Top 10 Richest Cricket Boards In The World (2025): BCCI Ranks 1st

Cricket is one of the most followed sports in the world, and it thrives not only because of the players and fans, but also because of the powerful institutions that govern the game. These institutions are called cricket boards. They govern domestic and international cricket, develop grassroots programs, and generate revenue through broadcast rights, sponsorships, and tournaments.

As of 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is at the top as the richest cricket board in the world. Its financial power is less than that of other full-member boards of the International Cricket Council (ICC). But how do other cricket boards rank financially, and what explains their position on the list?

Let’s take a detailed look at the top 10 richest cricket boards in the world (2025) based on revenue and financial power.

1. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – $2.2 Billion

The BCCI is not only the richest cricket board in the world, but also one of the richest sports organisations worldwide. Its staggering revenue of $2.2 billion puts it far ahead of all other boards.

Why BCCI is So Rich:

• Indian Premier League (IPL): The world’s famous T20 league is managed by it. And obviously, it generates massive income through broadcasting rights, team franchises, and sponsorships.

• Broadcast Deals: Star Sports and Viacom18 both are well- known through the world. And they have signed billion-dollar broadcasting rights contracts with BCCI.

• Massive Fan Base: India’s 1.4 billion population and cricket’s status as a religion ensure unmatched ticket sales and merchandise revenue.

The BCCI’s dominance also gives it significant influence in ICC decision-making. In fact, it contributes the majority of ICC’s revenue pool.

2. Cricket Australia (CA) – $79 Million 

Cricket Australia is in second place, although its revenue is only a fraction of that of the BCCI. At $79 million, CA remains financially strong, supported by Australia’s rich cricketing tradition.

Revenue Sources:

• Big Bash League (BBL): Though not as profitable as the IPL, the BBL attracts strong sponsorships and domestic viewership.

• TV Rights: Channel 7 and Fox Sports contribute significantly to CA’s coffers.

• Successful National Team: Australia have a great dominance in international cricket. This gives CA high marketability and sponsorship deals.

Australia is also one of the oldest cricket boards, having gained Test status in 1877, and remains a leader in cricket administration.

3. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – $59 Million 

The ECB, which governs cricket in England and Wales, is the third richest board with revenues of $59 million. As the birthplace of cricket, it holds historical significance in the game.

Key Drivers of Revenue:

• The Hundred: This is a new-format franchise tournament who has begun to attract sponsors and broadcast deals.

• Test Cricket at Lord’s and The Ashes: Ashes series remain one of the most profitable cricketing events.

• Broadcast Contracts: Sky Sports and the BBC provide financial backing through long-term deals.

The ECB’s investments in women’s cricket have also increased its global reach, making it one of the most progressive boards.

4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – $55 Million 

The PCB earns around $55 million due to the popularity of cricket in Pakistan. Despite political and security issues, the PCB has made a strong comeback in recent times.

Revenue Sources:

• Pakistan Super League (PSL): The PSL is one of the top franchise leagues. It still keeps on attracting sponsorships and global broadcasters.

• Home Series Resumption: International cricket’s return to Pakistan has increase the sales of ticket there.

• Strong Fan Base: Pakistan has a cricket-crazy population which keeps on increasing. And that’s where they get its revenue streams from- merchandise and sponsorships.

5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) – $51 Million 

In fifth place is BCB, with an estimated revenue of $51 million. Bangladesh has emerged as a passionate cricketing nation, with cricket being the most popular sport in the country.

Revenue Sources:

• Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): The domestic T20 league adds to the board’s income.

• Corporate Sponsorships: Local brands like Robi Axiata and international sponsors contribute significantly.

• National Team Success: Bangladesh’s rise in ODIs and World Cup appearances have boosted its marketability.

6. Cricket South Africa (CSA) – $47 Million 

The CSA earns $47 million, which is sixth, as South Africa has long been a cricket powerhouse. But now, financial difficulties and administrative challenges have affected the CSA’s growth.

Revenue Breakdown:

• SA20 League: In its recent launch, SA20 has brought in new broadcasting contracts and franchise investments.

• International Tours: South Africa continues to attract global audiences. The fans particularly go for series against England, India, and Australia.

• Historic Legacy: Being one of the earliest Test nations (1889) ensures global sponsorships.

7. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) – $38 Million 

The Zimbabwe Cricket Board earns $38 million. This is a respectable figure considering the political instability and economic struggles.

Sources of Revenue:

• ICC Grants: A large share of ZC’s revenue comes from ICC distributions.

• Local Sponsors: Domestic companies contribute despite Zimbabwe’s small market.

• Regional Tours: Matches against top teams provide much-needed broadcasting revenue.

8. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) – $20 Million 

Sri Lanka earns $20 million, ranking eighth on the list. Sri Lanka, despite its World Cup winning history, faces financial challenges.

Key Sources:

• Lanka Premier League (LPL): Still growing, but contributes to revenue.

• Tourism & Cricket: Home matches in Colombo and Galle attract global fans.

• Sponsorship Deals: While limited, partnerships with global brands provide financial relief.

9. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) – $15 Million 

The West Indies Cricket Board, once considered a cricket powerhouse, now has a revenue of only $15 million.

Challenges:

• Declining Domestic Structures: Lack of consistent talent pipelines has weakened financial stability.

• CPL (Caribbean Premier League): While popular, CPL does not generate revenue on the scale of IPL or PSL.

• Fragmented Administration: Multiple island nations complicate financial management.

Despite struggles, the West Indies brand never fails in attracting sponsorships because of its past of glory.

10. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) – $9 Million 

At the bottom of the list is NZC, with revenue of $9 million. Despite being the World Test Champions (2021), New Zealand’s small market limits its financial influence.

Why NZC Earns Less:

• Small Population Base: Fewer fans compared to India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.

• Limited Broadcasting Reach: Domestic broadcasters contribute less than major global networks.

• Focus on Quality over Quantity: NZC prioritizes player welfare and quality cricket over its expansion.

However, New Zealand remains highly respected for producing world-class cricketers.

Key Insights from the Rankings 

1. BCCI Dominates the Market: With $2.2 billion, BCCI’s revenue is almost 28 times greater than the second-richest board, Cricket Australia.

2. Asian Boards Rising: Pakistan and Bangladesh now feature among the top five. It reflects the growing influence of Asian cricket.

3. Struggles of Smaller Markets: Teams such as New Zealand and West Indies have strong cricketing cultures but weak finance.

4. Franchise Leagues Matter: IPL, PSL, SA20, and BBL are now major revenue engines for boards.

5. ICC Grants Vital: For smaller boards like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, ICC’s financial distributions remain essential.

Conclusion 

The BCCI’s unparalleled financial power has reshaped the game, making India the epicentre of global cricketing activity. Meanwhile, boards like Australia, England and Pakistan have remained competitive but on a much smaller scale.

On the other hand, New Zealand and the West Indies prove that talent and determination can lead to success on the field. However, the reality is clear: in 2025, the BCCI’s dominance will be complete. They are not only the richest cricket board but also the most influential force in international cricket.

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