What if I tell you that the BCCI had ₹6,000 crore in its bank in 2019 and now, in 2025, it has ₹20,686 crore? The first reaction is obvious: how did that happen? And what does it mean for Indian cricket?
BCCI’s Massive Growth
The numbers tell the story. In five years, the board added ₹14,627 crore to its reserves, including ₹4,193 crore in just the last year. Even after giving state associations close to ₹2,000 crore, the general fund doubled from around ₹3,900 crore to nearly ₹8,000 crore.
Dip in Media Rights Income
Interestingly, media rights income, once BCCI’s biggest earner, dropped from ₹2,524 crore to just ₹813 crore in 2023-24 due to fewer home internationals. Yet, the board still posted a record surplus.
IPL and Investments Driving Surplus
The reason is simple: IPL and investments. IPL revenue and ICC distributions kept the cash flowing, while smart deposits pushed investment income from ₹533 crore to ₹986 crore. This led to a surplus of ₹1,623 crore last year, higher than the previous year’s ₹1,168 crore.
Big Spending for Growth
It’s not only about building reserves. The BCCI spent ₹1,200 crore on infrastructure, ₹500 crore on cricket development, and ₹350 crore on its platinum jubilee benevolent fund. It also set aside ₹3,150 crore for tax provisions while fighting legal battles.
The Bigger Picture
The IPL has given BCCI a financial shield no other cricket board can match. Even with media rights fluctuations, careful planning keeps the money flowing. With such reserves, BCCI is not only leading cricket but also setting the benchmark for running sport like a business.
As the financial report is tabled at the AGM on September 28, fans will wonder: is this only about making BCCI richer, or will the impact reach Indian cricket at every level, from state grounds to grassroots? That is the real question.
