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.


Poor visibility delays toss in Pakistan-West Indies Test in Multan

Poor visibility delays toss in Pakistan-West Indies Test in Multan
Updated 1 min 31 sec ago
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Poor visibility delays toss in Pakistan-West Indies Test in Multan

Poor visibility delays toss in Pakistan-West Indies Test in Multan
  • Pakistan regularly suffers from winter smog which has dire health consequences
  • Air quality in Multan was ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ and set to rise during the day

MULTAN, Pakistan: Toss in the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan on Friday was delayed because of poor visibility, as air quality monitors recorded high levels of pollution.

Pakistan regularly suffers from winter smog which has dire health consequences.

“The visibility has been affected due to fog so the toss has been delayed,” Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

“Once the visibility improves the two umpires will inspect the conditions.”

A pitch inspection was due at 9:30 am (0430 GMT).

The air quality in Multan was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and set to rise throughout the day, according to monitoring site IQAir.

The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle (2023-2025) in which Pakistan are eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.

The second Test starts from January 25, also in Multan.


Amad Diallo scores late 12-minute hat trick to rescue Man United in 3-1 win over Southampton

Amad Diallo scores late 12-minute hat trick to rescue Man United in 3-1 win over Southampton
Updated 17 January 2025
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Amad Diallo scores late 12-minute hat trick to rescue Man United in 3-1 win over Southampton

Amad Diallo scores late 12-minute hat trick to rescue Man United in 3-1 win over Southampton

Amad Diallo keeps coming up with big late goals for Manchester United.
There were three of them Thursday in a remarkable 12-minute flurry that rescued United from an embarrassing loss to the Premier League’s worst team.
Diallo, a 22-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, scored a hat trick from the 82nd minute to earn United a 3-1 victory over last-place Southampton — just when it looked like his team was heading for a fourth straight home loss for the first time since the 1930s.
“In football you have to believe. We believed until the end,” said Diallo, who signed a new five-year contract with United last week as a reward for becoming one of its most important players.
That’s because Diallo is proving a man for the big occasion. Two weeks ago, he scored an 80th-minute equalizer at Anfield to secure a 2-2 draw against Liverpool; a month ago, he scored a 90th-minute winner at Manchester City; and who could forget his winner in stoppage time of extra time as United ousted Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Now he is a mainstay of the team, even trusted by manager Ruben Amorim to play the demanding position of right wing back. By the end of the game against Southampton, Diallo was playing like a forward and he equalized in the 82nd minute, scoring at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked.
Diallo put United ahead in the 90th minute when he ran onto Christian Eriksen’s chip over the defense and volleyed home, and added a third goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time after dispossessing a Southampton defender in front of an empty goal.
“I am ready to play every position — I am ready to play as a wing back, No. 10, where the manager likes to put me,” said Diallo, the second-youngest scorer of a Premier League hat trick for United, after Wayne Rooney. “I am ready to fight for this club.”
Amorim said “good things are going to happen” for the Ivory Coast international if he continues to train well.
“He is in a great moment and he is having a very good season,” Amorim said.
The victory continued an uptick for the fallen English giant, which beat Arsenal in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup on Sunday and was impressive in a 2-2 draw at first-place Liverpool in United’s previous league game.
United climbed to 12th place in the league but was largely poor against Southampton, which took the lead thanks to an own-goal by Manuel Ugarte in the 43rd minute.
Southampton stayed on just six points for the season and looks a near-certainty for relegation. The team is 10 points from safety.
Ipswich drops into relegation zone
The three relegation places are now filled by the teams promoted last season after Ipswich lost at home to Brighton 2-0.
Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter scored second-half goals for Brighton, which climbed to ninth place.
Ipswich dropped below Wolverhampton into third-to-last place and is only ahead of Leicester and Southampton.


