Cricket is often seen as one of the most lucrative careers in India, where players’ earnings through national team contracts, IPL franchises, and endorsements reach impressive heights. While many cricketers start their journeys from humble beginnings, some were born into affluence, paving the way for greater financial success. In cricket, figures like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are household names due to their stellar on-field performances and massive fortunes. However, the richest cricketer in the world today isn’t one of them. Meet Aryaman Birla, the 27-year-old heir to the Aditya Birla Group, who boasts an estimated net worth of a staggering Rs 70,000 crore.
Aryaman Birla: The Billionaire Cricketer
Aryaman Birla is the son of Indian billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates. Despite not having a notable career in professional cricket, Aryaman’s wealth comes from his family’s business empire, making him the wealthiest cricketer in the world today. His net worth surpasses even the likes of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, who are often considered the richest cricketers in India.
In 2023, Aryaman joined the Aditya Birla Group as a director at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), which is part of the group’s vast portfolio of businesses. He also holds director positions at Aditya Birla Management Corporation and Grasim Industries. Aryaman’s involvement in the family business has significantly contributed to his net worth, which is currently estimated at Rs 70,000 crore, as per reports.
From Cricket to Business: Aryaman Birla’s Journey
Born and raised in Mumbai, Aryaman Birla was exposed to the world of business early on. However, his initial ambition was to make a name for himself in the cricketing world. He relocated to Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, the home of the Aditya Birla Group’s cement division, to pursue a cricket career. There, he worked his way through the state’s junior cricket circuit and eventually made his senior debut for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy in November 2017.
While his debut was unremarkable, Aryaman proved his talent in a match against Bengal at the Eden Gardens in 2018, where he scored an impressive 103 runs off 189 balls. This performance garnered attention and led to his signing by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 IPL auction. Unfortunately, he spent two seasons with the team without playing a single match.
Injury setbacks in 2019 and an eventual decision to take an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental health marked the end of Aryaman’s cricketing career. He never returned to the sport after that, shifting his focus to his family’s business.
The Richest Cricketer: Aryaman Birla vs. Other Wealthy Players
While Aryaman Birla’s net worth is unrivaled in the world of cricket, it’s interesting to compare his wealth with that of other cricketers, some of whom also hail from royal or affluent backgrounds.
- Samarjitsinh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, a former cricketer from a royal family, has a net worth of approximately Rs 20,000 crore, according to various reports. His wealth comes from his royal lineage and business ventures.
- Ajay Jadeja, another cricketer with royal ties, has a net worth of around Rs 1,450 crore, as reported by Financial Express. Jadeja’s wealth is largely derived from his career in cricket and his business interests.
In comparison, Aryaman Birla’s Rs 70,000 crore fortune dwarfs those of even the wealthiest cricketers in the world. His financial empire, built through his family’s business holdings, far exceeds that of most of his peers in the cricketing world.
Kumar Mangalam Birla: The Patriarch Behind Aryaman’s Wealth
Aryaman Birla’s father, Kumar Mangalam Birla, is one of India’s richest individuals. As the Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam has steered the conglomerate to new heights, with business interests spanning industries such as metals, cement, telecommunications, and financial services. According to Forbes, Kumar Mangalam Birla is currently the eighth-richest person in India, with an estimated wealth of $24.8 billion (over Rs 2 lakh crore).
The success of the Aditya Birla Group has significantly contributed to Aryaman Birla’s wealth, positioning him as the wealthiest cricketer in the world despite his limited career in the sport.
Aryaman Birla’s story highlights a unique intersection between business and sports. Unlike most cricketers who earn their fortunes through playing the game, Aryaman’s wealth comes primarily from his family’s thriving business empire. His cricket career may have been short-lived, but his entry into the corporate world has made him a financial giant, outshining even the most successful cricketers in India.
