After retiring from international cricket following the 2011 World Cup, Muttiah Muralitharan, regarded as one of the finest bowlers in history, remains a legendary figure in the game. With 800 wickets in Tests and 534 in ODIs, Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in cricket history. This article delves into his net worth, salary, endorsements, and personal life.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Biography
| Full Name | Deshabandu Muttiah Muralitharan |
| Nickname | Murali |
| Born | 17 April 1972 |
| Debut | 1992 |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Birthplace | Kandy, Ceylon |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Net Worth | $9 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Father name | Sinnasamy Muttiah |
| Mother name | Lakshmi Muttiah |
| Twitter Handle | @Murali_800 |
Muttiah Muralitharan, born on April 17, 1972, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, coach, and businessman. Widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in cricket history, Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in both Test (800) and ODI (534) formats. His exceptional career spanned across two decades, and his unique off-spin bowling made him a formidable force on the field. After retiring from international cricket in 2011, Muralitharan was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He also ventured into coaching and business, continuing his influence on the game and beyond. Muttiah Muralitharan’s international career faced significant scrutiny due to his bowling action. His unique delivery, characterized by the hyperextension of his congenitally bent arm, led to criticism from several umpires and members of the cricketing community. Despite the controversy, Muralitharan was cleared by multiple biomechanical tests, and his unorthodox action became a hallmark of his success, ultimately leading to him becoming one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.
Early Life
Muttiah Muralitharan, born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, hails from a Hill Country Tamil Hindu family. He is the eldest of four sons of Sinnasamy Muttiah, a successful biscuit businessman. Muralitharan’s paternal ancestor, Periyasamy Sinasamy, migrated from South India to Sri Lanka’s tea plantations in the 1920s. Muralitharan was educated at St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, a private school run by Benedictine monks, starting at the age of nine. Initially a medium-pace bowler, he switched to off-spin at 14 under the guidance of his school coach, Sunil Fernando. His exceptional skills quickly gained attention, and he represented his school’s First XI for four years. This shift to off-spin marked the beginning of an extraordinary career, eventually making him one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.
Career
Muttiah Muralitharan is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, particularly known for his unique wrist-spin technique. He is the first off-spinner in the game’s history to utilize wrist-spin, which set him apart from traditional off-spin bowlers. His bowling action is distinctive, with a brief run-up that leads to an open-chested, wristy release from a somewhat supinated forearm. Early in his career, Allan Border mistakenly thought Muralitharan was a leg-spinner due to his unconventional action. His primary deliveries included a stock off-break, with two variations, and a quick top spinner that often landed on the seam and went straight. Muralitharan also used various unnamed innovative deliveries throughout his career, adding unpredictability and versatility to his game. His bowling style, attacking nature, and unmatched skill made him a legend of spin bowling, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Wife
Muttiah Muralitharan and Madhimalar Ramamurthy have been happily married since 2005. Their relationship began when renowned Tamil actor Vagai Chandrasekhar visited the Sun Television Network studio in Chennai for an interview with Muralitharan. This chance meeting sparked the beginning of their romance, and the couple eventually tied the knot.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Net Worth Details
Muttiah Muralitharan’s net worth is estimated to be $9 million as of 2025. He has accumulated this wealth through his successful IPL contracts, business ventures, and earnings from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His iconic cricket career and various post-retirement endeavors have contributed significantly to his financial success.
IPL Salary
| Year | Team | Salary |
| 2014 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 10,000,000 |
| 2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 10,120,000 |
| 2012 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 10,120,000 |
| 2011 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | ₹ 50,600,000 |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 24,000,000 |
| 2009 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 24,000,000 |
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 24,000,000 |
| Total | ₹ 152,840,000 |
Endorsements
Muttiah Muralitharan amassed significant wealth through endorsement deals with major brands such as Lafarge, Indian Oil Corporation, Royal Stag, KFC, and Peter England. Additionally, his lucrative earnings from various Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts further contributed to his impressive financial portfolio.
