Guess who’s laughing all the way to the bank? Yep, the BCCI! In FY24, the cricket board raked in a jaw-dropping ₹9,741.7 crore—and over 59% of that (₹5,761 crore) came straight from its favorite cash cow: the Indian Premier League (IPL). Talk about a blockbuster innings!
But wait, there’s more to the scoreboard. The Women’s Premier League (WPL), media rights for international games, and juicy sponsorships added some solid runs to the tally. And with ₹361 crore from non-IPL media rights and a mountain of reserves worth ₹30,000 crore earning ₹1,000 crore a year in interest—plus another ₹1,000 crore from the ICC—the Board’s financial health is anything but stumped.
Business strategist Lloyd Mathias calls the IPL a “golden goose,” and rightly so—it lays golden eggs and grooms homegrown talent. But experts warn: betting it all on one league? Risky play. Even cricket needs a Plan B!
Revenue Snapshot: FY23–24
| Revenue Source | Amount (₹ crore) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| IPL | 5,761 | 59% |
| Non-IPL Media Rights | 361 | 3.7% |
| ICC Revenue | ~1,000 | 10% |
| Annual Interest from Reserves | ~1,000 | 10% |
| Other (WPL, Sponsorship, etc.) | Balance | ~17.3% |
IPL: BCCI’s Money-Making Machine
Let’s face it—the IPL is BCCI’s biggest star, both on and off the field! Business expert Lloyd Mathias puts it best: “In 2007, BCCI found a golden goose… and it’s still laying golden eggs.” The league brings in massive money from media rights and big-name sponsors, and it’s only getting better.
But it’s not just about cash—the IPL also gives young Ranji Trophy players a big stage to shine. With more fans tuning in on TV and online every year, the IPL isn’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s the board’s #1 income source, and it keeps growing with every season.
Beyond IPL: Diversification Opportunities
BCCI taps other formats to boost income. Sandeep Goyal points out the commercialisation potential of domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and CK Nayudu Trophy.
He states, “BCCI has immense potential to commercialise traditional formats … to shore up non-IPL revenues.”
Goyal expects overall revenue growth of 10–12% annually. Sponsorships, media deals, and match-day revenues will fuel this growth. BCCI’s ₹30,000 crore reserve adds ₹1,000 crore in interest income annually. Thus, the Board’s non-IPL ventures hold strong potential for future income diversification.
BCCI’s Financial Reserves and Stability: Quick Facts
- Massive Reserves: BCCI holds financial reserves worth ₹30,000 crore.
- Annual Interest Income: These reserves generate around ₹1,000 crore annually through a steady 3–4% interest yield.
- ICC Contribution: The Board receives an additional ₹1,000 crore every year from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Stability Factor: These income streams offer reliable revenue, separate from domestic league earnings like IPL.
- Investment Support: The financial cushion allows BCCI to invest confidently in cricket infrastructure and player development.
- Balanced Strategy: While reserves provide stability, BCCI officials agree that domestic leagues like the IPL remain essential for long-term growth.
Sandeep Goyal, Chief of Rediffusion, said that even tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy can be commercialised to boost non-IPL income. He believes BCCI’s overall revenue could grow 10 to 12 percent every year, thanks to sponsorships, media deals, and match-day earnings.
“BCCI has immense potential to commercialise traditional formats like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, or CK Nayudu Trophy to shore up non-IPL revenues. Moreover, the board has close to ₹30,000 crore in reserves, which brings in about ₹1,000 crore a year in interest alone. These revenues aren’t just sustainable—they are poised to grow 10–12 per cent annually, thanks to expanding sponsorships, media deals, and matchday earnings,” Sandeep Goyal said.
Risks Of Overreliance On IPL
Experts warn that BCCI depends heavily on IPL for revenue. Any disruption in the tournament can affect finances. For example, Operation Sindoor, which triggered Indo-Pak tensions this year, briefly halted the league. Such geopolitical or scheduling disruptions could impact sponsorship and broadcast agreements. Financial analysts say BCCI needs backup revenue sources. They argue that while IPL remains the crown jewel, a diversified income landscape will reduce vulnerability to unexpected interruptions
Business strategist Lloyd Mathias said IPL is a perfect model for generating money and giving opportunities to players from the domestic level, expert told to The Hindu Business Line.
“BCCI in 2007 discovered a golden goose – the IPL which is now a 100 per cent part of the BCCI. The tournament is the best and media rights are constantly going up. IPL also ensures that players from Ranji Trophy-levelget a playing field. IPL will continue to churn out profitability as it growth further,” Mathias said.
What Lies Ahead for BCCI? Here’s What’s Brewing Beyond the IPL
Wondering what’s next for the BCCI now that the IPL money machine is in top gear? Well, the Board’s not just sitting pretty. It’s tapping into the growing buzz around women’s cricket, exploring new digital opportunities, and even looking to breathe commercial life into old-school tournaments like the Ranji and Duleep Trophy.
With sponsors showing strong interest and media rights fetching top dollar, BCCI is eyeing a steady 10–12% growth in revenue each year. Not bad, right?
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing—things like public sentiment or global tensions can throw a surprise bouncer. That’s why the Board knows it can’t just lean on the IPL forever. It needs a balanced game plan.
So, while the IPL remains the superstar, BCCI is already setting the stage for its next big act.
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
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