Hello, Cricket fans! If you love following the Cricket and admire world-class, Brian Lara is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Brian Lara is one of the greatest batters in cricket history and, even in 2026, he remains a hugely popular and commercially valuable figure thanks to his records, coaching work, academies and endorsements. He is widely known both for his world‑record scores and for the stylish way he played the game.
Brian Lara’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Brian Charles Lara |
| Nickname | The Prince, Princey |
| Born | May 2, 1969 |
| Age (2026) | 56 Years |
| College | Fatima College, Port of Spain |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Christianity) |
| Nationality | Trinidadian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1987 (First-Class Debut) |
| Net Worth | $60 Million |
| Salary | Approx. $500,000 – $1 Million |
| Spouse | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | In a partnership |
| Instagram Profile | @brianlaraofficial |
Early Career
Brian Lara’s cricketing journey began at an exceptionally young age. Enrolled by his father at the Harvard Coaching Clinic at just six years old, Lara quickly developed into a prodigious talent. By age fourteen, while studying at Fatima College in Port of Spain, he accumulated an astounding 745 runs in the schoolboys’ league with an average of 126.16, earning selection for the Trinidad national under-16 team. In 1987, at merely seventeen years old, Lara broke the West Indies youth batting record, capturing 498 runs in the championships.
His dominance in youth cricket led to his appointment as captain of the West Indies under-19 team in 1988 for the Bicentennial Youth World Cup in Australia, where he scored 182 as captain. In January 1988, Lara made his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados, recording 92 runs against the formidable pace attack of Joel Garner and Malcolm Marshall, signaling the arrival of a future superstar.
Professional Career
Lara’s professional career spanned from 1990 to 2007, during which he represented the West Indies in 131 Test matches and 299 One Day Internationals (ODIs). He made his Test debut on December 6, 1990, against Pakistan, though his genuine impact came with his maiden Test century in his fifth Test match when he scored 277 against Australia in Sydney in January 1993, establishing himself as an elite batsman at the highest level. This innings transformed his career trajectory and became the catalyst for numerous record-breaking performances throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
In 1994, Lara achieved immortality by breaking Sir Garfield Sobers’ 36-year-old Test record with a score of 375 against England in Antigua, followed merely days later by his unbelievable 501 not out for Warwickshire in county cricket. These twin records established him as the premier batsman of his era. A decade later, in 2004, he reclaimed the Test record by scoring an unbeaten 400 against England at the same ground, becoming the first and only batsman to score 400 in Test cricket. Across his international career, Lara accumulated 11,953 Test runs at an average of 52.88 with 34 centuries, alongside 10,405 ODI runs at 40.17 average with 19 centuries. His strike rate and ability to construct massive innings while maintaining consistency separated him from his contemporaries.
Girlfriend
Brian Lara is in a long-term committed relationship with Leisel Rodas, a Trinidadian journalist, television personality, and model. Though never officially married, Lara and Rodas have maintained a strong partnership built on mutual respect and shared Caribbean values. The couple has been together for over two decades, consciously choosing privacy over public spectacle. In a rare 2023 interview, Lara stated, “We’re happy as we are. A paper doesn’t define our love,” reflecting his contentment with their arrangement. Leisel actively supports his philanthropic endeavors and manages aspects of his public appearances while maintaining her preference for staying out of the spotlight.
Lara is a devoted father to four children: Sydney and Tyla (daughters with Leisel Rodas), and Zende and Bryson. He has openly expressed that his family remains his greatest gift. His daughter Sydney was notably named after his record-breaking 277-run innings against Australia in Sydney in 1993. Despite his legendary status and demanding career, Lara prioritized family commitments, often taking them on vacations to the Mediterranean and Caribbean islands. He has consistently demonstrated fierce protectiveness over his children’s privacy while remaining actively involved in their upbringing.
Brian Lara’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Brian Lara’s net worth stands at approximately $60 million USD, making him one of the richest cricketers in the world. This substantial wealth has accumulated through multiple revenue streams accumulated over his extraordinary career. His cricket salary from Test and ODI matches during his 17-year playing career generated significant income, particularly through international match fees and central contracts. Beyond playing contracts, endorsement deals with major brands including MRF, Angostura, and W88 have provided consistent revenue throughout and after his playing days.
Contract
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL): Lara served as the Head Coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the 2023 season and was a strategic advisor prior to that. While he was replaced as head coach by Daniel Vettori, he retains strong ties with the franchise and continues to mentor young talents like Abhishek Sharma. His contract during his coaching tenure was reported to be worth approximately ₹4 Crores (approx. $500,000) per season.
- West Indies Cricket Board (CWI): Lara acts as a Performance Mentor for West Indies international teams. This role involves working with Test and Academy players to improve tactical awareness and game management.
- Broadcasting: He has rolling contracts with major sports networks like Star Sports and Fox Cricket for expert analysis, which serves as his primary “salary” in 2026.
