Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to domestic cricket has already delivered a moment to remember. Representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, the former India captain marked his comeback with a superb century, ending a 15-year gap since his last appearance in the tournament during the 2009-10 season.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association had named Virat Kohli in a 19-member squad for the opening phase of the competition. Playing under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, with Ayush Badoni as vice-captain, Virat Kohli wasted no time in making an impact, reminding everyone of his enduring class at the domestic level.
Virat Kohli Shines in First Vijay Hazare Appearance After 15 Years
Virat Kohli’s return came as part of the BCCI’s directive requiring centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments when not on international duty. That decision has paid off handsomely, with Kohli producing a commanding hundred in his very first Vijay Hazare Trophy match after nearly a decade and a half.
His century anchored Delhi’s innings and set the tone for their campaign in Group D matches being held in Bengaluru. Alongside other big names like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, Kohli’s presence has turned the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy into a star-studded event.
How Much Did Virat Kohli Earn for His Vijay Hazare Trophy Appearance?
Beyond the runs and records, Virat Kohli’s participation has also drawn attention to the domestic pay structure. With over 40 List A matches and more than 340 appearances overall, Virat Kohli falls into the highest experience bracket for domestic cricketers.
As per BCCI norms, players in this category earn Rs 60,000 per match. While this figure is modest compared to his international earnings, it represents the top tier of domestic match fees, above the Rs 40,000 paid to players with 0 to 20 matches and Rs 50,000 for those with 21 to 40 matches.
Understanding the BCCI’s Domestic Pay System
Unlike international cricket, where salaries and endorsements vary based on profile and popularity, domestic match fees in India are fixed. The BCCI determines payments strictly based on experience, measured by the number of List A matches played.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy follows a simple three-tier structure. Players with 0 to 20 matches earn Rs 40,000 per game, those with 21 to 40 matches receive Rs 50,000, and players with 41 or more matches earn Rs 60,000 per match.
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Kohli’s Earnings and the Bigger Picture
With 342 List A games to his name, Virat Kohli comfortably qualifies for the highest bracket and earned Rs 60,000 for his Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance. He is expected to play a limited number of matches in the tournament, making his domestic earnings relatively small.
However, Virat Kohli remains one of the most financially secure athletes in world cricket. He holds a BCCI A+ central contract, which provides an annual retainer of Rs 7 crore, along with additional match fees for every One Day International he plays for India.
More than the money, though, Kohli’s century on domestic return has reinforced the value of experienced international players featuring in India’s domestic circuit, offering fans a rare and memorable moment in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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