The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) released a report titled ‘Protecting History, Embracing Change: A Unified, Coherent Global Future’ on March 26 (Wednesday). The report highlights major issues in world cricket and suggests solutions.
One of the key points in this 30-page report is about the revenue sharing model of the International Cricket Council (ICC). It says that the current model is “skewed”, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) getting a large share of 38.5%. The report also mentions that global cricket finances are “not optimised”.
Missing Key Facts in the Report
However, the report does not explain why BCCI gets this major share or discuss its huge contributions to ICC’s revenue. It ignores how India’s media rights deals have brought record-breaking funds to ICC and how advertisers are eager to invest in India matches.
As per the report:
“50% of all ICC revenue is given to the top three countries (38.5% to BCCI).”
But industry experts question these observations. They say that since BCCI contributes 85-90% of ICC’s revenue, getting 38.5% is fair.
“If India is bringing in most of ICC’s money, how can you say BCCI is taking too much? ICC sold media rights in different bundles to maximise earnings from the Indian market, and the results are clear for everyone to see,” experts say.
T20 Leagues and Player Participation
The report also talks about T20 leagues and notes that:
- IPL makes up nearly half of the global cricket economy but shares only 0.3% of its revenue with other cricket boards.
- Less than 10% of IPL revenue goes to players.
The panel suggests that Indian players should be allowed to play in foreign T20 leagues, saying it will increase interest and earnings of these leagues.
Ignoring BCCI’s Contributions
BCCI also gives monthly pensions to former cricketers and financial support to families of players in case of untimely death.
The report does not mention how BCCI is:
Investing in infrastructure
Taking care of former and current players
Hosting over 2,000 domestic matches every year
“Who is paying for all these expenses?” ask experts. They highlight that BCCI runs many player welfare programs, including the recent Test incentive scheme, ensuring cricketers—both past and present—are well taken care of.
Other Recommendations in the Report
The WCA panel suggests:
- A minimum of 2% and a maximum of 10% revenue for the top 24 countries
- At least 10% distribution for countries ranked 25 and below
- A Central ‘Global Growth & Development Fund’ for international cricket and other projects
This report has already been shared with the ICC men’s cricket committee and will soon be sent to the women’s cricket committee.
With these ongoing discussions, it remains to be seen how ICC will address these concerns while ensuring a fair balance for all cricket boards.
