by Cricket is more than just a sport. It’s a business worth billions of dollars.
Behind every thrilling match, there’s a cricket board managing everything from players to stadiums, and from sponsorships to television deals.
But not all cricket boards are equal when it comes to money. Some are swimming in cash, while others struggle to keep the lights on.
So, what makes a cricket board rich? The answer lies in how they generate revenue.
The biggest sources include broadcast rights, ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and, most importantly, domestic T20 leagues. These leagues have changed the game completely.
Fans are naturally curious. Which board has the most money? How does the BCCI compare to others? Why is New Zealand Cricket struggling despite having a strong team?
Top 10 Richest Cricket Boards in the World in 2025-26
In this article, we’ll explore the richest cricket boards in the world in 2025-26. We’ll look at their net worth, income sources, and what makes them financially successful or weak.
Let’s dive in.
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Quick Look: Top 10 Richest Cricket Boards
Before we dig into the details, here’s a simple table showing the top 10 richest cricket boards, their net worth, and where they make their money.
| Rank | Cricket Board | Net Worth (USD) | Main Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BCCI (India) | $2.2 Billion | IPL, ICC Revenue, Sponsorships |
| 2 | Cricket Australia | $79 Million | BBL, Broadcast Deals, ICC |
| 3 | ECB (England) | $59 Million | Ticket Sales, Broadcast, ICC |
| 4 | PCB (Pakistan) | $55 Million | PSL, ICC, Sponsorships |
| 5 | BCB (Bangladesh) | $51 Million | BPL, ICC Revenue |
| 6 | CSA (South Africa) | $47 Million | SA20, ICC Revenue |
| 7 | Zimbabwe Cricket | $38 Million | ICC Revenue, Events |
| 8 | SLC (Sri Lanka) | $20 Million | ICC Revenue, LPL |
| 9 | CWI (West Indies) | $15 Million | CPL, ICC Revenue |
| 10 | NZC (New Zealand) | $9 Million | ICC Revenue, Bilateral Series |
Now let’s explore each board in detail, starting from number 10.
10. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) – $9 Million
New Zealand has one of the best cricket teams in the world. They’ve reached multiple World Cup finals. But when it comes to money, they’re at the bottom of this list.
New Zealand Cricket has a net worth of just $9 million. That’s surprisingly low for a team that performs so well.
Why is NZC struggling financially?
New Zealand is a small country with a population of around 5 million. Cricket isn’t even the top sport there. Rugby dominates.
Their time zone is another problem. When New Zealand plays cricket, most of the world is asleep. This means lower TV viewership and smaller broadcast deals.
Domestic cricket in New Zealand doesn’t generate much revenue either. There’s no big T20 league like the IPL or BBL.
Most of NZC’s money comes from ICC revenue sharing and hosting big teams like India, England, and Australia. But those tours don’t happen often enough.
9. Cricket West Indies (CWI) – $15 Million
Cricket West Indies was once a powerhouse. In the 1970s and 1980s, the West Indies dominated world cricket. But those glory days are long gone.
Today, CWI has a net worth of $15 million, slightly better than New Zealand but still low.
What went wrong?
The biggest issue is player retention. West Indian cricketers prefer playing in T20 leagues around the world rather than representing their country. Why? Because leagues pay better.
This has weakened the national team, which hurts sponsorship deals and viewership.
What helps CWI financially?
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) brings in decent money through broadcast deals. When India, England, or Australia tour the Caribbean, ticket sales and broadcast revenue get a boost.
But overall, CWI needs better management and a stronger team to improve financially.
8. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) – $20 Million
Sri Lanka loves cricket. But that love hasn’t translated into financial success for Sri Lanka Cricket.
SLC’s net worth is around $20 million, making it the poorest board in Asia.
Why is SLC struggling?
Sri Lanka has faced economic problems in recent years. Political instability and corruption have also hurt the cricket board.
There have been integrity issues within SLC, with accusations of mismanagement and financial irregularities.
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) was supposed to help, but it hasn’t grown as expected.
Most of SLC’s income comes from ICC revenue sharing. Without that, they’d be in serious trouble.
7. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) – $38 Million
Here’s a surprise. Zimbabwe Cricket is richer than Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and New Zealand combined.
ZC’s net worth stands at $38 million, which is impressive given that Zimbabwe isn’t even a top cricketing nation.
How did Zimbabwe Cricket turn things around?
In 2019, ZC changed its financial policies. They focused on generating surplus income instead of just surviving.
Their main revenue source is ICC’s revenue pool. Whenever Zimbabwe participates in ICC events, it earns good money.
Occasional tours by big teams like India and South Africa also help.
Zimbabwe Cricket proves that smart financial planning can work wonders, even for smaller boards.
6. Cricket South Africa (CSA) – $47 Million
South Africa has always been a strong cricket nation. But Cricket South Africa went through tough financial times a few years ago.
Now, they’re recovering. CSA’s net worth is $47 million.
What’s helping CSA recover?
The SA20 league has been a game-changer. Launched recently, SA20 has quickly become popular among South African fans and international viewers.
