Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has reignited the debate over ICC revenue distribution, asserting that India deserves an even larger share of the global cricket body’s earnings. Speaking to Wisden, Shastri defended the current 38.5% allocation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and argued that the figure should be higher, given India’s outsized contribution to the sport’s global revenue.
💰 India’s Dominance in Cricket Economics
- Under the 2024–27 ICC revenue model, India receives 38.5% of total earnings, amounting to approximately ₹1,968 crore annually
- This is six times more than what England (6.89%) and Australia (6.25%) receive
- Shastri emphasized that India drives global cricket revenues, particularly through television rights and sponsorships
“Most of the money that’s generated comes from India. So it’s only fair that they get their share of pound of flesh,” Shastri said
📺 TV Rights and Global Viewership
- India’s cricket tours significantly boost broadcast income for host nations
- The Indian Premier League (IPL) remains the most lucrative cricket tournament globally, further strengthening India’s financial influence
- Shastri noted that India’s market size and fan base justify a larger revenue share
🌍 Global Pushback and Equity Concerns
- Several cricket boards, especially outside the ‘Big Three’ (India, England, Australia), have criticized the model as disproportionate
- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded transparency on how the figures were calculated
- A recent World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) report called for a more equitable distribution to support the sport’s global growth
📌 Why It Matters
- Highlights the economic clout of Indian cricket in shaping global policies
- Sparks a broader conversation on fairness vs. financial contribution in international sports governance
- Could influence future ICC reforms and revenue-sharing negotiations
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