How Much Do Nepali Cricket Players Earn?

Overview of Nepali Cricket Player Salary Structure

The salary of Nepali cricket players isn't any one particular fixed amount; it is a sort of layered scale administered mainly by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). CAN takes the leading role in disbursing payments from Annual Central Contracts, match fees, and tournament-based earnings. Men’s and women’s players are divided into several categories according to varying levels of performance, experience, and national team involvement, each with its own pay scale. So you know, not every player in the national setup can afford to take home a cheque.

Central contracts lie at the heart of this structure - these offer players an annual income with match fees paid on a per-game basis, and Tests, ODIs, and T20S all have separate rates. In addition to that, players can earn tournament prize money from domestic leagues or international events. Player grading plays a huge role here. At the top, in the highest category, players earn far more than they would do on the fringe. It’s a system that rewards regularity.

Nepali Cricket Player Salary by Grade (Men’s Team)

Since February 2024, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) started to officially categorise the salary of national men's cricket players under a pay-grade system, which brings structure to earnings. Altogether, 30 male players were slotted into various grades on the basis of performance, experience, and consistency at the international level. Think of it as a ladder from amateur to professional: The greater your impact on the field, the more you earn each month. It’s not there yet, but it represents a clear move in the direction of professionalism in Nepali cricket, ensuring that top-tier athletes can maintain a good salary in Nepal while representing the nation.

1. Grade A Nepali Cricket Player Salary - NPR 1,00,000 per Month

Grade A is the top shelf, the players you see almost every series, carrying the team on tough days. These are senior, high-impact performers who are central to Nepal’s international plans. A Grade A player earns NPR 1,00,000 per month, excluding match fees and bonuses. It’s recognition of consistency, leadership, and years of grinding it out for the national side.

2. Grade B Nepali Cricket Player Salary - NPR 70,000 per Month

Grade B players are regulars too, just a step below the very top tier. They feature frequently in playing XIs and are often match-winners on their day. With a monthly salary of NPR 70,000, this grade reflects strong performance and reliability. Many Grade B players are knocking on the door of Grade A with just one standout season.

3. Grade C Nepali Cricket Player Salary - NPR 55,000 per Month

Grade C includes players who are part of the broader national setup, rotated in and out depending on form and conditions. They earn NPR 55,000 per month, which provides some financial stability while they work to cement their place. For many, this grade is the bridge between potential and permanence in the national team.

4. Grade D Nepali Cricket Player Salary - NPR 35,000 per Month

Grade D players are usually newer faces or squad players who are still finding their footing at the international level. Their monthly salary stands at NPR 35,000. It’s modest, yes, but it keeps them in the system and motivated. Think of this as the proving ground; perform well, and you move up.

5. Emerging Cricket Player Salary - NPR 25,000 per Month

Emerging players are the future, young talents identified by CAN but not yet fully established in the national side. They earn NPR 25,000 per month, which is more of a support allowance than a full professional salary. Still, for many youngsters, this is the first time cricket starts paying something back, even if just a little.

What Is the Match Fee for Nepali Cricket Players?

The match fee for Nepali cricket players for men is Rs 10,000 in ODIs and Rs 5,000 in T20Is, while for women it is Rs 5,000 in ODIs and Rs 3,000 in T20Is. This payment is made per match and is separate from monthly central contracts. The current structure was revised and increased in June 2021, giving players better compensation for every international appearance. While the amount may look modest, it becomes meaningful over a full season with multiple matches and tours.

1. Match Fee for ODI, T20I, and Domestic Matches

International match fees are clearly higher than domestic ones. Along with ODIs and T20Is, players attending closed training camps receive Rs 500 per day, regardless of gender. In domestic cricket, men earn Rs 2,500 for 50-over matches and Rs 2,000 for T20S, while women earn Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,500 respectively. These payments reward active participation and keep players financially supported throughout the season.

2. How Match Fees Add to the Total Annual Income

Match fees quietly stack up over time. A player featuring regularly in international series can add a solid extra amount to their yearly income without even counting bonuses. For players in lower pay grades, match fees often act as a financial cushion. It’s the difference between relying only on a fixed salary and earning based on performance and selection.

