Former India opener and popular Hindi cricket commentator Aakash Chopra has offered a rare glimpse into the financial side of cricket broadcasting. Speaking on The Raunak Podcast, Chopra talked on many aspects, including his salary and even the no handshake controversy, which culminated in India defeating Pakistan in the Final.
Aakash Chopra on his Commentatory Salary
While Chopra refused to reveal the exact numbers, he indicated that experience and in-demand commentators can often earn Rs 8 – 10 lakhs a day.
He opines that doing commentary does not feel like work but rather a pleasant gossiping time, which allows him to earn a hefty paycheck.
“Earlier also we watched cricket, discussed cricket with friends… now we do the same and get paid for it,” he said with a smile.
When asked who earns the most among Hindi commentators, Chopra responded diplomatically, saying many commentators, including high-profile former players, make more than him:
“I never ask anyone about their earnings. But yes, several people earn more.”
Aakash Chopra has gained significant recognition as a commentator in the last decade. After starting his commentator career in 2013, Chopra has become the face of Hindi commentary.
“Ran Away with the Trophy….” : Aakash Chopra on Mohsin Naqvi on being adamant to give trophy himself to Team India
Chopra opined that blaming the players wasn’t the right thing for no handshake with the Pakistan team, as they were tasked to play cricket only. The commentator opines that India refused the trophy as Naqvi was also an important minister, and politics and cricket administration are intertwined in a country like Pakistan.
“He just ran away with the trophy” Chopra said highlighting Naqvi’s adamant nature on handing the trophy by himself to the Indian Team despite geopolitical tensions between the countries.
When asked about what is wrong with the Pakistani Team, Chopra replies that everything is wrong with the team. And if he ever gets a chance to become Pakistan’s coach, he would simply reject it.
“If I were offered the position of Pakistan’s cricket team coach, I would reject it. Even the coaches aren’t safe there. I remember something from 2007…”
— Aakash Chopra, hinting at Pakistan cricket’s chaotic environment and referencing Bob Woolmer’s 2007 incident
He further elaborated that Pakistan as a country is going downhill, and the same is replicating in its cricket team.
“Look at someone’s sport and their country. You’ll notice one thing in common: When the country is progressing, the team also progresses. When the country is going downhill, the sport will also go downhill. When the country is chaotic — today a new captain, tomorrow another, then suddenly making a team player a director in your cricket administration — I mean, who does such things?”
— Aakash Chopra on Pakistan cricket’s current mess