Career Earnings
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings | Period |
| Test Cricket Salary | ~$8-10 Million | 1990-2007 |
| ODI Cricket Salary | ~$5-7 Million | 1990-2007 |
| County Cricket (Warwickshire) | ~$2-3 Million | 1994-1995 |
| Endorsements (MRF, Angostura, etc.) | ~$3-5 Million | 1990-2007 |
| Broadcasting & Commentary | ~$4-6 Million | 2007-2026 |
| IPL Contracts (Commentary) | ~$1-2 Million | 2010-2026 |
| Brand Ambassadorships | ~$2-3 Million | 2015-2026 |
| Cricket Academies & Coaching | ~$1-2 Million | 2015-2026 |
| Speaking Engagements & Events | ~$1-2 Million | 2007-2026 |
| Golf Course Design Ventures | ~$1-2 Million | Various |
| Real Estate Investments | ~$2-3 Million | Various |
| Total Estimated Career Earnings | ~$30-46 Million | 1988-2026 |
Endorsements
Throughout his career and into retirement, Brian Lara has maintained an impressive portfolio of endorsement deals:
- MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) – One of cricket’s premier tire and sports equipment manufacturers endorsed Lara for extended periods, leveraging his global brand appeal
- Angostura – The renowned Caribbean rum brand partnered with Lara as the face of their advertising campaigns across the Caribbean and internationally
- W88 – Multi-year partnership as brand ambassador for the Asian online gaming company, with roles in engaging cricket fans globally
- Intertops.com Cricket – Lara became their first player endorser for a new line of cricket bats, manufactured to his specifications
- Digicel – Major sponsorship deal with the Caribbean telecommunications company that briefly created controversy over personal sponsorship conflicts
- Paria Fuel – Partnership announced in 2025 for youth education and sports development initiatives in Trinidad
- Various Corporate Sponsorships – Multiple deals with regional and international brands seeking association with his legendary status
- Cricket Equipment – Endorsements with bat and equipment manufacturers throughout his playing career
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details | Opponent/Occasion |
| Highest Test Score | 400 not out (778 minutes, 582 deliveries) | England, Antigua, April 12, 2004 |
| Highest First-Class Score | 501 not out (427 deliveries, 62 fours, 10 sixes) | Durham, Warwickshire, June 6, 1994 |
| Previous Test Record | 375 runs (9 years earlier) | England, Antigua, April 18, 1994 |
| Highest ODI Score | 169 runs | Sri Lanka, 1995 |
| Total Test Runs | 11,953 runs in 131 matches | Career record (highest for West Indies) |
| Total ODI Runs | 10,405 runs in 299 matches | Career record |
| Test Centuries | 34 centuries (joint-6th all-time) | Against all Test-playing nations |
| ODI Centuries | 19 centuries | Career record |
| Fastest 10,000 Test Runs | Tied with Sachin Tendulkar | In terms of innings |
| Fastest 11,000 Test Runs | Tied with Sachin Tendulkar | In terms of innings |
| Double Centuries | 9 in Test cricket | Second only to Bradman (12) |
| Triple Centuries | 2 (375 and 400) | Shared record with Bradman, Sehwag, Gayle |
| Quadruple Centuries | 2 in first-class cricket | 501 and 400 |
| Runs in Single Over | 28 runs (previous record) | Off Robin Peterson, South Africa, 2003 |
| Most Centuries v West Indies | 6 | Career achievement |
| Strike Rate (Tests) | 60.51 | Superior attacking rate |
| Strike Rate (ODIs) | 79.51 | Dynamic in limited-overs |
| Best Innings Performance | 153 not out | Australia, Bridgetown, 1999 (rated 2nd best ever) |
| First Test Century | 277 runs | Australia, Sydney, January 1993 |
| Maiden ODI Century | 128 runs | Pakistan, 1993 |
| Tests Won as Captain | Multiple victories | West Indies captain 1997-99, 2003, 2006-07 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | Won in 2004 | As West Indies captain |
FAQs
1. Who is Brian Lara and what makes him one of the greatest batsmen of all time?
Brian Charles Lara is a Trinidadian former international cricketer born on May 2, 1969, widely renowned as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket (400 not out) and first-class cricket (501 not out). In his Test career spanning 131 matches, he scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88, including 34 centuries. Lara is recognized for his elegant left-handed batting technique, Caribbean flair, and record-breaking performances. He was appointed to the ICC’s Hall of Fame in 2012 and is one of only three cricketers to receive the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award.
2. What are Brian Lara’s most significant records in cricket?
Lara holds several cricketing records: the highest individual Test score (400 not out against England in 2004), the highest first-class score (501 not out for Warwickshire in 1994), and the record for most runs in a single over of Test cricket (28 runs off Robin Peterson of South Africa in 2003, held until Jasprit Bumrah broke it in 2022). He broke the Test batting record twice—first with 375 in 1994, breaking Gary Sobers’s 36-year-old record, and then with 400 in 2004. Lara also holds nine double-centuries and two triple-centuries in Test cricket, with 34 Test centuries ranking him sixth on the all-time list.
