Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations

Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations
The Kolkata Knight Riders pose with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League Twenty20 final on May 26, 2024. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 26 December 2024
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Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations

Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations
  • The International Cricket Council, under new chair Jay Shah, has opportunity to promote India as a uniter and grower of the game

Last week an article written in 2012 caught my eye. It commented on a 9 percent decline in the number of television viewers watching the Indian Premier League. This led to a recommendation that the IPL should join forces with the International Cricket Council to form a World Cricket League, featuring teams from around the world.

In retrospect, the suggestion appears bizarre. The IPL has since become the powerhouse that has propelled India to dominance in cricket’s global political economy. The recommendation ought to be a warning to those who try to predict the game’s future landscape.

It is clear that India’s dominance shows little sign of waning for the foreseeable future. Au contraire, it is set to grow further with the appointment of Jay Shah as chair of the ICC. Previously, Shah was secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India between October 2019 and December 2024. During that time, he was instrumental in shaping the current ICC financial model. This massively favors India.

Confirmation was revealed at the ICC annual conference in July 2023, with India set to receive almost 40 percent of ICC revenues in the 2024 to 2027 cycle. How much will actually be earned depends upon the broadcasting revenues that will be realized. Initial estimates indicate that the BCCI could earn $230 million out of a total pot of some $600 million annually. This is a significant increase compared with the 2016 to 2023 cycle, in which the BCCI’s share from the ICC’s central revenue pool totaled $405 million.

By way of comparison, the England and Wales Cricket Board is set to receive $41 million annually, 6.89 percent of the total pot, followed by Cricket Australia with $37.53 million, or 6.25 percent. Only one other board, Pakistan’s, is set to receive over $30 million annually, with $34.51 million or 5.75 percent. The other eight full members will receive a total of $189 million, an average of $24 million each. This leaves $67.5 million, around 11 percent of the pot, to be shared between the 96 associate members.

The contribution to national board income is not easy to estimate. First, this is partly because the criteria or “component weightings” used in the model are opaque. They are based on contribution to the global game both on and off the field. This embraces cricket history, performance in both men’s and women’s ICC events over the last 16 years, contribution to the ICC’s commercial revenue and an equal weightage for full members, quoted as 8.3 percent.

It is clear from the figures above that the other criteria amend the equal weighting. India’s claim that it contributes between 70 and 80 percent of the ICC’s revenue is well recognized in its allocation, whereas that for all other full members is below the base weighting.

A second reason is that the ICC’s annual income is based on the estimated earnings for future years. The majority of these derive from sales of media rights. In the 2024 to 2031 cycle, rights for ICC events were sold for $3.2 billion with $3 billion paid by Disney Star for the Indian market. Effectively, these funds bankroll cricket. In this context, the criticality of matches between India and Pakistan becomes apparent, as highlighted in the recent fracas between them over the 2025 Champions Trophy.

A third reason is that the payments are not uniform. New Zealand Cricket’s report and accounts for the year ending July 31, 2024, note that the distribution of monies from the ICC tends to be heavily weighted toward the end of the cycle. The final wash-up payment from the previous cycle, for example, was received around May 2024, placing it in the 2023 to 2024 financial year.

The NZC’s income in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024, has been NZ$97 million and NZ$98 million, equivalent to around $55 million. If a similar figure is assumed for 2024 to 2025 then the ICC income of between $24 million and $28 million represents half of its revenue stream. In comparison, the England and Wales Cricket Board has an annual income of around $388 million. Therefore, its $41 million from the ICC is 11 percent of its income, a lower dependency than that of New Zealand. However, 75 percent of its revenues is derived from sales of broadcasting rights, emphasizing its fragile financial structure.

India has no such vulnerability. Its 2023 to 2024 income of 7.574 crore rupees — fast approaching $1 billion — dwarfs that of all other ICC members. This represents a massive contribution to the game across all criteria. On the other hand, that amount of power and influence distort other outcomes. One of these is growth amongst associate members. Many of them are ambitious but are hamstrung by a lack of funds. An example is the Netherlands.