3. Difference Between International and Domestic Match Payments

International match fees are higher because they come with greater pressure, exposure, and responsibility. Domestic matches focus more on development and talent grooming, so the pay is lower. Simply put, the closer a player is to the national stage, the better the compensation. It’s not perfect, but it does reward progress and consistency.

Nepali Women’s Cricket Player Salary Structure

Nepali women’s cricket player salary is also based on a grade-wise contract system, similar to the men’s team. Under the initial central contract, 19 women players were awarded contracts and divided into Grade A to Grade D, along with an emerging category. Each grade receives a different monthly salary depending on experience, performance, and national team involvement. While the numbers are still lower compared to men’s cricket, this structure at least brings consistency and recognition to women cricketers in Nepal. For many players, these contracts provide a baseline that is comparable to the average salary in Nepal for entry-level professional roles.

1. Women’s Cricket Salary Grades (A, B, C, D)

Nepali women cricketers are grouped into grades based on their role and contribution to the national team. The system rewards senior players while keeping space for emerging talent to grow within the setup.

Player Grade - Monthly Salary:

• Grade A: NRs 50,000 per month
• Grade B: NRs 40,000 per month
• Grade C: NRs 30,000 per month
• Grade D: NRs 20,000 per month
• Emerging Players: NRs 15,000 per month

This grading system helps create a career pathway, even if the pay gap is still very real.

2. Match Fees for Nepali Women Cricketers

In addition to monthly contracts, women cricketers are also paid match fees for international and domestic games. For international games, women players get NPR 5,000 per ODI and NPR 3,000 for T20I. Domestic matches earn slightly less than that. These fees may seem nominal on an individual basis, but over a season, they cumulatively provide critical financial support.

3. Why Is the Salary of Nepali Women’s Cricket Players Different?

The pay disparity largely boils down to revenue, exposure, and the volume of matches. Men’s cricket receives more sponsorships, broadcasts, and fixtures, leading to more funding. Women’s cricket in Nepal is still in the growth stage, and hits the noise barrier at more than a few places. Having said that, seemingly, the divide is closing; we are starting to see contracts framed, and it’s a great indication of women’s cricket being taken seriously at last.

How Much Do Nepali Cricket Players Earn from NPL and Local Tournaments?

Nepali marquee cricketers can avail a maximum of NPR 20 lakhs from NPL and other domestic tournaments. But this level of income is available to only 8 or so marquee players who draw teams, sponsors and fans. For all other players, the earnings vary dramatically depending on auctions, team need and performance. In summary, franchise cricket has cash but not in equal measures distributed around the dressing room.

1. Nepal Premier League (NPL) Earnings

NPL operates on an auction-based contract system, similar to other franchise leagues around the world. Players earn their spots on form, reputation and even crowd-pleasing ability, so salaries can vary considerably. Would-be stars are often signed at market value with the potential for a bigger payout later, while proven ones now virtually demand it. 

2. Auction-Based Contracts

In NPL auctions, teams bid openly, and prices rise fast for proven performers. A single standout season can dramatically increase a player’s value the following year. Emerging players usually enter at lower base prices, but a few good performances can change their market value overnight. It’s competitive, a bit ruthless, and very performance-driven, just like professional sport tends to be.

3. Salary Range for Star vs Emerging Players

Star players can earn several lakhs in a single season, sometimes touching that 20-lakh mark when bonuses and multiple tournaments are added. Emerging players, on the other hand, might earn only a fraction of that. The gap is noticeable, but that’s the nature of franchise cricket; experience and reputation still rule the cheque book.

4. Earnings from Other Domestic Tournaments

Apart from the NPL, there are additional earnings in tournaments like Everest Premier League (EPL), Pokhara Premier  League, Lumbini Cup and other local leagues. These leagues typically pay per game or by the season, depending on the format. The pay isn’t as great as at NPL, but it keeps players afloat on the financial front during that full schedule year.

