Top 10 Richest Cricket Boards In the World
A cricket board is defined as the governing body which is responsible for the management, regulation, and promotion of cricket within the specific region of the country.
Moreover, these boards also oversee various aspects of games and majorly include domestic and international tournaments. Additionally, another aspect is choosing a team, and ensuring complete compliance with rules and regulations.
But do you know what is the history of the cricket board? Let us help you to determine the one before exploring the Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world.
Early beginning of the cricket board
Cricket board emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the popularity of cricket. In the early times, cricket was played in England and its governing body named Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), was established in 1787.
As cricket spread over colonies (of the British Empire), but later on countries started forming their governing bodies to manage and organize cricket domestically.
It was in the 20th century when cricket boards shifted from unprofessional to professional cricket, offering contracts to players and even enhancing infrastructure.
In this manner, the cricket board manage to organize and plan cricket tournaments across countries.
Important functions of the cricket board
- There are different functions that Top cricket boards in the world undertake and all of those are mentioned below-
- Management of tournaments where there is an organization of domestic leagues and also international series.
- Undertake the process of selecting teams for international competitions.
- Another key function is to build and maintain cricket stadiums and also training facilities.
- Developing cricket at the community and school levels. Additionally, ensure fair contracts, training and injury management.
All of these functions are being performed by the cricket board. But do you know who can make up the list of the Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world?
Let us help you to find out the top names.
Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Among the Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world, the first name is BCCI is the governing body that is responsible for the supervision of cricket in India. Upon research, we found that BCCI is regarded as one of the most powerful and wealthiest cricket boards in the world.
BCCI was established on December 4, 1928, and upon replacing the Calcutta Cricket Club. It became a member of the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1929 allowing India to participate in international tournaments.
This cricket board operates a private organization and has its headquarters in Mumbai. As of January 2025, it is valued at approximately ₹18,760 crore (around $2.25 billion).
Challenges and Future Goals
No doubt, BCCI has faced tremendous challenges in financial dealing and decision-making.
There were issues related to the administration holding various roles. Alongside, legal disputes from various quarters.
BCCI is positioning itself as the global leader and expanding cricket to non-traditional regions of India.
Cricket Australia (CA)
Cricket Australia is the governing body responsible for managing and promoting cricket in Australia. CA manages the national teams, organizes domestic tournaments, and contributes to the global cricketing community.
CA was initially established in 1905 but it was rebranded in 2003 as Cricket Australia. Cricket Australia operates a non-profit organization and ensures the development of cricket across all levels.
It has an estimated valuation of ₹658 crore (approximately $79 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
Player contracts and disputes were the main challenge and this was over the revenue sharing model.
Incidents like the 2018 ball-tampering scandal also affected its reputation and it has to be solved.
Balancing the Big Bash League was also one of the main challenges and this was creating problems in its establishment.
But with the continuation towards the investment in eco-friendly stadiums and sustainable practices for events.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
ECB is responsible for governing all professional and recreational cricket in England and Wales. It was established so that it could unify the cricket under a single administrative structure.
The ECB was established on January 1, 1997, and has a rich history in England. Moreover, ECB operates as an independent organization and has its headquarters in Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
Listed among the Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world generates its primary income from broadcasting rights, sponsorship, and ticket sales.
It holds the third spot with a valuation of ₹492 crore (around $59 million)
Challenges and Future Goals
It was seen that cricket in England has faced numerous criticism over racism and even lack of representation.
Managing the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cricket operations.
Moreover, addressing the player burn out and due to packed international and domestic schedules.
Coming to the future goals ECB is focusing on the success of The Hundred to increase the global viewership.
Increasing participation at the schools and club levels and also adopting eco-friendly practices.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
One of the other names that come under the top 10 richest cricket boards in the world is the Pakistan Cricket Board. It manages both domestic and international cricket activities.
This indicates that it is ensuring the growth of cricket from ground level. PCB has a rich history of success in international cricket and was founded in 1948 as the Pakistan Cricket Association
Later on, Pakistan was granted full membership in the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1953.
The value is estimated to be approximately ₹458 crore (about $55 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
It was found that Pakistan has faced numerous challenges in hosting international cricket and this was due to security concerns.