Recently, its governing body, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond, has seemingly pulled back from its ambition to become an ICC full member, because of a budgetary shortfall. Its team has often caused upsets against full members but, unlike the ICC’s full members, the governing body is not guaranteed a slice of the world revenue. This is contingent on qualification for global events, position on white-ball rankings tables and performance on the ICC’s development scorecard. This pits associate members in direct competition with one another, with financial uncertainty a deterrent to potential sponsors.

There is an opportunity for the ICC, under Shah, to promote India as a uniter and grower of the game. This could involve a greater sharing of broadcasting incomes, allowing its teams to play smaller full members and emerging countries, as well as opening new territories and markets. Shah appears to be putting great store by the Olympics to focus on the latter.

There is little indication, so far, that there is any prospect for associate members to receive additional funding to encourage their development. Perhaps this is deliberate. Power clearly rests with India. When with the BCCI, Shah was a key player in negotiating broadcast rights. He carries those connections into the ICC. The recent merger between Disney and Reliance in India severely reduces competition in the market for broadcast rights.

In the next cycle, further concentration of power can be expected, with small pickings for those outside of the inner circle.


Maguire heads late winner and Man United beats Leicester in dramatic FA Cup match

Maguire heads late winner and Man United beats Leicester in dramatic FA Cup match
Updated 25 sec ago
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Maguire heads late winner and Man United beats Leicester in dramatic FA Cup match

Maguire heads late winner and Man United beats Leicester in dramatic FA Cup match
MANCHESTER, England: Harry Maguire scored a controversial injury time winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 and move into the last 16 of the FA Cup on Friday.
United went behind to a Bobby De Cordova-Reid goal four minutes before halftime. Joshua Zirkzee equalized in the 68th minute and Maguire grabbed the late winner.
There was a heated debate over whether the England center half was in an offside position but there is no VAR in the FA Cup and the goal stood.
“This (loss) wasn’t necessary,” an unhappy Leicester coach Ruud van Nistelrooy told broadcaster ITV.
“This was half a meter (offside). Then extra time, stay in the game, you never know what happens. We deserved to go into extra time and maybe penalties. Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow.”
The result marked the first time in United’s history that the club has won three times at home against the same team in the same season. United beat Leicester 5-2 in the League Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
The result was a boost for new coach Ruben Amorim and a bitter letdown for Van Nistelrooy, who was the interim manager at United before being moved on and taking charge at Leicester.
Leicester, a one-time FA Cup champion, was 1-0 up at the break. Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed near the touchline and Bilai El Khannouss’ low cross was hit goal-bound by Wilfred Ndidi but deflected in off De Cordova-Reid.
The introduction of substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee lifted United in the second half and Zirkzee got the equalizer with the simplest of finishes after good work from the Argentine player down the left flank.
Then, just as the game looked like going into extra time, Bruno Fernandes threw a long ball into the box for Maguire to head the winner.
“(It was a) great finish to the game,” Maguire said. “The second half we played a lot better. The first half was nowhere near good enough, we played at a slow tempo and we didn’t really get going.
“He (Garnacho) made a big impact. He always does that when he comes off the bench, so credit to him, he’s ready, he’s focused.”

Kane hits brace as Bayern beat Bremen to move nine clear

Kane hits brace as Bayern beat Bremen to move nine clear
Updated 08 February 2025
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Kane hits brace as Bayern beat Bremen to move nine clear

Kane hits brace as Bayern beat Bremen to move nine clear
  • Kane was key in winning Bayern’s first penalty and breaking down Bremen’s stubborn resistance
  • Leroy Sane tapped in a Konrad Laimer cross from close range for Bayern’s second in the 82nd minute

