The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has demonstrated remarkable financial resilience, with its general fund surging by Rs 3,358 crore despite losing a major sponsor and facing reduced revenue from ICC events. New sponsorship deals and astute treasury management have ensured the world’s richest cricket board remains in robust health heading into the 2025-26 financial year.

General fund jumps to Rs 11,346 crore

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI’s general fund grew from Rs 7,988 crore to Rs 11,346 crore, creating a surplus of Rs 3,358 crore for the financial year. This impressive growth was attributed to “strong revenue streams and careful financial management,” as outlined in the audited accounts for 2024 and 2025 presented by former treasurer and current joint secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia during a recent BCCI meeting.

The figures reflect the board’s ability to navigate significant financial challenges, including the withdrawal of Dream11 as title sponsor and a dip in ICC event revenue, while still posting substantial gains.

Dream11 exit offset by Adidas and Apollo Tyres deals

The BCCI suffered a major blow in August 2025 when Dream11 pulled out of its Rs 358 crore sponsorship deal following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which imposed stringent regulations on fantasy sports and online gaming platforms.

However, the board moved swiftly to secure replacement sponsors, signing lucrative deals with Adidas (jersey sponsorship) and Apollo Tyres. According to the Cricbuzz report, the BCCI “successfully secured a new jersey sponsorship at a higher valuation for another two-and-a-half-year cycle,” suggesting the Adidas deal exceeded the financial terms of the previous Dream11 agreement.

The report noted: “Notwithstanding the withdrawal of sponsors such as Dream11 and other entities affected by recent legislative changes, the BCCI had successfully secured a new jersey sponsorship at a higher valuation for another two-and-a-half-year cycle.”

These new partnerships not only compensated for the Dream11 exit but actually strengthened the BCCI’s sponsorship portfolio, reflecting the enduring commercial appeal of Indian cricket.

Projected income for 2025-26: Rs 8,693 crore

Looking ahead, the BCCI has projected an income of Rs 8,693 crore for the 2025-26 financial year. While this figure is marginally lower than the previous year’s earnings, the shortfall is primarily attributed to a reduced share of revenue from ICC events, which are allocated based on a global revenue-sharing model.

Despite the slight dip in projected income, the BCCI’s estimated interest income for the year stands at Rs 1,500 crore—a significant increase from Rs 1,368 crore in the previous year. This growth reflects strong treasury management and the overall healthy financial position of the board, which continues to generate substantial returns on its cash reserves and investments.

Financial obligations and contingencies

Prabhtej Singh Bhatia confirmed that the BCCI has made adequate provisions for its financial obligations in the upcoming year, including:

  • Income tax: Rs 3,320 crore

  • Contingencies: Rs 1,000 crore

  • Pending litigation costs: Approximately Rs 160 crore

These provisions underscore the BCCI’s prudent approach to financial planning, ensuring it can meet regulatory requirements and legal obligations while maintaining a robust surplus.

Context: BCCI’s financial dominance

The BCCI remains by far the wealthiest cricket board in the world, thanks to the Indian Premier League (IPL), lucrative bilateral series, and India’s massive broadcasting and sponsorship market. The IPL alone generates billions of rupees annually, with media rights for the 2023-2027 cycle sold for Rs 48,390 crore (approximately $6.2 billion).

Even with challenges such as sponsor withdrawals and fluctuating ICC revenues, the BCCI’s diversified income streams—including IPL franchise fees, central broadcasting rights, team sponsorships, and domestic cricket revenues—have ensured continued financial growth.

The board’s ability to secure premium sponsorship deals despite regulatory disruptions in the online gaming sector highlights the enduring commercial value of Indian cricket, which commands unparalleled global viewership and fan engagement.