The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again showcased why it is the world’s most powerful cricketing body—not just on the field but also in financial terms.
According to a recent financial report shared with state associations, the BCCI’s bank balance has grown to a staggering ₹20,686 crore in 2024, almost doubling its reserves in just five years. From around ₹6,059 crore in 2019, the board has added ₹14,627 crore—a figure that highlights the unmatched commercial power of Indian cricket.
BCCI’s Financial Growth at a Glance (2019–2024)
| Year | Cash & Bank Balance (₹ Crore) | Change (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6,059 | — |
| 2020 | 9,240 | +3,181 |
| 2021 | 12,340 | +3,100 |
| 2022 | 15,820 | +3,480 |
| 2023 | 16,493 | +673 |
| 2024 | 20,686 | +4,193 |
Total Growth (2019–2024): ₹14,627 crore
2023–24: A Record-Breaking Fiscal Year
The financial year 2023–24 alone tells a story of strength. Despite some drops in non-IPL media rights and bilateral tour income, BCCI still posted huge gains thanks to IPL earnings and smart investments.
| Category | 2022–23 (₹ Cr) | 2023–24 (₹ Cr) | Change (₹ Cr) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash & Bank Balance | 16,493 | 20,686 | +4,193 | +25.4% |
| General Fund | 7,408 | 7,988 | +580 | +7.8% |
| Media Rights (Non-IPL) | 2,524.80 | 813.14 | –1,711.66 | –67.8% |
| Tour Income (Men’s Intl.) | 642.78 | 361.22 | –281.56 | –43.8% |
| Investment Income | 533.05 | 986.45 | +453.40 | +85.1% |
| Surplus (Profit) | 1,167.99 | 1,623.08 | +455.09 | +39.0% |
Even as media rights and bilateral tours declined, BCCI’s investment income nearly doubled. Its surplus grew by nearly 39%, reflecting strong fiscal discipline.
Key Takeaways
1. Diversified Revenue Streams Shine
While non-IPL media rights and tour revenues dropped—standard in a World Cup year—investment income soared nearly 85%, showcasing smart treasury management.
2. IPL Remains BCCI’s Economic Linchpin
Though specific figures weren’t disclosed, IPL earnings and ICC distributions remain the bedrock of BCCI’s surpluses that fuel its growth, despite drops in other income areas.
3. Tax Transparency and Responsibility
BCCI has provisioned a hefty ₹3,150 crore for income-tax obligations in FY 2023–24, even as it contests these matters in courts and tribunals—subverting myths of tax avoidance.
4. Investment for Growth
The board’s expansion isn’t just financial. In 2023–24:
- Allocations included ₹1,200 crore for infrastructure development
- ₹350 crore for a Platinum Jubilee Benevolent Fund
- ₹500 crore earmarked for cricket development
- State associations received ₹1,990.18 crore—expected to rise to ₹2,013.97 crore.
What Does This Mean for Indian Cricket?
- Financial Muscle: BCCI’s expanding reserves reaffirm its status as one of the richest and most powerful sports bodies globally.
- Sustainability: Even amid a dip in match-related revenues, robust investment and IPL income keep the board profitable.
- Grassroots Empowerment: Large outflows for infrastructure and development indicate a sustained commitment to nurturing cricket from the ground up.
In Shorts:
From ₹6,059 crore in 2019 to ₹20,686 crore in 2024, the BCCI has doubled its bank balance and added ₹14,627 crore in just five years. This extraordinary growth cements its position as not just the richest cricket board but also one of the most powerful sporting bodies globally.
The combination of IPL revenues, smart investments, and developmental spending makes the BCCI a financial giant with a vision that stretches far beyond the pitch.