5. Per-Match and Seasonal Income

In local tournaments, players may earn anywhere from a few thousand rupees per match to several lakhs per season. For many domestic players, these leagues are a crucial income source. They might not bring fame, but they keep the cricketing career alive while players chase bigger opportunities.

Other Income Sources for Nepali Cricketers

Besides salaries, match fees, and tournament earnings, Nepali cricketers can earn additional income from sponsorships, endorsements, and branding their personalities. Consider it to be the spice that sweetens their cricketing revenues. These avenues can be a source of significant additional income to many players, including the marquee names, who receive significant additional income sometimes as a result of these avenues. With the sport gaining popularity in the country without cash cascading like milk, these chances are the vital components in realising a sustainable career.

1. Sponsorships

Sponsorship deals are like the invisible lifeline for cricketers, money flowing in because brands want their face on posters, jerseys, or event banners. Top players can secure contracts with local sports brands, equipment companies, and even lifestyle products. While not every player lands a mega deal, even smaller sponsorships help cover travel, training, and living costs.

2. Brand Endorsements

Endorsements are the glitzy side of cricket, where companies pay players to promote products. It could be anything from cricket bats and balls to soft drinks and sneakers. For players, it’s a chance to cash in on popularity and fan love. The better you perform on the field, the more likely a brand is to want your face to sell their goods.

3. Social Media

The new gold rush is social media. Those who have active Instagram, TikTok or YouTube accounts can draw sponsorships, affiliate deals or paid promotions. A funny post, a viral video, an amusing locker-room clip, suddenly they are money in the bank. Think of it as translating your cricketing glory to a digital wallet.

4. Personal Branding

Your name, visage and story are more than mere stats; they’re your personal brand. Intelligent players invest in themselves, build their reputations and inspire fans to want more of them from sponsors and opportunities. A powerful personal brand can also help you make a career off the field, turning you into a household name well after testing one’s skills with the last ball.

How Much Can a Top Nepali Cricket Player Earn Per Year?

A top Nepali cricket player can earn around NPR 35-40 lakhs per year when you add up central salary, match fees, league contracts, and sponsorships. Think of it as a carefully layered cake, each layer representing a different income source, all adding up to a surprisingly tasty total. The base is the monthly central contract, then match fees sprinkle in extra rupees every game, and franchises like NPL or EPL add the icing. Top performers often pick up smaller sponsorships and brand deals on the side, which can push the total even higher.

In short, for the elite few, cricket in Nepal isn’t just a passion; it’s a career that can pay the bills and then some. Emerging players earn less, but every run, catch, and six is a step closer to the top-tier payday.

Future of Nepali Cricket Player Salary

The future of Nepali cricket players' salaries looks brighter than ever, thanks to growing international exposure and professionalisation. Recent performances in the T20 World Cups 2024 and 2026 have put Nepalese players on the global radar, increasing interest from sponsors, leagues, and fans. With better ICC recognition, expanding domestic leagues, and structured pay grades, salaries are expected to grow steadily. For young players dreaming of cricket as a full-time career, the opportunities are finally starting to match the ambition.

1. Impact of ICC Status and Global Exposure

Nepal’s improved ICC status and international appearances have created new streams of income. Players now get noticed in global leagues and franchise tournaments, which can lead to higher pay and sponsorships. Even smaller brands are now willing to invest, seeing the team as a marketable asset. Exposure at the T20 World Cups has also inspired fans and young players, making cricket a more viable career in Nepal.

2. Growth of NPL and Commercialisation

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) and other domestic tournaments are becoming more lucrative each year. Teams are investing more, auctions are getting competitive, and sponsors are increasing their budgets. The commercialisation of cricket is slowly turning the domestic scene into a reliable income source for players beyond national contracts.

3. Expected Salary Increases in the Coming Years

With ICC recognition, international exposure, and growing league revenues, salaries for Nepali cricketers are expected to rise steadily in the next 3-5 years. Central contracts may get larger, match fees might increase, and marquee players could see multi-lakh deals from leagues and endorsements. The trend is clear: Nepali cricket is moving from passion-driven to profession-driven, and the paycheck is beginning to reflect that.