3. When did Brian Lara score his famous 400 not out?
Brian Lara scored his historic 400 not out on April 12, 2004, against England in the fourth Test match at the Antigua Recreation Ground. This was a remarkable achievement as Lara became the first batsman in cricket history to score 400 runs in a single Test innings. His innings lasted 778 minutes off 582 deliveries, including 43 fours and 4 sixes. The West Indies won the match by an innings and 226 runs. Notably, this was the second time Lara broke the world record for the highest individual Test score, having previously scored 375 against England on the same ground exactly 10 years earlier.
4. What was Brian Lara’s role as captain of the West Indies?
Brian Lara served as captain of the West Indies and led the team to a significant victory. Most notably, he captained the West Indies to win the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, their first major ICC trophy victory since winning the 1979 Cricket World Cup. This achievement came during a challenging period for the team. Although he was appointed captain in 2003, Lara’s captaincy tenure had various ups and downs, but the Champions Trophy victory remains one of his finest achievements as a leader.
5. How did Brian Lara’s 501 not out for Warwickshire impact cricket?
In June 1994, Brian Lara scored 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston, the highest score ever recorded in first-class cricket. This innings came just weeks after he had broken the Test batting record with 375, making 1994 his most extraordinary year. His 501 was compiled off 427 deliveries with 62 fours and 10 sixes. This record-breaking innings helped Warwickshire win the treble (County Championship, Benson & Hedges Cup, and Sunday League) that season. Membership at Warwickshire surged threefold following his performances. The 501 not out record has remained unbroken for over 30 years and is considered one of cricket’s most iconic individual achievements.
6. When did Brian Lara retire from international cricket?
Brian Lara announced his retirement from international cricket on April 19, 2007. His last international match was on April 21, 2007, against England in a World Cup match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, where he was run out for 18. He was 37 years old at the time of retirement, ending a career spanning 17 years in international cricket. Lara had previously announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals after the 2007 Cricket World Cup but decided to retire from all forms of international cricket simultaneously. After his final match, he asked the crowd, “Did I entertain?” to a resounding cheer before taking his lap of honour.
7. What was Brian Lara’s career statistics in international cricket?
In Test cricket, Brian Lara played 131 matches and scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88, with a highest score of 400 not out. He hit 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 60.51. In One-Day Internationals, Lara played 299 matches and accumulated 10,405 runs at an average of 40.48, with 19 centuries and 63 half-centuries. His highest ODI score was 169 against Sri Lanka. In World Cup cricket, he played 34 matches and scored 1,225 runs with 2 centuries. Collectively, across all formats, Lara scored 53 centuries with 22,358 runs in 430 international matches.
8. What was unique about Brian Lara’s batting style and technique?
Brian Lara was known for his unorthodox yet elegant batting style, characterized by a high backlift, braced knees, and a distinctive hop in the crease combined with flashing blade movements and terrific bat speed. His style embodied Caribbean flair rather than textbook principles. Despite unconventional footwork at times, his fantastic eye, excellent balance, and head position allowed him to generate incredible bat speed and power. He was particularly renowned for his deft wristwork, which enabled him to guide the ball to untenanted areas of the field on either side of the wicket, including playing shots on the rise to slow bowlers. Being naturally right-handed but batting left-handed gave him an advantage, with his dominant right hand providing power and control.
9. What was Brian Lara’s early life and entry into cricket?
Brian Lara was born on May 2, 1969, in Cantaro, Santa Cruz, Trinidad, as the 10th of 11 children. His father Bunty and sister Agnes Cyrus enrolled him in the Harvard Coaching Clinic at age six for weekly coaching sessions. He received formal education in correct batting technique at an early age. At age 14, while studying at Fatima College under coach Harry Ramdass, he amassed 745 runs in the schoolboys’ league with an average of 126.16 per inning, earning selection for the Trinidad national under-16 team. At 15, he played in his first West Indian under-19 youth tournament. His idols were Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards, and Roy Fredericks, whom he aspired to emulate. He made his Test debut on December 6, 1990, against Pakistan.
10. How is Brian Lara’s 153 not out against Australia rated in cricket history?
Brian Lara’s 153 not out against Australia at Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1998–99 (or 1999, depending on the source) was rated by Wisden as the second-best batting performance in Test cricket history, next only to Sir Donald Bradman’s 270 in The Ashes Test of 1937. This match-winning performance showcased Lara’s ability to produce extraordinary innings under pressure. The rating reflects both the quality of the batting display and the impact it had on the match outcome, cementing Lara’s legacy as one of cricket’s most brilliant batsmen across generations.