Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations

Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations
The Kolkata Knight Riders pose with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League Twenty20 final on May 26, 2024. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 26 December 2024
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Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations

Cricket’s imbalanced financial structure continues to favor handful of powerful nations
  • The International Cricket Council, under new chair Jay Shah, has opportunity to promote India as a uniter and grower of the game

Last week an article written in 2012 caught my eye. It commented on a 9 percent decline in the number of television viewers watching the Indian Premier League. This led to a recommendation that the IPL should join forces with the International Cricket Council to form a World Cricket League, featuring teams from around the world.

In retrospect, the suggestion appears bizarre. The IPL has since become the powerhouse that has propelled India to dominance in cricket’s global political economy. The recommendation ought to be a warning to those who try to predict the game’s future landscape.

It is clear that India’s dominance shows little sign of waning for the foreseeable future. Au contraire, it is set to grow further with the appointment of Jay Shah as chair of the ICC. Previously, Shah was secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India between October 2019 and December 2024. During that time, he was instrumental in shaping the current ICC financial model. This massively favors India.

Confirmation was revealed at the ICC annual conference in July 2023, with India set to receive almost 40 percent of ICC revenues in the 2024 to 2027 cycle. How much will actually be earned depends upon the broadcasting revenues that will be realized. Initial estimates indicate that the BCCI could earn $230 million out of a total pot of some $600 million annually. This is a significant increase compared with the 2016 to 2023 cycle, in which the BCCI’s share from the ICC’s central revenue pool totaled $405 million.

By way of comparison, the England and Wales Cricket Board is set to receive $41 million annually, 6.89 percent of the total pot, followed by Cricket Australia with $37.53 million, or 6.25 percent. Only one other board, Pakistan’s, is set to receive over $30 million annually, with $34.51 million or 5.75 percent. The other eight full members will receive a total of $189 million, an average of $24 million each. This leaves $67.5 million, around 11 percent of the pot, to be shared between the 96 associate members.

The contribution to national board income is not easy to estimate. First, this is partly because the criteria or “component weightings” used in the model are opaque. They are based on contribution to the global game both on and off the field. This embraces cricket history, performance in both men’s and women’s ICC events over the last 16 years, contribution to the ICC’s commercial revenue and an equal weightage for full members, quoted as 8.3 percent.

It is clear from the figures above that the other criteria amend the equal weighting. India’s claim that it contributes between 70 and 80 percent of the ICC’s revenue is well recognized in its allocation, whereas that for all other full members is below the base weighting.

A second reason is that the ICC’s annual income is based on the estimated earnings for future years. The majority of these derive from sales of media rights. In the 2024 to 2031 cycle, rights for ICC events were sold for $3.2 billion with $3 billion paid by Disney Star for the Indian market. Effectively, these funds bankroll cricket. In this context, the criticality of matches between India and Pakistan becomes apparent, as highlighted in the recent fracas between them over the 2025 Champions Trophy.

A third reason is that the payments are not uniform. New Zealand Cricket’s report and accounts for the year ending July 31, 2024, note that the distribution of monies from the ICC tends to be heavily weighted toward the end of the cycle. The final wash-up payment from the previous cycle, for example, was received around May 2024, placing it in the 2023 to 2024 financial year.

The NZC’s income in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024, has been NZ$97 million and NZ$98 million, equivalent to around $55 million. If a similar figure is assumed for 2024 to 2025 then the ICC income of between $24 million and $28 million represents half of its revenue stream. In comparison, the England and Wales Cricket Board has an annual income of around $388 million. Therefore, its $41 million from the ICC is 11 percent of its income, a lower dependency than that of New Zealand. However, 75 percent of its revenues is derived from sales of broadcasting rights, emphasizing its fragile financial structure.

India has no such vulnerability. Its 2023 to 2024 income of 7.574 crore rupees — fast approaching $1 billion — dwarfs that of all other ICC members. This represents a massive contribution to the game across all criteria. On the other hand, that amount of power and influence distort other outcomes. One of these is growth amongst associate members. Many of them are ambitious but are hamstrung by a lack of funds. An example is the Netherlands.

