MCC is advocating for a restructuring of revenue distribution from bilateral matches
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is advocating for a restructuring of the financial distribution system in bilateral cricket.
As part of a broader financial review, the MCC’s World Cricket Committee (WCC) is urging a reassessment of the current touring model to address income redistribution.
Highlighting the significant economic disparities in the global cricket landscape, particularly the financial burden borne by touring teams without commensurate returns, the WCC, meeting recently in Cape Town during the SA20 tournament, emphasized the necessity for rectifying this imbalance.
It noted that under the prevailing system, host bodies retain all revenue, a tradition rooted in historical reciprocal touring arrangements.
“The evidence suggests that this approach is now perpetuating inequalities.
The committee calls for a reevaluation of this model, proposing an analysis of the feasibility of host bodies assuming touring team expenses to redistribute income and provide greater context to future bilateral cricket,” stated the WCC.
“This initiative should be part of a comprehensive audit of international cricket costs, as previously advocated in the July 2023 WCC meeting.”
While cricket administrators worldwide have advocated for revenue sharing between home and touring boards in bilateral series, this proposal has faced resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which profits substantially from its home bilateral fixtures.
Conversely, other boards receive disproportionately lesser shares, even during tours by the Indian team.
The response of the BCCI to this recommendation, should it reach the International Cricket Council (ICC), remains a point of interest.
The WCC also addressed the imbalance in the current Future Tours Programme (FTP), which limits certain nations’ access to prime calendar slots and opponents.
It suggested a more equitable distribution of matches from the next cycle starting in 2028, aiming for a balanced opportunity for all nations to secure key dates and opposition.
Kumar Sangakkara, chair of the WCC, emphasized the need for bold leadership and a shared vision for the global game.
“While cricket’s potential is vast, so too are its challenges.
It requires a stronger sense of collaboration among full members and stakeholders for the sport to flourish,” Sangakkara stated.
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