Former Indian player and coach Ravi Shastri has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to demand a larger share of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) revenue, exceeding the current 38.5%. Shastri argues that India's significant financial contribution to global cricket justifies a greater portion of the ICC's earnings.
Shastri's statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the distribution of profits and revenues in cricket, involving players, member nations, and other stakeholders. The current distribution model, established in 2023, allocates 38.5% of the ICC's revenue to the BCCI, significantly more than the shares received by England, Australia, and Pakistan. The BCCI will receive approximately Rs. 1,968 crore annually, far exceeding England and Australia's shares of 6.89 percent and 6.25 percent, respectively. The remaining 12% of the revenue is distributed among nine other cricket-playing nations.
Shastri, however, believes India deserves more, emphasizing the country's substantial contribution to the cricket economy through its large audience and the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). He highlighted the increased television rights revenue generated during India series, stating that it is only fair for India to receive a larger share of the earnings. According to Shastri, the revenue share should be proportional to the income generated.
"I would want more for India because 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 in an interview with Wisden. He added that the situation is dynamic and dependent on economic factors, suggesting that if another economy becomes stronger in the future, the flow of money might shift accordingly.
The existing revenue distribution model has faced criticism, particularly from cricket boards outside the "Big Three" (India, England, and Australia). These boards argue that the current model could hinder the growth of cricket in other nations. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been particularly vocal, demanding greater transparency in the allocation process. They are insisting that the ICC should reveal how the figures were arrived at.
Some reports suggest the current financial structure in global cricket is not optimized for competitive balance and growth, preventing the sport from reaching its full global potential. These reports also indicate that players' earnings are not proportional to the wealth they generate, with approximately 10% of all revenue going to players. Furthermore, a significant portion of cricket's revenue is concentrated within a few months of the year and among the "Big Three" nations.
Despite these concerns, Shastri maintains that India's contribution warrants a larger share, pointing to the financial boost India brings to cricket with its massive potential audience. He noted that overseas tours often flourish when India is part of the schedule.
