On December 26, 2025, the cricketing community was left surprised after recent reports surfaced revealing the modest scale of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy salaries. According to multiple sporting news outlets, the return of these iconic figures to India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament has shone a spotlight on the standardized pay structure that applies even to the sport’s biggest earners. While their participation has generated immense excitement among fans, the actual financial figures have sparked widespread discussion.
The revelation clarifies that despite their superstar status, Kohli and Sharma fall under the standard match fee system implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for domestic tournaments. Consequently, unlike their lucrative central contracts or massive Indian Premier League (IPL) deals, their earnings here are fixed. For every match they feature in the playing eleven during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they each receive a match fee of approximately INR 60,000 (around $720). This amount is the standard top-tier bracket fee for experienced domestic cricketers in List A games.
Breaking Down the Kohli Sharma Vijay Hazare Salary
This standard match fee highlights a significant financial contrast. Specifically, the amount they earn for a full 100-over day in domestic cricket is a tiny fraction of their earnings in commercial leagues. For context, this sum is less than 0.5% of what they might typically earn per match in the high-profile IPL. However, their decision to play is clearly not driven by financial incentives. Both veterans are utilizing this tournament as crucial preparation to regain rhythm and form ahead of the highly anticipated international season in early 2026.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Salaries vs. Commercial Earnings
The disparity becomes even clearer when comparing these figures to their overall brand value and franchise salaries. Rohit Sharma holds an IPL retention contract worth over INR 16 crore ($1.9 million) annually, while Kohli remains one of the highest-paid athletes globally through endorsements and contracts. According to reports from Times of India news, the BCCI’s domestic fee structure is designed primarily to sustain the livelihood of hundreds of dedicated domestic players, rather than match the commercial market value of international legends making rare appearances.
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