The latest edition of ESPN’s ‘World Fame 100’ – the United States television channel’s annual ranking of the biggest names in sports – features 11 cricketers.

The rankings are based on a formula devised by ESPN’s director of analytics Ben Alamar that combines endorsements with social media following and internet search popularity.

Eight Indians and three Bangladeshis comprise 2019’s 11, but there was no room for former Proteas captain AB de Villiers, who was listed in last year’s edition.

De Villiers doesn’t play international cricket anymore, but has participated in global Twenty20 competitions such as the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League this year.

Indian captain Virat Kohli is the highest ranked at seventh position this year, while countryman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Ravichandran Ashwin are placed 13th, 18th, 22nd and 42nd respectively.

Fellow Indians Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh and Shikhar Dhawan follow in 47th, 74th and 92nd place respectively.

Bangladeshis Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mashrafe Mortaza occupy 90th, 92nd and 98th spot respectively.

Portugese footballer Christiano Ronaldo leads the list, with United States basketball star LeBron James in second position – and Argentine striker Lionel Messi third.

Tennis is represented by sixth-placed Roger Federer and eight-placed Rafael Nadal. Golf’s Tiger Woods is in 10th position.

Snowboarding’s Shaun White is in 24th spot – and boxing’s Deontay Wilder 34th.

Photo: Gallo