Moreover, cricket in Pakistan is also influenced by politics leading to various challenges.
But despite all these challenges, PCB continues to work towards bringing international cricket back to Pakistan.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
Bangladesh Cricket Board oversees the national teams, and domestic competitions and even promotes sports at all levels across the country.
No doubt, BCB has played a crucial role in transforming Bangladesh into a competitive force in international cricket.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board was formed in 1972, but it was in 2000 the organization was restructured and renamed as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and this was to ensure more professional management.
The estimated valuation of ₹425 crore (around $51 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
The challenges were in the form of infrastructure and facilities, the development of players and also solving internal conflicts.
To solve this BCB took over their future goals and towards expanding the BPL and attracting more international players.
Improves to improve facilities outside Dhaka and develop smaller regional cricket grounds.
Cricket South Africa (CSA)
CSA is responsible for managing and promoting cricket in South Africa i.e. organizing national teams, managing domestic competitions and also looking forward to the cricket development program.
CSA was formally established in 1991 as the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA).
In 2007, its rebranding was done and with the name- Cricket South Africa (CSA) CSA holds a valuation of ₹392 crore (approximately $47 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
CSA has faced financial difficulties and a lack of sponsorship. Additionally, experienced political and leadership challenges as well.
CSA on the other hand aims to focus on the development of the Mzansi Super League.
Promoting new talent is also the one future goal of CSA and offer players the required tools and training to succeed.
Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZC)
The other name listed among the Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world is of ZC. It manages both national cricket teams and the domestic structure within the country.
In 1992, Zimbabwe Cricket was established as the Zimbabwe Cricket Union and was rebranded as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
ZC operates as a non-profit organization and manages the overall policies and direction in Zimbabwe.
ZC being the richest cricket board in the world holds a value of ₹317 crore (around $38 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
The real struggle of ZC was faced due to financial conditions as there was limited sponsorship.
Moreover, political challenges have also impacted the smooth functioning of ZC.
Therefore, ZC is on a mission to develop its domestic infrastructure and improve the local competition.
Working to secure more sponsorship and even broadcasting deals.
Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC)
SLC has been known as the richest cricket board in the world because it has played a significant role in the development of cricket in Sri Lanka
It has been found that cricket in Sri Lanka has a long history and the game was played formerly in the 19th century.
After Sri Lanka gained independence, the Ceylon Cricket Association was formed in 1948. In 1996, it was renamed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and this was after the country’s success in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup.
SLC has an estimated valuation of ₹166 crore (about $20 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
SLC faced numerous financial difficulties and in turn, has affected the development program.
The Sri Lanka national team has also experienced a period of underperformance. But SLC has a future goal to focus on revitalizing the men’s national team.
Aims to improve cricketing infrastructure and also invest in women’s cricket.
West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)
WICB is now known as Cricket West Indies and is responsible for managing the West Indies men’s and women’s cricket teams. The West Indies cricket team is made up of players from several Caribbean countries.
WICB was established in 1928 and became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1927. Valued at ₹125 crore (approximately $15 million)
Challenges and Future Goals
CWI faced numerous challenges and majorly was of financial. There have been ongoing disputes between players as well.
Therefore, CWI is focusing on improving the domestic competition and infra, improving relationships between players and also focusing on youth development programs.
New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC)
The last names that come under the top 10 richest cricket boards in the world is NZC which is responsible for the administration, promotion and also development of cricket.
New Zealand Cricket was established in 1894 and became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1927.
NZC comes with a valuation of ₹75 crore (around $9 million).
Challenges and Future Goals
Major challenges were in the form of finances, retention among players, balancing and also competition with other sports.
NZC therefore aims to strengthen the domestic competition among youngsters. Moreover, focusing on achieving ICC tournament success and even plans to invest in youth cricket programs.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest cricket boards in the world dominate global cricket with the help of strong broadcasting deals, successful domestic leagues and also sponsorships.
All of the above-mentioned cricket boards have undergone with numerous challenges. But they managed to pull them up upon facing them and building themselves to withstand in the top category.
