Cricket stands out as one of the highest-paid sports in cricket-playing countries, with India emerging as a powerhouse in terms of player earnings. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket economics, offering lucrative contracts to players from around the world.
Indian cricketers, in particular, enjoy substantial earnings through central contracts and match fees. On that note, take a look at the richest cricket boards in the world.
India has a country has seen an increase in consumer spend and hence, cricket too seemed to blend seamlessly with this growth. The BCCI understood the massive value of TV rights and sponsorships and Indian cricket has been on the march ever since.
In 2005, Nike secured a $43 million contract as the Indian cricket team’s kit sponsor and in 2006, Nimbus purchased the TV rights for Indian for $612 million. The introduction of T20 cricket and with the advent of the IPL, these figures have only grown and given the BCCI a much-needed financial heft.
Top 8 Most Richest Cricket Board in the World
1.Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – Net Worth: $2 Billion
The most richest cricket board in the world is the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Over the years, the BCCI has organized several ICC cricket World Cups, including the men’s 2011 and 2023 ODI World Cups, the 2016 T20 World Cup, the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2021 T20 World Cup, as well as the 2013 and 2016 Women’s Cricket World Cups.
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the BCCI recorded earnings of ₹16,875 crore (US$2.1 billion) and paid ₹4,000 crore (US$500 million) in taxes for the preceding financial year.
In 2008, the BCCI launched the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has emerged as the most lucrative cricket league globally. In 2023, the BCCI secured a record-breaking deal by selling the IPL’s media rights for $6.02 billion for the period spanning 2023 to 2027.
In the fiscal year 2019–2020, the board recorded a total annual income of over ₹3,730 crore.
Read More: Know about BCCI Net Worth
2. Cricket Australia (CA) – Net Worth: $70 Million
Cricket Australia, the governing body for cricket in the nation, is the second richest cricket board in the world. Renowned for its organizational prowess, Cricket Australia oversees the development of cricket at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions. The board’s emphasis on professionalism and innovation has propelled Australian cricket to international acclaim, boasting numerous world titles across formats.
In the fiscal year concluding on June 30, 2015, the organization amassed a revenue of A$380.9 million, achieving a net surplus of $99 million. This financial success was predominantly credited to the triumph of co-hosting the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
3. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – Net Worth: $59 Million
Established on January 1, 1997, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) serves as the unified national governing body for cricket in both England and Wales.
The board supervises cricket at every tier in England and Wales, including the national teams. In 2017, the ECB finalized a fresh media rights agreement worth £1.1 billion, spanning from 2020 to 2024. During the financial year of 2017-2018, the ECB recorded a turnover of £125.5 million.
Suggested More: Which Country is The Best in Cricket?
4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – $5 Million
Since 1952, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been a member of the ICC, representing both the men’s and women’s national teams in global cricket competitions. Regarded as the fourth wealthiest cricket board by various publications, the PCB boasts a substantial net worth of $5 million.
The PCB has played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. Notable achievements include Pakistan’s triumph in the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup, a historic moment etched in cricketing lore.
5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) – Net Worth: 51 Million
BCB joined the ICC as an associate member in 1977 and became a full member on June 26, 2000. It oversees three national teams: the Bangladesh men’s, women’s, and under-19 cricket teams.
According to the BCB Activity report for 2017–20, the board earned approximately US$29 million from team sponsors, media rights, and other sources during that period, compared to around US$33 million between 2010 and 2016. In the 2021 Annual General Meeting, BCB reported a revenue budget ofUS$25 million and an expenditure budget of US$24 million for the fiscal year 2021–22.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Richest Cricketer in India 2024
6. South Africa Cricket Board:
Coming in at number 6 is the South African cricket board that has a worth of around 392 crore. The South African cricket team is one of the most consistent sides in the world and they have been a dominant force in both Test and ODI cricket. With the advent of SA20, the revenue of South Africa Cricket Board could also increase in the near future.
7. Zimbabwe Cricket Board
The Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZCB) is at seven and despite facing plenty of challenges and despite the fact that the cricket team does not get as many matches as the rest of the sides in the list, they have a financial standing of 317 crore.
8. Sri Lanka Cricket Board
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), is at number 8. This board too has been in financial turmoil over the years, but they have been resilient and currently have around 166 crore in its coffers.
Further Read: Check out the List of all BCCI chairpersons
FAQ’s about Richest Cricket Board in the World
Q) Which is the richest cricket board in the world?
A) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with a net worth of around $2 billion, is the richest cricket board in the world.Â
Q) How has the IPL impacted cricket?
A) The Indian Premier League (IPL) has offered lucrative contracts to players worldwide and has had huge TV deals.Â
Q) What major tournaments has been organized by the BCCI?
A) The BCCI has organized several major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 and 2023 ODI World Cups.
Q) Has consumer spending in India affected cricket?
A) Yes, the increase in consumer spending in India has seamlessly blended with cricket’s growth.Â
Q) What are some big sponsorship deals in Indian cricket?
A) Notable sponsorship deals include Nike’s $43 million contract in 2005 and the TV rights as well.
