A conflict between ICC and BCCI is around the corner as cricket’s global governing body decided to approve an additional tournament in the next cycle, despite reservations made by the Indian board.
ICC’s decision suggests that there will be one global (men’s and women’s) event every year in the 2023-2031 cycle. The tournaments will include two 50-over World Cups, four T20 World Cups and two editions of the new event, which is likely going to be in the 50-overs format, a report in ESPNcricinfo said.
The report further cited sources claiming that the new competition is likely to be a shorter version of Champions Trophy, with six teams featuring in it.
On Monday (October 14), a BCCI source said that ICC’s new plan will hit the Indian board’s revenue stream.
“For example, Star Sports or Sony (hypothetically) has a budget of Rs 100 for investment in broadcast rights (TV, radio, digital). There are two big players -- ICC and BCCI with their bouquet of events. BCCI has IPL and its marquee home bilateral series (without Pakistan),” the senior official was quoted as saying by PTI.
“A World T20 every year is an enticing proposal and if ICC enters the market first, a major player would be thinking of exhausting its lion’s share of broadcast budget in buying ICC rights. If the broadcaster spends Rs 60 on buying ICC rights for 2023-28 period, then when BCCI enters the market, the company will have may be Rs 40 in its pocket. I see it as an attempt to attack BCCI’s revenue stream. It’s up to (Sourav) Ganguly and Jay Shah to deal with this issue,” the source added.
The BCCI has just had its elections as per the newly adopted constitution with former skipper Sourav Ganguly set to take over the presidential post.
After securing the post unanimously, Ganguly said that one of his top priorities in the new role will be to get proper representation at International Cricket Council.
“That’s one area that we will look into. We haven’t received any money from ICC in the last few years. Money in the sense what we deserve,” he asserted.
“India generates 75-80 percent of global revenue, so that’s going to on the agenda. Talks and discussions need to happen and we have to find a solution as this is not leading anywhere,” Ganguly further remarked.
