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 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% |
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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