"It's only fair that India gets their share of... pound of flesh"
"Ravi Shastri advocates for India increasing its portion of International Cricket Council (ICC) earnings"
Let's talk about the murmurs surrounding the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s revenue distribution, and why former India international Ravi Shastri thinks India deserves more than their current share.
The ICC's Revenue Share Agreement under Scrutiny
Critics have been Uproarious about the distribution of ICC event revenues during the 2024-27 cycle. It's a veritable lopsided affair: Over 88% of the revenue finds its way to the 12 Test-playing nations, with a whopping 48.2% going to the 'Big Three' - India, England, and Australia. India gets the lion's share, claiming a whopping 38.5% of the annual ICC revenue, amounting to approximately $230 million per year 15.
Shastri: India Deserves More
During the Cricket Weekly Podcast, Shastri voiced his support for securing a larger piece of the pie: "I would want more for India. Because half the money – most of the money – generated comes from India. So it's only fair that they get their share of... pound of flesh" 2.
He elaborated, pointing out that as India's economy evolves, so will its revenue share. Tomorrow, he mused, a different economy may surge to the forefront, which might change the revenue allocation 2.
"It's only fair that they get whatever they're getting now, if not more." A similar sentiment was echoed by England and Wales Cricket Board's CEO Richard Gould 2 and ECB chair Richard Thompson in an interview with The Athletic 3.
India's economic dominance and its massive cricket following drive its significant contribution to ICC revenues, fueled primarily by events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), which earned a staggering $300 million in 2022 1.
Shastri: No Central Test Fund Necessary?
Shastri also shared his opinions on the possible establishment of a central Test fund by the ICC to help maintain the health of the format:
"No. I don't think it's needed." He questioned the need for a central fund, suggesting that some money could be set aside to promote cricket in countries in need, while emphasizing the necessity for accountability within cricket boards 3.
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Tags: Revenue distribution, ICC, India, Cricket
- "In light of Ravi Shastri's assertions, it's crucial to reconsider the fairness of the current ICC revenue distribution, particularly in regards to sports-analysis revealing India's significant contribution to ICC events."
- "Furthermore, taking into account cricket news highlighting discussions about the distribution of ICC event revenues during the 2024-27 cycle, it's essential to examine why former India international Ravi Shastri believes sports like cricket deserve more than their current share of ICC revenue."
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