Where Does BCCI's Money Come From?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is more than just the body that runs cricket in India—it's a financial powerhouse. If you've ever wondered how BCCI earns money, you're not alone. With massive revenues and global influence, BCCI is one of the richest cricket boards in the world.

This article explains, in simple terms, where BCCI’s money comes from, how it makes billions, and what drives its financial success.

Why Is BCCI So Rich?

Before jumping into the details, let's look at the big picture.

BCCI is not funded by the Indian government. Instead, it functions independently and earns revenue through several powerful channels. In 2023-24 alone, BCCI reportedly earned over ₹6,600 crore (approx. $800 million). That’s more than any other cricket board globally.

So, where does BCCI’s money come from? Let’s break it down.

1. Media and Broadcasting Rights

One of the biggest sources of BCCI's income is media and broadcasting rights. These rights are sold to TV networks and streaming platforms that want to air cricket matches involving Team India or tournaments like the IPL.

How Much Does BCCI Earn from Media Rights?

• In 2022, the IPL media rights were sold for a whopping ₹48,390 crore ($6.2 billion) for a five-year period (2023–2027).

• Disney Star paid ₹23,575 crore for TV rights in India.

• Viacom18 bagged the digital rights for ₹20,500 crore.

This deal made the IPL second only to the NFL in terms of per-match broadcast value. And the best part? BCCI gets a big share of this money.

Why Media Rights Are So Valuable

• Cricket is the most-watched sport in India.

• India’s population of over 1.4 billion means massive viewership.

• Advertisers are willing to pay premium rates during matches.

This is why companies fight hard to secure media rights—and BCCI profits greatly from this competition.

2. Indian Premier League (IPL)

The IPL is a goldmine for BCCI. It is the most-watched T20 league in the world and generates huge profits every season.

BCCI's Earnings from IPL

• A large part of the IPL's revenue comes from franchise fees, title sponsorships, broadcasting, and ticket sales.

• BCCI gets around 40-50% of total IPL central revenue.

• In 2023 alone, IPL helped BCCI earn over ₹4,000 crore.

Franchises pay annual fees, sponsors pay for brand visibility, and millions tune in to watch the matches. All of this adds up to significant income for the board.

3. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Sponsorships are another major stream. From jersey branding to official partners, companies pay a lot to be associated with Indian cricket.

Key Sponsorship Deals

• Adidas became the official kit sponsor in 2023.

• Dream11 is the current lead team sponsor.

• Other big partners include BYJU'S, Paytm, and Hyundai.

BCCI negotiates these contracts directly, ensuring strong financial returns. Sponsorships not only cover Team India matches but also domestic cricket and women’s cricket.

4. Match Hosting and Ticket Sales

When India hosts international matches, BCCI earns from ticket sales, hospitality boxes, and match-day sponsorships.

Revenue Sources on Match Days

• Tickets sold for stadium seating.

• Hospitality and VIP packages.

• In-stadium advertising.

For high-profile matches, ticket prices can range from ₹500 to ₹50,000 or more. Packed stadiums across India make this a steady income stream.

5. ICC Revenue Share

BCCI also receives a share of revenue from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

How Much Does BCCI Get from ICC?

• BCCI gets the largest cut from ICC’s earnings.

• It currently receives 38.5% of ICC’s total revenue, which is expected to be around $230 million per year from 2024 onwards.

This share reflects India’s dominance in global cricket viewership and influence. No other board gets close to this amount.

6. Licensing and Merchandising

BCCI earns from selling rights to use its name, logos, and images.

Examples of Merchandising

• Team India merchandise: jerseys, caps, fan gear.

• Licensing cricket game developers.

• Collectibles and digital assets like NFTs.

While smaller than other income streams, merchandising adds extra value and reaches fans directly.

7. Domestic Tournaments and Sponsorships

Tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy also generate revenue.

Support for Domestic Cricket

• Sponsors fund tournaments.

• Media rights are sold for select games.

• Young talent is scouted and nurtured, strengthening Indian cricket overall.

Even though these events aren’t as profitable as IPL, they play a role in long-term financial and cricketing success.

8. Investments and Interest

BCCI has a massive cash reserve, estimated at ₹18,000+ crore. This money is kept in fixed deposits and mutual funds.

How Interest Earns More Money

• BCCI earns crores every year from bank interest alone.

• Safe investments help the board maintain stability even during lean years.

This financial planning ensures BCCI always has funds for growth, even if income slows temporarily.

Why BCCI Leads Among the Richest Cricket Boards in the World

BCCI is far ahead of other cricket boards like the ECB (England) and CA (Australia) in terms of income. Here's why:

• India is cricket’s largest market.

• Indian players are global superstars.

• IPL brings in unmatched revenues.

• Corporate interest in cricket is sky-high in India.

In comparison, other boards rely more on ICC funds and bilateral series. BCCI, however, is self-sustaining and one of the richest cricket boards in the world.

Key Stats at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at BCCI’s major income sources:

(Numbers are rounded estimates based on reports up to 2024.)

What Sets BCCI Apart?

• It runs like a professional business.

• BCCI invests in infrastructure, talent, and marketing.

• The Indian fan base provides unmatched demand.

• High-quality branding makes it attractive to global partners.

All these factors combine to make BCCI a money-making giant.

FAQs

Where does BCCI's money come from mainly?
The biggest chunk of BCCI’s income comes from media rights, especially from IPL broadcasting deals. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and ICC revenue also add to its earnings.

How BCCI earns money without playing matches?
Even when no matches are happening, BCCI earns through long-term sponsorship deals, media contracts, and interest from investments.

Why is BCCI richer than other cricket boards?
BCCI earns more because of India’s massive cricket market, higher viewership, and the success of the IPL. Its deals are larger and more frequent compared to other boards.

Who funds BCCI?
BCCI is self-funded. It does not take money from the government or taxpayers. Its income comes from commercial deals, sponsors, and cricket-related events.

Will BCCI continue to be the richest cricket board?
As long as cricket remains hugely popular in India and IPL continues to grow, BCCI is expected to stay on top financially.

What does BCCI do with its money?
BCCI funds domestic tournaments, builds cricket stadiums, supports player development, and promotes the sport across India. A portion is also saved for future use.

Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly how BCCI earns money and why it stands tall among the richest cricket boards in the world. Through smart deals, strong branding, and the love of millions of cricket fans, BCCI has built an empire.

It’s not just about the sport—it’s a well-oiled business that keeps cricket alive and thriving in India and beyond.

If you’re a cricket fan, understanding this side of the game helps you see just how big the sport has become—and why BCCI sits at the very top.