MUNICH: Harry Kane scored two penalties as Bayern Munich beat Werder Bremen 3-0 on Friday to go nine points clear of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
There were few chances in the first half but Kane signalled his intent 30 seconds after the break, rattling the crossbar with a shot from outside the box.
Kane was key in winning Bayern’s first penalty and breaking down Bremen’s stubborn resistance.
The England captain tussled with defender Anthony Young and headed a chipped cross against the Bremen man’s arm, which was slightly extended.
The England captain stepped up and converted the spot kick, sending goalkeeper Michael Zetterer the wrong way.
Leroy Sane tapped in a Konrad Laimer cross from close range for Bayern’s second in the 82nd minute.
In stoppage time, Young was again deemed guilty of a foul in the box, this time on Jamal Musiala.
Kane stepped up and converted, bringing his penalty streak to 29 in a row for club and country.
The former Spurs striker now has 21 goals in 19 league games for Bayern this season, including nine penalties.
Defending champions Leverkusen travel to Wolfsburg on Saturday and can cut Bayern’s lead back to six points with a win.
Bayern play away at Leverkusen next week in a match bookended by a two-legged Champions League knockout tie against Celtic.
Bremen fought hard but were undermanned, on and off the field.
Coach Ole Werner along with defenders Niklas Stark and Marco Friedl were all missing due to red cards in the 1-0 home win against in-form Mainz last time out, while attackers Leonardo Bittencourt and Romano Schmid were sidelined with muscle strains.
Despite the loss, Bremen sit eighth, one point behind the European placings, as they bid for a return to continental competition for the first time since 2010-11.


Desert Vipers storm into ILT20 final with commanding win over Sharjah Warriorz

Desert Vipers storm into ILT20 final with commanding win over Sharjah Warriorz
Updated 07 February 2025
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Desert Vipers storm into ILT20 final with commanding win over Sharjah Warriorz

Desert Vipers storm into ILT20 final with commanding win over Sharjah Warriorz
  • Vipers face Dubai Capitals on Sunday after impressive victory

SHARJAH: Desert Vipers delivered a dominant all-round performance to cruise past Sharjah Warriorz by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 of the DP World ILT20 on Friday, setting up a final clash against Dubai Capitals.

Chasing 163 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Vipers made light work of the target, reaching it with 20 balls to spare. Openers Max Holden (48) and Alex Hales (47) set the tone with aggressive stroke play before captain Sam Curran finished the chase in style with a blistering 15-ball 34.

Having finished as runners-up in the tournament’s inaugural season, the Vipers will now be determined to go all the way when they meet Dubai Capitals in the final on Sunday.

Sharjah Warriorz got off to a dream start when Adam Milne bowled Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just three in the opening over with a superb inswinging delivery. However, Hales responded with a flurry of boundaries, including four consecutive fours off Dilshan Madushanka in the fourth over, as the Vipers raced to 54 for one by the end of the powerplay.

Hales continued his assault, smashing Karim Janat for three successive boundaries before Madushanka finally got his revenge, dismissing the Englishman for a rapid 47 off 29 balls. Despite that breakthrough, Holden kept the momentum going with clean hitting, ensuring the Vipers remained in control at 92 for two after 10 overs.

Just when Holden looked set to steer his side home, Milne struck again, dismissing him for a well-compiled 48. However, with just 46 runs required from the final seven overs, Curran took charge, the Vipers’ skipper unleashing a brutal display of hitting, striking two fours and two sixes, including a massive shot over midwicket, to seal victory in emphatic fashion.

Earlier, Sharjah Warriorz struggled for early momentum after losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles within the first three overs. Charles briefly threatened with a six and a four off Mohammad Amir but fell soon after for 16.

Jason Roy provided some stability, striking a series of boundaries and forming a crucial 43-run partnership with Tim Seifert. However, the Vipers’ bowlers continued to chip away, with Nathan Sowter deceiving Seifert (15) with a slower delivery and later removing Matthew Wade (6) with a brilliant leg-break.

Roy fought valiantly, bringing up his half-century in 34 balls, but his departure in the final over — coupled with a stunning cameo from Janat, who smashed four sixes in the last two overs — meant the Warriorz could only muster 162 for seven.

Reflecting on the defeat, Tim Southee, skipper of Sharjah Warriorz, admitted his side fell short with the ball.

He said: “It was a tough one. We knew the wicket would skid on later, but we needed to bowl better. The Vipers changed their pace well and executed their plans perfectly. Jason (Roy) played exceptionally well, but overall it was disappointing not to defend our total.”

Meanwhile, Player of the Match Hales was delighted with his contribution, saying: “It feels great. The pitch was playing well, and I’m happy I could time the chase perfectly. We kept it simple, watched the ball until the last moment, and played to our strengths. Now we’re fully focused on the final.”


