The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has voiced its discontent with the proposed revenue distribution model for international cricket, while acknowledging that India, as the financial powerhouse of the sport, should receive the largest share. Chairman Najam Sethi stated in an interview with Reuters that the PCB is displeased with the current situation and demands clarity on how the figures were determined. The International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to vote on the new model for the 2024-2027 cycle at its upcoming board meeting in June.
Leaked figures obtained by Cricinfo reveal that India is set to claim 38.5 percent of the revenue, with England and Australia receiving 6.89 percent and 6.25 percent respectively. Pakistan’s share is projected at 5.75 percent, primarily from media rights sales. The ICC’s 12 full members would collectively receive 88.81 percent, while the remaining percentage would be distributed among its 96 associate members.
Najam Sethi emphasized the need for the ICC to provide an explanation regarding the basis for these figures. He stated that unless these details are provided, the PCB will not approve the financial model when it is expected to be finalized in June. India currently contributes an estimated 80 percent of the ICC’s revenue, and Disney Star recently acquired the 2024-2027 media rights for the Indian market for $3 billion.
The PCB is not the only board expressing concerns over the proposed revenue split. Sethi mentioned that at least two other Test-playing nations are also dissatisfied with the model and have requested further clarification. The ICC, which took various factors into account, such as a country’s team performance and its contribution to the ICC’s commercial revenue, was unavailable for immediate comment.
While acknowledging that India deserves a larger share in principle, Sethi questioned the process behind developing the proposed revenue split table. The distribution of revenue has become a significant topic of discussion in international cricket, particularly as the sport faces an evolving landscape due to the rise of franchise-based leagues driven by India.
Former England captain Mike Atherton criticized the “flawed” model in an article for The Times, expressing concerns that it would deepen existing inequalities in the game and lead to a less competitive international cricket landscape in the long run.