“India Deserves Its Share”: Ravi Shastri Backs ICC’s 38.5% Revenue Allocation to BCCI
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has publicly backed the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s decision to award 38.5% of its total revenue to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2024–27 cycle. According to Shastri, the move is not only justified but essential, considering India’s overwhelming contribution to global cricket earnings.
Under the newly proposed financial model, the BCCI is expected to receive nearly Rs 1,968 crore annually, dwarfing the shares of other top cricketing nations like England (6.89%) and Australia (6.25%). The remaining 12% will be distributed among the other nine Full Member cricket boards.
TV Rights Prove India’s Dominance
Shastri, speaking to Wisden, emphasized that India’s cricketing presence drives the global broadcasting economy. “Most of the money that’s generated comes from India. So it’s only fair that they get their share of the pound of flesh,” he remarked. “Just look at what happens to television rights and income when India tours. The numbers speak for themselves.”
He added that if another nation were to rise economically and draw similar interest, the distribution should evolve accordingly. “In the 70s and 80s, other economies drove the game. Today, it’s India, and revenue should reflect that.”
Debate Over Equity vs. Economics
While Shastri and the BCCI maintain that revenue share should match financial input, the model has sparked sharp criticism from smaller cricketing nations. Many argue that such an unequal distribution will further widen the financial gap, hindering the development of cricket in emerging countries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been among the most vocal critics. Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi had earlier demanded clarity from the ICC, stating:
“We are insisting that the ICC should tell us how these figures were arrived at. We are not happy with the situation as it stands.”
Sethi hinted that without transparent metrics, Pakistan may not approve the revenue model in future ICC board meetings.
Shastri’s Pragmatic Take
Ravi Shastri’s remarks align with the BCCI’s longstanding view that India is the financial engine of world cricket. “It’s relative economics,” he said. “If tomorrow another economy becomes stronger, money may flow there. Right now, it’s India – and that’s where the numbers lie.”
Conclusion
The ICC’s new revenue distribution model has highlighted the tension between financial realism and global cricket development. While India’s dominance in terms of commercial interest and viewership is undeniable, concerns about the long-term health and competitiveness of international cricket remain.
As the 2024–27 cycle unfolds, cricket boards, fans, and analysts alike will be watching how this distribution impacts the growth and inclusivity of the sport.