Woman is arrested for stealing from a Super Bowl reporter found dead at his hotel

Woman is arrested for stealing from a Super Bowl reporter found dead at his hotel
Updated 07 February 2025
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Woman is arrested for stealing from a Super Bowl reporter found dead at his hotel

Woman is arrested for stealing from a Super Bowl reporter found dead at his hotel
  • Police on Thursday evening arrested Louisiana resident Danette Colbert, 49, who was charged with property crimes
  • Police also uncovered narcotics and a stolen firearm at Colbert’s residence

NEW ORLEANS: Police are investigating the death of a television reporter who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl and on Friday announced the arrest of a woman they say used his credit card.
Adan Manzano, 27, an anchor and reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead Wednesday in his hotel room in Kenner, a suburb just outside New Orleans, police said.
Police on Thursday evening arrested Louisiana resident Danette Colbert, 49, who was charged with property crimes, including fraud and theft-related offenses, according to a press statement Friday.
Colbert was seen on security video footage arriving with Manzano at his hotel room around 5 a.m. the day of his death and then leaving without him about an hour later, police said. She used Manzano’s credit card at several stores around New Orleans and authorities later located Manzano’s credit card and cellphone at Colbert’s residence, they said.
Police also uncovered narcotics and a stolen firearm at Colbert’s residence, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said Friday during a press conference. Investigators believe Colbert acted alone, he said.
Conley described Colbert as a “career criminal” known to New Orleans police for “fraud schemes.”
“Everybody should be aware of their surroundings,” Conley said. “This brings to light that there are people out there that prey on other people and bring them into their confidence and victimize them.”
A phone number affiliated with Colbert’s residence was disconnected and no one responded to a message sent to an email associated with her.
Police are awaiting the results of the coroner’s full autopsy, which will determine whether Manzano’s death was a homicide, Conley said.
The coroner’s office is conducting toxicology tests, and results are expected to take three to four weeks, Jefferson Parish Director of Forensic Operations Tim Genevay said. There was no obvious physical trauma found on Manzano’s body, he added.
Telemundo Kansas City General Manager Steve Downing said Manzano was a “rising star” and “true professional” — a bilingual television anchor and reporter who loved sports, and had covered the Kansas City Chiefs ‘ past two Super Bowl victories. He hoped to see a record third straight win Sunday.
“You would always see him with a smile on his face, he enjoyed the work that he did,” Downing said. “He was very committed to serving the local community by providing them the best in sports news.”
Manzano leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter. He had been raising her on his own with help from family after his wife died last year in a car accident, Downing said.


Duran, Ronaldo star as Al-Nassr win again

Duran, Ronaldo star as Al-Nassr win again
Updated 07 February 2025
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Duran, Ronaldo star as Al-Nassr win again

Duran, Ronaldo star as Al-Nassr win again
  • Duran scores twice, Ronaldo adds third
  • Al-Nassr back in third place in table after victory

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran were on target on Friday as Al-Nassr beat Al-Fayha 3-0 to go back into third place in the Saudi Pro League.
Duran, who signed from Aston Villa from the English Premier League at the end of the January transfer window, put the Yellows ahead midway through the first half. The Colombian, who picked up possession just outside the area, turned inside and then shot home into the bottom corner to score his first goal in his first SPL game.


It was a great start but the Yellows had to wait until the 72nd minute to extend their lead. Duran got his, and the team’s, second as he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from the edge of the six-yard box.
It sealed the win for the hosts, but there was still time for another goal, and two minutes later it was 3-0. Nawaf Boushal ran down the right and then pulled the ball back into the area for Ronaldo to sweep home from just inside the box. It was the 16th league goal of the season for the Portuguese star, who stays on top of the scoring rankings. It also secured another win for Al-Nassr, their fourth in succession.
“It was a good match and we played well against a solid opponent who did not make it easy for us,” said Al-Nassr’s coach Stefano Pioli. “We were patient and, at the end, we got what we wanted.”
The win means that Al-Nassr are in third place, five points behind Al-Hilal in second and eight behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
Earlier, Al-Ahli beat Al-Fateh 2-0 with both goals coming from England striker Ivan Toney from the penalty spot.