Recently, its governing body, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond, has seemingly pulled back from its ambition to become an ICC full member, because of a budgetary shortfall. Its team has often caused upsets against full members but, unlike the ICC’s full members, the governing body is not guaranteed a slice of the world revenue. This is contingent on qualification for global events, position on white-ball rankings tables and performance on the ICC’s development scorecard. This pits associate members in direct competition with one another, with financial uncertainty a deterrent to potential sponsors.

There is an opportunity for the ICC, under Shah, to promote India as a uniter and grower of the game. This could involve a greater sharing of broadcasting incomes, allowing its teams to play smaller full members and emerging countries, as well as opening new territories and markets. Shah appears to be putting great store by the Olympics to focus on the latter.

There is little indication, so far, that there is any prospect for associate members to receive additional funding to encourage their development. Perhaps this is deliberate. Power clearly rests with India. When with the BCCI, Shah was a key player in negotiating broadcast rights. He carries those connections into the ICC. The recent merger between Disney and Reliance in India severely reduces competition in the market for broadcast rights.

In the next cycle, further concentration of power can be expected, with small pickings for those outside of the inner circle.


Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match

Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match
Updated 14 June 2025
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Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match

Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match
  • Encounter with Spanish La Liga team on Aug. 4 will form key part of Saudi club’s preparations for 2025-26 season

ALKHOBAR: Al-Qadsiah Football Club will take part in the annual Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match hosted by Spanish club Sevilla FC in tribute to the late Antonio Puerta.

The memorial match is one of Spanish football’s most heartfelt fixtures, held annually to honor the memory of a player who had a lasting impact on Sevilla FC and its supporters.

Puerta died on Aug. 18, 2007, three days after suffering a series of cardiac arrests during a La Liga match against Getafe.

The memorial match will take place at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Monday, Aug. 4, at 9 p.m. local time.

This fixture forms part of Al-Qadsiah’s pre-season training camp, which will be held across the Netherlands and Spain, ahead of the 2025–2026 season. The team is scheduled to play four friendly matches during the camp, including the high-profile encounter against Sevilla.

The memorial match reflects a broader collaboration between the two clubs, highlighting the symbolic importance of the event and Al-Qadsiah’s growing international profile.

Al-Qadsiah views the match as a milestone in its long-term strategy to foster relationships with leading football institutions and to strengthen its brand across the region and worldwide.


Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2

Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2
Updated 14 June 2025
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Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2

Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2
  • NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander finds a way to fight through for Oklahoma City Thunder
  • The Thunder are seeking their first title since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008

LOS ANGELES, United States: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied for a gritty 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers that leveled the NBA Finals at two games apiece on Friday.

Frustrated for much of the game by Indiana’s relentless defense, NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander found a way to fight through.

He followed a three-pointer with a pull-up jumper to give the Thunder their first lead since the first half with 2:23 remaining.

They wouldn’t trail again. Gilgeous-Alexander, who didn’t get to the free-throw line in the first half, added six free-throws in the final 44 seconds.

“It’s a dog fight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after another intense, physical battle between the two teams. “Every time you step on the floor, on both ends of the floor they make you work.”

Jalen Williams scored 27 points, Chet Holmgren added 14 points and 15 rebounds and Alex Caruso chipped in with 20 points off the bench for the Thunder.

Pascal Siakam scored 20 points to lead Indiana, adding eight rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points, Obi Toppin added 17 off the bench and the Pacers led by 10 late in the third quarter.

But Oklahoma City – who dropped back-to-back games just twice this season and haven’t lost consecutive games in the playoffs – clamped down defensively in the fourth, determined not to fall in a 3-1 hole.

“We knew it when we woke up this morning – 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We played with desperation to the end the game and that’s why we won.”

Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder must “maintain the same desperation” when they host game five on Monday.

The Thunder are seeking their first title since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, having won it all in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Pacers, chasing their first NBA title, struck first in another fast-paced opening quarter in front of their energized fans, making four of their first five shots and building a nine-point lead midway through the opening period.

Oklahoma hit back, putting together a 9-0 run to tie it, but the Pacers – with a strong defensive effort on Gilgeous-Alexander and four steals from Pascal Siakam – emerged from the first period with a 35-34 lead.

The back and forth battle continued in the second, when Oklahoma City led by as many as six but could never pull away and Haliburton converted a three-point play – driving through traffic for a layup and making the free throw, his first of the series – to put Indiana up 60-57 at halftime.

