The proposed new international revenue-distribution model by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which heavily favors the major cricketing nations, has raised concerns among many Associate member boards. There are fears that this model could potentially hinder the growth of the game.
The ICC plans to vote on this new revenue-sharing model for the 2024-2027 cycle during its board meeting in Durban in July. According to a report by close sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would receive 38.5% of the annual earnings in the new finance model, primarily acknowledging its contribution to the commercial revenue.
The 12 Full Members of the ICC would collectively receive 88.81%, while the remaining portion would be distributed among the 94 Associate members. The ICC has not yet commented on the specific figures, but its general manager, Wasim Khan, mentioned that all members would receive more money under the proposed model compared to previous arrangements.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already expressed its opposition to the current shape of the model, and discontent is growing among other less-developed cricketing nations. Sumod Damodar, the vice-chairman of Botswana’s board and one of the three representatives of Associate members on the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee, expressed concerns that the proposed revenue model would not adequately address the needs of Associate members.
In an interview with Reuters, Damodar stated that if the proposed and discussed model becomes the final outcome, he would be disappointed. He further added that there are several practical reasons why the proposed model would be insufficient for Associate members.
According to Damodar, Associate members who have achieved ODI status require additional financial resources to sustain their high-performance programs, while others need funding to bridge the gap. He pointed out the impressive progress of Nepal in men’s cricket and Thailand in women’s cricket, stating that more countries would emerge if they received the necessary financial support.
Tim Cutler, the chief executive of Vanuatu Cricket Association, expressed concern that the proposed revenue model would further widen the disparity between cricket’s privileged nations and those with fewer resources. Cutler emphasized that the new model heavily favors the larger cricketing nations, which poses a risk of exacerbating the existing imbalance and jeopardizing the future of the game.
He stressed that if global cricket funds are not distributed more equally with the intention of expanding the game, cricket will remain confined to its current limited regions and fail to grow beyond them.
Cutler highlighted the challenge faced by Associate members in influencing decision-making within the ICC board, where Full Members hold 12 out of the 17 total votes. He stated that expecting Full Members to allocate funds away from themselves or make independent decisions for the betterment of the game would be akin to “turkeys voting for Christmas. “When approached for comment regarding the concerns raised by Associate members, the ICC did not provide a response.
Over-dependence on India a big risk:
Ehsan Mani, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ex-president of the International Cricket Council (ICC), criticized the governing body for its lack of vision in developing cricketing nations despite their significant commercial potential.
In an interview with Reuters, Mani expressed concerns about the excessive reliance on India as a major revenue generator for global cricket. He emphasized that countries like the United States, Middle East, and, in the long run, China could bring tremendous benefits to the ICC, its member nations, and the overall growth of the game.
Mani believed that a more equitable distribution of ICC revenues among all Full Members, instead of India securing the lion’s share, would be more sensible. According to Mani, it is crucial to have strong cricketing nations like the West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan for the overall strength and prosperity of world cricket.
He pointed out that the lack of financial investment in countries such as Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan has resulted in their struggle to sustain the game, ultimately making world cricket poorer. Mani stressed the importance of providing adequate funds and support to these nations to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sport globally.
ICC revenue model threatens growth of game, say associate members https://t.co/1QO5PK3Jqr pic.twitter.com/eQ2PTgy6tf
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 30, 2023
Pakistan Expresses Dissatisfaction with New ICC Revenue Model and Demands Clarity:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its discontentment with the proposed new revenue distribution model for international cricket. While acknowledging that India should receive the largest share due to its financial contributions to the sport, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has conveyed the board’s concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put forth a revenue sharing model for the 2024-2027 cycle, which is scheduled to be voted on at the upcoming board meeting in June. Leaked figures suggest that India would receive 38.5% of the revenue, with England and Australia receiving 6.89% and 6.25% respectively.
Pakistan’s projected earnings would account for 5.75%, primarily derived from media rights sales. The remaining percentage would be allocated among the ICC’s 96 associate members. The PCB seeks further clarity and transparency regarding the proposed model.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has reiterated the board’s demand for clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the proposed revenue distribution model. In an interview with Reuters, Sethi expressed discontentment and insisted that the ICC provide detailed information on how the figures were determined.
The PCB is not satisfied with the current situation and has taken a firm stance. Sethi emphasized that unless the requested details are provided, the board will not approve the financial model at the upcoming board meeting in June.
With India contributing approximately 80% of the ICC’s revenue and Disney Star securing the media rights for the Indian market, amounting to $3 billion, for the 2024-2027 cycle, Sethi highlighted the need for transparency in determining the share distribution.
The PCB has already raised concerns with the ICC, specifically regarding the role of the finance and commercial affairs committee led by Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Sethi revealed that besides Pakistan, at least two other test-playing nations have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed model and have requested further details.
While acknowledging that all nations would receive increased funds, the PCB remains firm in its demand for clarity and transparency in the ICC’s revenue allocation process.