The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) receives the largest share of revenue from the International Cricket Council (ICC), a subject that has sparked much debate in recent years. According to the latest revenue-sharing model, BCCI gets 38.5 percent of ICC’s total income—more than any other cricket board.
Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has openly supported this distribution. In a conversation with Wisden, he said, “I absolutely agree (that India should get 38.5 per cent). I would want more for India.”
He explained his view by highlighting India’s major contribution to the sport’s global earnings. “Most of the money that is generated comes from India. So it’s only fair that they get their pound of flesh,” Shastri stated.
He also mentioned that the situation is relative and depends on the economy. “And it’s relative. It’s economies. Tomorrow there might be another economy that’s stronger, money might come from there like it did in the 1970s and 80s, and the chunk of the money goes somewhere else,” Shastri added.
India’s huge population and love for cricket make the team a major factor in television ratings and global viewership. Supporting this, Shastri said, “I think it’s only fair. It shows in the revenues. When India travel, look at the television rights, look at the television income that comes for an India series. So it’s only fair that they get whatever they’re getting now, if not more.”
At present, Team India is playing a much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, once again drawing attention from fans worldwide.