By then, tensions had already ratcheted up. Toppin was assessed a flagrant foul for a check that sent Alex Caruso sprawling under the basket.

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein confronted Toppin and both received technical fouls.

OKlahoma City’s Luguentz Dort was later assessed a flagrant foul for swiping an arm over Toppin’s head.

Toppin gave Indiana the first double-digit lead of the game with a dunk that put them up 86-76 late in the third.

But the Thunder dug deep, tying it up four times in the fourth quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander came through.

“You’re up seven at home you’ve got to dig in and find a way and we were not able to do it tonight,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “But give them credit. They kept attacking, kept attacking, and their defense was great down the stretch.”

Oklahoma City closed the game on a 12-1 scoring run, and Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force.

“He’s unreal,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said, although Caruso said nothing Gilgeous-Alexander does surprises him anymore.

“I’ve seen him do it night after night,” Caruso said. “He doesn’t show a lot of emotion on the court, but he’s one of the most competitive guys in this league.”


Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs

Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs
Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs

Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs
  • Group winners will take two automatic places at 2026 tournament finals in North America

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Qatar will host the Asian qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation said on Friday.
The third and fourth-placed teams from the qualifiers that ended last week — Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar and the UAE — will form two groups of three teams and play from Oct. 8 to 14. The draw will take place on July 17.
Group winners will take the two remaining automatic places at the World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico. The runners-up from each group will play two matches on Nov. 13 and 18, with the winners qualifying for the inter-confederation playoffs
Meanwhile this year’s Saudi Super Cup featuring Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr will be held in Hong Kong, football chiefs said on Friday. Matches will take place from Aug. 19-23 at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium.

“This represents a qualitative shift for the tournament, which has achieved remarkable success,” Saudi Football Federation secretary general Ibrahim Al-Qassim said.
 


Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup
Updated 13 June 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup
  • Star’s appointment ‘defining milestone’ in evolution of tournament

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the tournament’s organizers announced on Friday.

The Esports World Cup Foundation said the Portuguese football legend’s appointment marked a “defining milestone” in the evolution of the tournament and the rise of e-sports as a global force.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Ronaldo brings what the foundation described as “a powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports,” helping connect millions of fans to a new generation of e-sports athletes.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging competitors.

“His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players. As global ambassador, he bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming, helping spotlight the next generation of athletes competing for global glory. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for e-sports.”

Ronaldo has been involved with the EWC since its inception. He took part in the global announcement of the competition in 2023 and attended last summer’s closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he joined in celebrations for Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship victory.

As a global ambassador he will headline the tournament’s global promotional campaign in the lead-up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival taking place this summer in Riyadh.

He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup.

With a combined social media following of over 1 billion, Ronaldo’s involvement is expected to amplify the EWC’s global reach and help introduce new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming.

Ronaldo said: “Sport is always evolving and e-sports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in e-sports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation.”


‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans
Updated 13 June 2025
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‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans
  • The 43-year-old will take part in his third 24-hour race at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 14-15

LE MANS: As the racing world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the weekend of June 14-15, Oman’s Ahmad Al-Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time — this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT.

With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East and national partners, Al-Harthy continues to fly the sultanate’s flag high on the global motorsport stage. Here are some of his thoughts.

On representing Oman at the iconic race …

Coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I’ve been following since childhood. To me, it’s the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it’s a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I’m looking forward to this third experience. 

On his technical and mental progress since his first Le Mans podium in 2023 …

It couldn’t have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and hungry.

As a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I’ve had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I’m ready, physically, yes; mentally, it’s the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn. 

On the buzz of driving his BMW M4 LMGT3 …

The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don’t experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it’s the same in that sense.

This is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the “Road to Le Mans” in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.

On the chemistry with teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde …

You mentioned a very important point: Teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it’s all about teamwork. It’s not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the grid.

We spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It’s not just about seeing each other in the race car; it’s what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don’t always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver. 

On the backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey …

When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW’s support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I’ve been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride in.

A message to young Arab and Omani athletes …

The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it’s time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that.

I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It’s a tricky formula, but it’s worth it.