Kvaratskhelia posts farewell video to Napoli fans ahead of expected transfer

Kvaratskhelia posts farewell video to Napoli fans ahead of expected transfer
Updated 16 January 2025
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Kvaratskhelia posts farewell video to Napoli fans ahead of expected transfer

Kvaratskhelia posts farewell video to Napoli fans ahead of expected transfer
  • “I spent an amazing time here, we shared a lot of memories together, experienced a lot of amazing emotions,” a solemn-looking Kvaratskhelia said
  • Napoli coach Antonio Conte confirmed last Saturday that Kvaratskhelia requested a move

NAPLES, Italy: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posted a farewell video to Napoli fans on Thursday ahead of a widely expected transfer away from the Italian league.
The 23-year-old Georgia winger, who starred in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning team in 2023, has been linked in France with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, while Premier League leader Liverpool also are reportedly interested.
Kvaratskhelia posted a video on Instagram, with subtitles in both Italian and English, to directly address Napoli fans who affectionately nicknamed him “Kvaradona” in homage to late Argentina great Diego Maradona, the club’s greatest-ever player.
“It’s hard for me, but it’s time to say goodbye. I spent an amazing time here, we shared a lot of memories together, experienced a lot of amazing emotions,” a solemn-looking Kvaratskhelia said. “Napoli was my home, where I felt wonderful thanks to each of you. The path we went through together is still in my mind and it is very emotional. I remember my first goal and feelings.”
Napoli coach Antonio Conte confirmed last Saturday that Kvaratskhelia requested a move.
“I spoke to the player who confirmed this decision to me,” Conte said at that time. “I am disappointed, it was a bolt from the blue, and I am taking a step back.”


PSG have lost superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and need to reinvigorate an attack lacking efficiency.
Kvaratskhelia fits the bill as both a scorer and skillful provider with both speed and devastating dribbling ability.
He scored 30 goals in 107 games overall for Napoli and had great chemistry with striker Victor Osimhen during the title-winning campaign — which ended a 33-year wait for the Serie A title, with Maradona starring in that 1990 team.
“Napoli is a football city, Napoli lives with football and I am happy to have been part of this great history,” he said, before stroking a ball attached to leg of a statue of Maradona, and then bowing his head. “It was a great honor for me to wear this journey.”
He pledged to explain the reasons for his decision to leave when the time is right.
“I say goodbye but you will always be in my heart,” said Kvaratskhelia, who wore the No. 77 jersey.
“I know that your heart is very broken but one day I will tell you everything.”
He ended the video with a visit to the Spagnoli district where Maradona’s giant mural is located. Maradona, who died in November 2020, is revered in the city.
“I could not leave without visiting this special place as this is where you get the most genuine feeling of what Diego means to this city. Here he is admired above all else,” Kvaratskhelia said. “I have to say goodbye to Diego. Goodbye Diego, Goodbye Napoli.”


Pakistan hopes its spin tactics work wonders against West Indies in test series

Pakistan hopes its spin tactics work wonders against West Indies in test series
Updated 16 January 2025
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Pakistan hopes its spin tactics work wonders against West Indies in test series

Pakistan hopes its spin tactics work wonders against West Indies in test series
  • Both Pakistan and West Indies are placed at bottom of World Test Championship table
  • Pakistan used industrial-sized fans to prepare spinning track in October to beat England

