India’s premier cricketing board, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), overseen by Jay Shah, has reportedly generated a massive revenue windfall over the past 5 years to add Rs. 14,627 crore to its bank account. Despite having to go through some recent sponsorship troubles brought forward by the online gaming bill, BCCI’s finances suggest that the cricketing body should be able to pursue its calendar goals without many hiccups.
As per a report published on Cricbuzz, the board boasted a net bank balance of Rs 20,686 crore in 2024, documenting a stark rise in its earnings over the years.
BCCI is required to disclose its annual financial statements to state associations as a part of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that takes place in September every year. The upcoming AGM for this calendar year is scheduled to take place on September 28, which will involve the board disclosing its finances for the past 12 months.
The statement of accounts submitted at the last AGM, per the outlet, read, “Honorary Secretary apprised the members that since 2019, the cash and bank balance of BCCI has increased from Rs 6,059 crore, which was before disbursing any amount to the state cricket associations, to Rs 20,686 crore, which is after disbursing all amounts owed to the state cricket associations.”
“Therefore, since 2019, BCCI has added Rs 14,627 crore in the last five years. This is an increase of Rs 4,193 crore since the last financial year. Further, since 2019, the general fund too has increased from Rs 3,906 crore to Rs 7,988 crore, which is an increase of Rs 4,082 crore,” it further stated.
Does BCCI pay tax?
The report also seems to bust the myth that the BCCI does not pay income tax. As per the report, India’s premier cricket board set aside over Rs 3,000 crore towards taxes while continuing its appeal in various tribunals.
“The BCCI has provisioned Rs 3,150 crore towards income tax obligations for FY 2023-24. While BCCI is on the right track before the courts and tribunals, it has still made provisions towards paying any obligations that may arise towards tax,” Cricbuzz further quoted the audited statement.
BCCI’s income distribution
While BCCI’s gross media rights income from Men’s senior international tours and events registered a dip from Rs 642.78 last year to just Rs 361.22 crore in 2024. The board’s investment income jumped from Rs 533.05 crore to Rs 986.45 crore in the past year.
The revenue generated from investment income is attributed to higher returns secured on deposits.
BCCI also showcased a higher surplus of income over expenditure of Rs 1,623.08 crore in 2024 against Rs 1,167.99 crore in the previous year. Analysts attribute this income boom to the board’s earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
For 2023-24, the BCCI allocated Rs 1,200 crore towards infrastructure development, Rs 350 crore for the platinum jubilee benevolent fund, and Rs 500 crore for cricket development. The report said that state associations received Rs 1,990.18 crore, with Rs 2,013.97 crore projected for the current year.