Revealed: Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 Earnings

Virat Kohli makes headlines again. This time it’s not about centuries in international cricket. Instead, fans and analysts buzz about his return to domestic cricket and what Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 earnings will be.

This blog breaks it all down clearly. We look at the pay structure, match fees, and comparisons with Kohli’s overall earnings. On Winexchange, you can get facts, analysis, and context, all written in a way that you can understand easily. Make sure to follow us.

Historic Return to Domestic Cricket

Virat Kohli made a return to domestic one-day competition after a gap of 15 years. His most recent appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy came during the 2009-10 season. Now, in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he represents Delhi – one of the titans at this level, featuring vast experience and stardom.

The move to include Kohli was facilitated following an edict from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Current practice has seen centrally contracted players required to play no more than two matches in the List A competition if not on international duty. This regulation ensures international stars are contributing back to the domestic circuit and keeping their skills tuned.

Delhi opens its campaign on December 24, 2025, and with a couple of high-voltage encounters, Kohli might be spotted playing at least one game, allowing the fans to relive his presence.

Understanding the BCCI Domestic Pay Structure

Before Win Exch reveal Kohli’s earnings, let’s understand exactly how the BCCI pays players in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Unlike international matches, where pay can vary widely, domestic match fees are fixed by experience level.

According to the BCCI’s standardised pay model for domestic List A cricket:

• Players who have 0 to 20 List A matches get ₹40,000 per match.
• Players with 21–40 List A appearances get ₹50,000 per match.
• Players with 41 or above List A matches get INR 60,000 per match.
  

This bracket system ensures fairness and rewards experience. It also means that even big names earn the same as seasoned domestic veterans when playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Kohli has played more than 340 List A matches. That puts him toward the higher end, where you can pocket a high for this tournament match.

Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 Earnings

So now let’s take a look at the numbers on Win Exchange that have fans salivating.

Kohli falls in the highest slab of payment in domestic List A, and thus, stands to earn ₹60,000 per match.

Delhi has several group matches scheduled. However, due to Kohli’s likely involvement only in the early fixtures before international duty resumes, he is expected to play in three matches:

• December 24 vs Andhra
• December 26 vs Gujarat
• January 6 vs Railways
  

On multiplying ₹60,000 per match by 3 matches, we get ₹1,80,000. That figure represents all he earns from playing in this domestic tournament.

Yes, for one of cricket’s biggest stars, that may seem modest. But domestic pay rules are rigid and apply to all players regardless of fame.

How This Compares to Kohli’s Broader Earnings

To truly understand the context, we compare Kohli’s Vijay Hazare earnings with his other income streams:

BCCI Central Contract

Kohli is currently on the central contract of Grade A+, which carries an annual retainer fee of ₹7 crore.

International Match Fees

International match fees are far higher than domestic ones. Test and ODI fees can be in the lakhs per match, significantly above ₹60,000.

IPL and Brand Endorsements 

Kohli rakes in the moolah from Indian Premier League deals and endorsements worldwide. Those figures usually make domestic match fees look minuscule.

So, actually, the ₹1,80,000 from Vijay Hazare is just a drop in the ocean of what Kohli makes off the field. But it counts. It shows his commitment to Indian cricket and respect for domestic structures.

Why This Matters for Indian Cricket

Kohli’s participation has several key benefits:

• Helps raise the profile of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
• It should give young players a boost when they take the field with a great.
• Helps selectors assess match fitness ahead of bigger events.
• Encourages fans to follow domestic cricket closely.
  

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about India’s domestic tournaments lacking star value, with pundits and fans calling for stricter curbs on foreign players. With youngsters like Kohli, Pant and other senior players adding colours in that edition, a 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy will be one of the most keenly watched editions of all time.

Final Verdict

Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 earnings look like peanuts. But his comeback raises the question strategically, historically, in domestic cricket. Fans will tune into every game on fire. It raises the profile of the VHT more than any number could.

In short:

• Vijay Hazare Trophy: Kohli plays for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
• He is on the highest pay tier as he has List A experience.
• Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 earnings are ₹60,000 for the match.
• Expected total earnings: ₹1,80,000 for three games.
• “He definitely earns more internationally than locally for any contract as of now.

The mix of the experience, return and earnings narrates a richer story of Indian cricket as legends continue to pay rich tribute to domestic roots. On Winexch, you will get instant notifications about every cricket update.

FAQs:

Q1: What will be the income of Virat Kohli in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26?

A: He will get ₹60,000 per match. He rakes in ₹1,80,000 with three likely games.

Q2: Why is his pay so low compared to international matches?
A: Domestic match fees are fixed by experience and do not vary by player fame.

Q3: Does the BCCI pay him anything else for playing domestic cricket?
A: No additional domestic bonus is mentioned. The listed payment is his total for the tournament.

Q4: What is the value of the BCCI central contract for Virat Kohli?

A: Kohli is given the annual retainer fee of ₹7 crore under his Grade A+ contract.

Q5: Can Kohli play all Stride games this season?

A: He can play only three matches before returning to international duty.