Have you ever paused during a cricket match and thought about how much money the commentators earn for their expert analysis and engaging voices? Former Indian cricketer and now a hugely popular commentator, Aakash Chopra, recently offered a rare glimpse into the lucrative economics of sports broadcasting during a chat with entrepreneur and influencer Raj Shamani.
When questioned about a commentator’s potential yearly income, Chopra elaborated that the pay scale is largely determined by their experience, reputation, and the sheer number of match days they cover throughout the year.
He explained that new or junior commentators typically start by earning between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000 per day. While the goal is often to work around 100 days a year, achieving this can be quite challenging due to intense competition and demanding scheduling in the industry.
For those starting out, this could translate to a monthly income of roughly Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh, assuming they secure consistent assignments. However, Chopra quickly added that these figures dramatically increase for established personalities who have cemented their status as prominent broadcasting brands.
“For senior or top commentators, the pay can go up to Rs 6–10 lakh per day,” Chopra revealed, emphasizing the significant financial gap between emerging talents and veteran voices. When Raj Shamani did the math for a top-tier commentator working approximately 100 days a year, the estimated annual income came out to a staggering Rs 10–12 crore—a figure Chopra confirmed as entirely realistic.
These impressive earnings are heavily influenced by the specific tournaments and events covered. Major competitions like the Indian Premier League (IPL), various bilateral series, and prestigious ICC events offer some of the most lucrative commentary contracts in the entire sports media landscape.
Aakash Chopra, having himself worked with numerous broadcasters, highlighted how cricket commentary has evolved significantly into a serious and highly competitive profession. It now demands a unique blend of deep expertise, compelling presentation skills, and immense entertainment value.
From breaking down complex on-field tactics to captivating millions of fans with their insights, today’s cricket commentators are often as recognizable and influential as the players themselves. As this candid discussion revealed, the financial rewards for the very best in this dynamic business can indeed be truly astonishing.