MULTAN: Pakistan hopes its tried and tested spin template will be successful against the West Indies as the two bottom-placed teams in the World Test Championship gear up for the two-test series starting from Friday.
The same pitch has been prepared for the first test in Multan on which Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali neutralized England’s aggressive “Bazball” in October when the groundskeepers successfully dried out the 22-yard strip with the help of giant industrial-sized fans and patio heaters.
“We emphasized during the England series that home conditions are very important in test cricket,” Pakistan captain Shan Masood said on Thursday.
 “We adapted a style of play, style of pitches, (and) now we will try ... to carry forward the momentum of the England series.”
Pakistan came from behind to beat England 2-1 on engineered dry pitches in Multan and Rawalpindi after losing the first test by an innings when the tourists amassed a record 823-7 declared in the first innings.
Off-spinner Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman grabbed 39 of the 40 wickets in the last two test matches against England, and were in the 15-man squad after being overlooked for the away series against South Africa, which Pakistan lost 2-0.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the home series against England because of illness, was included as the third specialist spinner in the playing XI with off-spinner Salman Ali Agha giving the home team a fourth spin option.
Pakistan has lost eight of its last 10 test matches under Masood’s captaincy since he was elevated to red-ball skipper in December 2023. But the skipper believed Pakistan couldn’t capitalize a number of times against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa after putting opponents on the back foot.
“There are lots of test matches during last year when we lost the games after coming into a winning position,” Masood said. “There were only one or two one-sided matches … we came into good positions but couldn’t finish it. The lesson for this team is how we can convert it into victories.”
Pakistan will be without its in-form opening batter Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks after fracturing his right ankle during the series in South Africa. Ayub will be replaced by Mohammad Huraira, who scored half-centuries in both innings during the three-day warmup game against the West Indies in Islamabad.
The West Indies has yet to win a series in this WTC cycle. It has lost to India, England and South Africa while drawing 1-1 against Australia and Bangladesh.
But captain Kraigg Brathwaite was hopeful that his team could finish the WTC cycle on a high.
“This series is very important for us,” Brathwaite said. “It’s a new year … it is important to finish this cycle strong and that’s our focus.”
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled of the series due to shin splits while another pacer, Alzarri Joseph, preferred to play in the ILT20 league in the United Arab Emirates.
Brathwaite said the tourists have left out vice-captain Joshua Da Silva from the playing XI while fast bowler Kemar Roach misses out because of illness.
Multan will also host the second test, starting from Jan. 25 due to ongoing upgrades at Pakistan’s two main stadiums in Karachi and Lahore for next month’s Champions Trophy.


McIlroy hits ‘scrappy’ two-under first round on Dubai return

McIlroy hits ‘scrappy’ two-under first round on Dubai return
Updated 16 January 2025
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McIlroy hits ‘scrappy’ two-under first round on Dubai return

McIlroy hits ‘scrappy’ two-under first round on Dubai return
  • US amateur David Ford, Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australian David Micheluzzi all fired opening round 65s to sit top of the leaderboard
  • Northern Irishman McIlroy won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November for his third successive Race to Dubai title

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy got his 2025 season underway with a two-under-par 70 first round at the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday, five shots off the three leaders.
US amateur David Ford, Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australian David Micheluzzi all fired opening round 65s to sit top of the leaderboard.
Northern Irishman McIlroy won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November for his third successive Race to Dubai title.
And making his first start in two months, the 35-year-old hit four birdies for two bogeys at Emirates Golf Club.
“Yeah, pretty scrappy,” McIlroy said.
“Actually I felt I played probably better the first eight holes where I was one over compared to the last 10 where I was three under.
“It was a bit scrappy. First competitive round of the year. First competitive round in a while. Definitely not as comfortable as I was in practice and coming in here.
“But it’s nice to get a card in your hand. I got it around and got it in in a couple under, which is nice, and didn’t put myself out of the tournament, which is the main thing.”
McIlroy is aiming for his third successive Dubai Desert Classic win, and fifth overall.
Spanish rival Jon Rahm carded a 69 after an eagle on the par-five 10th mixed with four birdies and three bogeys.
McIlroy and Rahm are in a battle of the No.1 players on the DP World Tour and LIV Golf Tour at the $9 million Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
On the first day of action, Ford, who plays University golf in the United States and was part of their winning Walker Cup side in 2023, eagled the tenth — his first hole of the day — and mixed six birdies with a single bogey.
“I try to keep my expectations low,” added Ford, 22, who sits sixth on the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
“I know where my game is at right now and I have got a lot of people around me believing in me which is really helpful going into this week.”
Micheluzzi had seven birdies in a flawless opening round with Gouveia firing eight birdies and one bogey as he chases his maiden DP World Tour win in his 190th event.
World No.8 and 2022 champion Viktor Hovland of Norway had six bogeys and three birdies in a three-over round of 75.
Dubai-based world No.10 Tommy Fleetwood of England carded 71 and American phenomenon Akshay Bhatia had an opening 69.