The return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Vijay Hazare Trophy has sparked massive interest among cricket fans, not just because of their performances, but also due to curiosity around their match fees in domestic cricket. While both superstars earn crores in the IPL and hefty salaries from the BCCI, their earnings in India’s premier domestic one-day tournament tell a very different story.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Return Boosts Vijay Hazare Trophy Interest
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season gained unprecedented attention after Kohli turned out for Delhi and Rohit represented Mumbai. Their participation followed the BCCI’s directive encouraging senior players to feature in domestic cricket to strengthen the ecosystem.
Despite their global stature, Kohli and Rohit are treated like any other domestic cricketer in terms of match fees, as the Vijay Hazare Trophy follows a strictly regulated salary structure.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Salary Structure Explained
Unlike the IPL, where player salaries depend on auctions, Vijay Hazare Trophy salaries are fixed and determined by the number of List A matches played by a cricketer.
Match Fee Breakdown (2025–26 Season)
| Category | List A Experience | Playing XI Fee | Reserve Player Fee |
| Senior | 40+ matches | ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Mid-Level | 21–40 matches | ₹50,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Junior | 0–20 matches | ₹40,000 | ₹20,000 |
How Much Do Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Earn?
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fall under the Senior Category, having played well over 40 List A matches in their careers.
- Match fee per game: ₹60,000
- Applicable only if named in Playing XI
- No special treatment despite superstar status
This means that even legends like Kohli and Rohit earn the same amount as any other senior domestic cricketer in the tournament.
Vijay Hazare Trophy vs IPL Salaries: A Stark Contrast
The contrast between domestic and franchise cricket earnings is significant:
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: ₹60,000 per match
- IPL salaries: ₹15–20 crore per season
- BCCI ODI salary: Approx. ₹6 lakh per match
Additional Earnings in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Although the match fee is fixed, players can earn extra money through:
1. Daily Allowances
Covers travel, accommodation, and meals during the tournament.
2. Performance Bonuses
- Man of the Match awards typically carry ₹10,000 cash prizes.
3. Prize Money
Teams reaching the knockout stages and finals receive prize money, which is distributed among players and staff.
Why BCCI Keeps Domestic Salaries Fixed
The BCCI maintains a standardized domestic salary structure to ensure fairness and prevent financial disparity between senior and junior players. The goal is to:
- Promote competitive balance
- Encourage youngsters to earn selection on merit
- Preserve domestic cricket’s integrity
The participation of players like Kohli and Rohit further elevates the value of domestic tournaments beyond money.
Impact of Kohli and Rohit’s Participation
Their return has:
- Boosted stadium attendance
- Increased TV and streaming viewership
- Inspired younger players
- Reinforced the importance of domestic cricket
For many emerging cricketers, sharing the dressing room with legends is more valuable than the paycheck.
FAQs
Q. How much do Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per Vijay Hazare Trophy match?
A. They earn ₹60,000 per match if selected in the Playing XI.
Q. Do Kohli and Rohit get special salaries in domestic cricket?
A. No. Domestic salaries are fixed and experience-based, with no special exceptions.
Q. Is Vijay Hazare Trophy salary higher than Ranji Trophy?
A. No. Ranji Trophy match fees are generally higher due to longer match duration.
Q. Why do senior players still play domestic cricket despite low pay?
A. To maintain form, support domestic cricket, and comply with BCCI directives.
Q. Can players earn bonuses in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
A. Yes, through performance awards, daily allowances, and prize money.
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