The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) isn’t just a cricket body—it’s a financial powerhouse. In fact, it's one of the richest cricket boards in the world, if not the richest. But how BCCI earns money is something many fans wonder about.
In this article, we'll give you a simple and easy-to-understand explanation of how BCCI brings in huge amounts of money. From TV rights to sponsorships and the Indian Premier League (IPL), each source plays a big role in building BCCI’s wealth.
Let’s break it all down in everyday language—no complicated terms, just straight facts and a clear picture.
Why Is BCCI So Rich?
BCCI controls Indian cricket, and Indian cricket is huge. With over a billion fans, the demand for live matches, merchandise, and cricket-related content is unmatched.
Some key facts:
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India contributes around 80% of global cricket revenue.
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BCCI had a total income of ₹6,601 crore (approx. $800 million) for FY 2021-22.
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Its reserves have crossed ₹18,000 crore ($2.2 billion) as of 2024.
Clearly, it's not just about cricket—it’s about smart business.
Main Ways BCCI Earns Money
Let’s look at the different ways BCCI makes money. Each one contributes significantly to their massive earnings.
1. Media Rights and Broadcasting Deals
This is the biggest source of income for BCCI.
What Are Media Rights?
These are rights sold to TV channels and digital platforms to broadcast matches. Companies bid billions just to show Indian cricket matches to viewers.
Key Stats:
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In 2022, Disney Star bought the IPL TV rights for ₹23,575 crore.
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Viacom18 secured IPL digital rights for ₹23,758 crore.
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Combined, IPL broadcasting rights alone were valued at ₹48,000 crore ($6.1 billion) for 2023-2027.
Even for bilateral India matches (non-IPL), media rights sell for high prices.
Why So Valuable?
Because millions of people watch every India match. Advertisers are ready to pay top dollar to be seen during games. BCCI makes a cut from these deals.
2. Indian Premier League (IPL)
IPL is a money-making machine—and BCCI owns it.
How IPL Brings in Money:
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Franchise fees from team owners
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A share from media rights deals
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Sponsorship revenue
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Ticket sales
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Licensing and merchandising
Every IPL season brings BCCI thousands of crores in earnings. It's no surprise that IPL alone makes BCCI richer than many cricket boards combined.
3. Sponsorships
Sponsorships bring big brands into cricket.
BCCI signs deals with sponsors for:
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Team jersey logos
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Series naming rights (e.g., "Paytm Trophy")
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Ground branding and advertising
Some Recent Deals:
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Dream11: Title sponsor of the Indian team’s jersey
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IDFC FIRST Bank: Official sponsor for home series
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BYJU’S, Oppo, and Pepsi were major sponsors in the past
These deals are worth hundreds of crores every year.
4. Match Tickets and Gate Revenue
Whenever India plays a match in India, BCCI earns from ticket sales.
Although stadiums are often managed by state cricket associations, BCCI receives a share of the revenue.
For big matches, especially against teams like Pakistan, Australia, or England, ticket sales can bring in several crores.
5. Franchise and Team Fees
BCCI collects fees from IPL teams to be part of the league. When new franchises are added, BCCI earns huge amounts from the bidding process.
Example:
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In 2021, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans were sold for over ₹12,000 crore combined.
6. ICC Revenue Sharing
BCCI also earns from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Because India contributes the largest TV audience, ICC gives BCCI a bigger share of profits.
Key Fact:
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BCCI receives 38.5% of the ICC's total revenue distribution.
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That's around $230 million over the next four-year cycle (2024–2027).
7. Licensing and Merchandise
This includes branded products like:
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Team jerseys
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Cricket gear
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Fan merchandise
BCCI licenses its brand to companies, who sell products and give a share of the revenue back.
It’s not the biggest source, but it adds up—especially during tournaments like the World Cup and IPL.
8. Hosting International Matches
India regularly hosts matches and tournaments, including ICC events.
BCCI earns from:
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Broadcasting fees
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Government subsidies
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Sponsorships
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Hospitality and ticket packages
Hosting rights for major tournaments like the ODI World Cup 2023 brought in huge revenue, both directly and indirectly.
Why Is BCCI the Richest Cricket Board in the World?
Let’s compare some numbers to show just how far ahead BCCI is:
| Cricket Board | Estimated Annual Revenue | Country |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI (India) | $800 million+ | India |
| ECB (England) | $300 million | UK |
| Cricket Australia | $280 million | Australia |
| PCB (Pakistan) | $55 million | Pakistan |
| CSA (South Africa) | $40 million | South Africa |
BCCI's revenue is more than double that of any other board. The mix of a massive fanbase, high-quality media rights, and IPL has put it in a league of its own.
Future of BCCI’s Earnings
Will BCCI keep growing? It looks likely.
Here’s why:
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IPL continues to expand and attract global attention.
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New digital platforms are increasing media competition.
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Women's cricket is growing, with WPL (Women’s Premier League) adding fresh revenue.
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Indian cricket remains highly watched worldwide.
BCCI is set to stay at the top as long as they keep their grip on quality cricket and smart business.
Key Takeaways
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Media rights are BCCI’s top income source.
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The IPL adds billions to their revenue.
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BCCI earns from sponsorships, tickets, and merchandise.
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ICC shares a major chunk of its earnings with BCCI.
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Strong leadership and smart deals help BCCI grow each year.
FAQs on How BCCI Earns Money
Who owns the BCCI?
BCCI is a private organization run by elected officials. It is not owned by the government or any individual.
What is BCCI’s biggest source of income?
Media rights, especially from IPL and India matches, are BCCI’s largest revenue source.
How much did BCCI earn from IPL 2023?
Reports suggest BCCI earned over ₹5,000 crore from IPL 2023, mainly from media rights, sponsorships, and team fees.
Where does the IPL money go?
It is split between BCCI, franchises, and players. BCCI keeps a major share and uses it for cricket development.
Why is BCCI richer than other cricket boards?
Because of India’s huge population, fanbase, and commercial interest. Sponsors and broadcasters are willing to pay more for Indian cricket.
Will BCCI keep growing in the future?
Yes. With the rise of digital streaming and newer formats like WPL, BCCI’s income is expected to rise further.
How does BCCI help Indian cricket with its income?
BCCI invests in infrastructure, grassroots development, domestic leagues, and player salaries.
What makes BCCI stand out globally?
Its control over the IPL, strong leadership, high viewership, and ability to attract major sponsors.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how BCCI earns money helps you see the business side of cricket. It’s not just about what happens on the field—it’s about smart deals, a massive fanbase, and smart leadership.
Thanks to IPL, broadcasting deals, and global attention, BCCI is miles ahead as the richest cricket board in the world. And with the way things are going, that gap is only going to grow.
Whether you're a casual fan or a cricket business enthusiast, one thing is clear—BCCI knows how to turn cricket into cash.