Big broadcast deals for SA20 have pumped money into CSA’s accounts.
Tours by India, England, and Australia also boost revenue significantly.
CSA’s share in ICC funds has increased as well, helping them climb back up financially.
5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) – $51 Million
Bangladesh might not be a cricketing giant, but its cricket board is doing surprisingly well financially.
BCB has a net worth of $51 million, placing it in the top five richest cricket boards in the world.
Why is BCB financially strong?
Cricket is extremely popular in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) attracts sponsors and broadcasters, generating solid revenue.
International bilateral series at home also bring in good money. Plus, BCB receives a significant share from ICC’s revenue distribution.
About half of BCB’s income comes from ICC funds. But the domestic league and home series make up the rest, which is impressive.
4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – $55 Million
Pakistan cricket went through dark days when international teams refused to tour the country due to security concerns.
But things have changed. The Pakistan Cricket Board now has a net worth of $55 million.
How did PCB bounce back?
International cricket has returned to Pakistan. Stadiums are full again, and that means more ticket sales and broadcast revenue.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a huge success. When PSL matches moved back to Pakistan from the UAE, revenue jumped.
PCB’s share in ICC funds has also increased. Sponsorship deals have improved thanks to Pakistan’s competitive national team.
PCB’s turnaround story is one of resilience and smart planning.
3. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – $59 Million
England is the birthplace of cricket. So it’s no shock that the England and Wales Cricket Board is among the richest cricket boards in the world.
ECB’s net worth is $59 million.
What makes the ECB rich?
English fans are passionate and traditional. They love watching cricket at iconic venues like Lord’s and The Oval.
Ticket sales are massive. During the English summer, stadiums are packed with fans buying tickets and merchandise.
Broadcast deals are another goldmine. England hosts international cricket throughout the summer, and TV networks pay big money for those rights.
ECB also gets a solid share from ICC revenue, which adds to its wealth.
2. Cricket Australia (CA) – $79 Million
Cricket Australia is one of the most powerful cricket boards globally. Their net worth stands at $79 million.
Why is Cricket Australia so rich?
Australia has strong men’s and women’s teams. Both dominate world cricket, which brings in fans and sponsors.
During the Australian summer, cricket is king. Stadiums are full, and ticket sales pour in.
The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are hugely successful. They attract massive broadcast deals and sponsorships.
ICC funds also contribute significantly to CA’s revenue.
Cricket Australia proves that strong teams and smart marketing can create massive wealth.
1. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – $2.2 Billion
No surprise here. The BCCI is not just the richest cricket board—it’s in a league of its own.
With a net worth of $2.2 billion, BCCI is richer than all other boards combined, many times over.
Why is BCCI so far ahead?
One word: IPL.
The Indian Premier League is the richest cricket league in the world. Every season, IPL generates billions through broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
Cricket is like a religion in India. Over a billion people watch cricket. Every match featuring India is a mega-event.
BCCI’s broadcast deals for international matches are worth hundreds of millions. Their share in ICC revenue is also the largest.
Plus, India hosts the most international matches, which means constant revenue flow.
BCCI’s financial dominance is unmatched. No other board comes even close.
FAQs
- Which is the richest cricket board in the world in 2025?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the richest cricket board in the world in 2025, with a net worth of $2.2 billion.
- How does BCCI earn most of its money?
BCCI earns most of its money from the Indian Premier League (IPL), which generates billions through broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales. International cricket broadcast rights and ICC revenue sharing also contribute significantly.
- Why are some cricket boards struggling financially?
Boards like New Zealand Cricket and Cricket West Indies struggle due to small populations, low TV viewership, weak domestic leagues, and a lack of major sponsorship deals. They rely heavily on ICC revenue sharing.
- What role do T20 leagues play in board revenues?
T20 leagues like IPL, PSL, BBL, and SA20 are game-changers. They bring in massive broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales, making them the biggest revenue source for many cricket boards.
- Why is BCCI so much richer than other cricket boards?
BCCI benefits from India’s massive population (over 1 billion people), cricket’s immense popularity in the country, and the success of IPL—the world’s richest cricket league. India also hosts the most international matches.
- Can smaller cricket boards ever compete with the BCCI financially?
It’s highly unlikely. BCCI’s advantages—massive fan base, IPL’s success, and India’s economic growth—are nearly impossible to replicate. Smaller boards can improve by launching successful domestic leagues, but they won’t reach the BCCI’s level anytime soon.
Conclusion: The Future of Cricket Finances
The gap between the richest cricket boards in the world and the poorer ones is massive.
BCCI’s $2.2 billion net worth is almost 28 times more than Cricket Australia, the second richest. That’s mind-blowing.
T20 leagues have transformed cricket finances. IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20—these leagues are pumping money into cricket boards.
Boards that have successfully launched and managed domestic leagues are thriving. Those who haven’t are struggling.
Looking ahead, we’ll likely see more T20 leagues popping up. Smaller boards will try to replicate India’s IPL success.
But one thing is clear: cricket is no longer just a sport. It’s a billion-dollar business. And only the smartest boards will survive and thrive in this new era.
