In a remarkable off-field success story, Australian cricket star Steve Smith earned approximately $1.4 million (around INR 9-10 crore) in a single day, and it had nothing to do with his performances on the pitch. The Daily Mail reported that the windfall came from a smart investment Smith made nearly a decade ago. Back in 2015, the former Australia captain invested $100,000 in Koala, an Australian online furniture and bedding company, acquiring a 10 per cent stake at the time.
The turning point came when Koala made its debut on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). On listing day, Smith’s stake was valued at approximately $11.9 million. However, as trading progressed and the company’s share price surged by over 11 per cent, the value of his holdings rose to around $13.2 million by market close. This sharp rise effectively earned him about $1.4 million in just one day.
Smith’s investment makes him one of the notable shareholders in the company. The massive gain highlights his financial acumen beyond cricket, proving how modern athletes are increasingly diversifying their income streams through business ventures.
This is not Smith’s only off-field venture. Reports suggest he has invested his money in a number of areas, including fintech and consumer brands. He is also involved in investment platforms and startups, which is part of a larger trend of cricketers building business portfolios while playing.
The development has drawn a lot of attention, as it shows that more and more top athletes are moving away from relying solely on match earnings and endorsements to make long-term money through smart investments.
While Smith remains active in global cricket leagues, this financial milestone serves as a reminder that success for modern sports stars is no longer limited to the field. With calculated risks and timely decisions, players like Smith are proving equally effective in the business world.
In an era when athletes are evolving into entrepreneurs, Smith’s million-dollar day stands out as a textbook example of turning foresight into fortune long after the initial investment.
