old was dismissed for just six runs in Delhi’s first innings against Railways, falling victim to a stunning delivery from right-arm pacer Himanshu Sangwan. Kohli’s early departure was a disappointing start to his much-anticipated comeback, but it did little to dampen the excitement around his return to the domestic circuit. With time, Kohli will likely look to bounce back and deliver a strong performance as he continues to contribute to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign.