Cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a billion-dollar industry. While fans cheer for their teams, cricket boards behind the scenes are managing massive budgets, sponsorships, and broadcasting deals. Some cricket boards are wealthier than entire sporting leagues in other countries.
In this post, we’ll look at the Richest Cricket Boards In The World, with a focus on the money they make, the way they earn it, and how their wealth affects global cricket. You’ll also learn about the richest cricket board, current rankings, and the BCCI net worth, which is staggering compared to its counterparts.
Why Are Cricket Boards So Rich?
Cricket boards handle everything from organizing matches to signing players and dealing with sponsors. Their income comes from:
- Broadcasting rights
- Sponsorship deals
- Ticket sales
- Merchandising
- Franchise tournaments like IPL, BBL, and others
When a board manages these areas well, especially with a large fan base, their income skyrockets.
List of the Richest Cricket Boards in the World
Let’s look at how the top boards stack up financially. This ranking is based on data from CricHeroes and reflects the latest known figures.
1. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
- Net Worth: Over $2.25 billion (approx ₹18,700 crores)
- Annual Revenue: ₹6,600+ crores (~$800 million)
- Founded: 1928
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
The richest cricket board by a long shot, the BCCI is often called the financial engine of world cricket. Thanks to its huge fan base, big-name sponsors, and the money-minting Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI leads by a wide margin.
How Does BCCI Earn Money?
According to CricHeroes:
- Media Rights (IPL & International Matches): ~ ₹4,000 crores
- Sponsorships & Advertising: ~ ₹1,500 crores
- Franchise Fees and Licenses: ~ ₹400 crores
- ICC Revenue Share: ~ ₹300 crores
- Gate Receipts & Other Income: ~ ₹200 crores
With its clever business strategies and strong control over Indian cricket, BCCI shows no signs of slowing down.
2. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- Net Worth: Around $59 million (~₹490 crores)
- Annual Revenue: Approx £291 million (~₹2,700 crores)
- Founded: 1997
- Headquarters: London, England
The ECB earns mostly through broadcast deals, especially for Test matches and the Hundred tournament. While it’s far behind BCCI, it’s still one of the strongest boards in terms of infrastructure and domestic investment.
3. Cricket Australia (CA)
- Net Worth: Over $70 million (~₹580 crores)
- Annual Revenue:
A$430 million (₹2,400 crores) - Founded: 1905
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Cricket Australia gains major income from:
- Big Bash League (BBL)
- Broadcasting rights
- Sponsorship deals with major brands
- Hosting top-tier Test and ODI series
4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
- Net Worth: Around $55 million (~₹460 crores)
- Annual Revenue: Approx ₹1,300 crores
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Lahore, Pakistan
The PCB is steadily growing in wealth, thanks to the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and improved hosting opportunities. Their main income is from ICC funding, TV rights, and league sponsorships.
5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
- Net Worth: ~ $51 million (~₹430 crores)
- Annual Revenue: ~ ₹950 crores
- Founded: 1972
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s love for cricket is massive. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) helps BCB generate strong revenue, along with regular international matches and sponsorships.
6. South Africa Cricket (CSA)
- Net Worth: $47 million (~₹390 crores)
- Annual Revenue: ~ ₹850 crores
- Founded: 1991
- Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
CSA’s finances are improving after a few tough years. The launch of the SA20 League is bringing in strong revenue through broadcasting rights and international interest.
7. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
- Net Worth: $20 million (~₹165 crores)
- Annual Revenue: ₹500 crores
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka
SLC relies heavily on ICC funds and international tours. The country’s deep cricket history keeps it going, but it lacks a strong local league to match other countries.
8. West Indies Cricket Board (CWI)
- Net Worth:
$15 million (₹120 crores) - Annual Revenue: ₹350 crores
- Founded: 1920
- Headquarters: Antigua
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has brought in decent sponsorships and media deals, but challenges like smaller stadiums and travel costs affect profitability.
9. New Zealand Cricket (NZC)
- Net Worth:
$12 million (₹100 crores) - Annual Revenue: ₹300 crores
- Founded: 1894
- Headquarters: Christchurch, New Zealand
NZC is known for doing a lot with a little. Though it doesn’t earn as much, its well-run operations and international respect keep it in a healthy spot.
10. Zimbabwe Cricket
- Net Worth:
$5 million (₹40 crores) - Annual Revenue: ₹150 crores
- Founded: 1992
- Headquarters: Harare
Zimbabwe is working to recover its lost glory. Financial struggles have slowed growth, but efforts are underway to stabilize the board and revive domestic cricket.
Key Factors That Make a Cricket Board Wealthy
There are a few common traits that help a board reach the top financially:
- Large fan base (like India and Pakistan)
- Strong domestic leagues (e.g., IPL, BBL, PSL)
- Lucrative broadcasting rights
- Corporate sponsorships
- International tour schedules
The combination of these brings in consistent income and long-term growth.
Cricket Boards and the Power of Leagues
Leagues like the IPL and BBL are not just about entertainment—they are business machines. For example:
- IPL Media Rights 2023-2027: Sold for ₹48,390 crores
- BBL Media Rights Extension: $1.5 billion for 7 years
- PSL’s Growing Revenue: Reached ~$60 million in 2023
Boards that run these leagues directly benefit from their success.
Where Does All This Money Go?
You might wonder—what do boards do with the money?
Here’s how it’s used:
- Player salaries and bonuses
- Domestic cricket support
- Stadium maintenance and upgrades
- Youth and grassroots development
- Women’s cricket programs
- Administrative costs
When done right, it builds a strong cricket system for the future.
Will Smaller Boards Catch Up?
While boards like BCCI are far ahead, others are catching up. The rise of new T20 leagues, smart partnerships, and better management may help narrow the gap.
However, the financial gap between the top 1 and the rest is still wide. Boards like BCCI not only earn more—they share less with others when it comes to ICC revenue distribution.
The Role of ICC in Funding Cricket Boards
The International Cricket Council (ICC) shares a large chunk of its earnings with member boards. In 2024:
- BCCI got 38.5% of ICC revenue (~₹1,800 crores)
- Other boards got smaller shares based on performance, market size, and negotiation power
This model has been questioned by many who feel it leads to inequality in the sport.
FAQs
Who is the richest cricket board in the world?
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is the richest cricket board in the world with a net worth of over $2.25 billion.
What is the net worth of BCCI?
The BCCI net worth is approximately ₹18,700 crores or over $2.25 billion as of 2024.
How do cricket boards make money?
Cricket boards earn through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, league revenues, ticket sales, and ICC funding.
Why is BCCI so rich compared to other boards?
BCCI benefits from India’s huge fan base, the success of the IPL, strong sponsorships, and massive media rights deals.
Where does the ICC get its money from?
The ICC earns through global tournament broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and event hosting.
Will other boards ever reach BCCI’s level?
It’s unlikely in the near future, but with smart league models and international partnerships, other boards can improve their financial standing.
How much does IPL contribute to BCCI’s income?
The IPL alone brings in more than ₹4,000 crores annually through media rights and sponsorships, making it the biggest income source for BCCI.
Final Thoughts
The Richest Cricket Boards In The World are shaping how the game is played, promoted, and experienced. While BCCI stands tall as the richest cricket board, others are finding ways to grow and invest in their future. As fans, it’s fascinating to see how the sport we love is supported by such large and evolving business systems.
Whether it’s the power of the IPL or the charm of Test cricket in England, money plays a big role in keeping the game alive and exciting.
Let’s hope more boards rise, more talent gets a chance, and the love for cricket continues to grow.
