The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again proven why it is the most resilient entity in world sports.
Despite the sudden termination of its high-profile partnership with Dream11 and a decrease in revenue shares from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the board’s treasury has surged to record-breaking levels.
The Dream11 Exit: A Strategic Pivot
The landscape of Indian sports sponsorship underwent a significant shift in August 2025, following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act.
This legislation led to an immediate ban on real-money gaming, forcing the fantasy sports giant Dream11 to exit its ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship deal.
While many expected a financial vacuum, the BCCI demonstrated its massive market appeal by moving swiftly. The board secured a landmark deal with Apollo Tyres and strengthened its partnership with Adidas.
Reports indicate that the new lead sponsorship agreement is valued at approximately ₹579 crore, a significant upgrade over the previous arrangement. This transition not only covered the deficit but also increased the board’s commercial valuation.
Surplus and Treasury Growth
The financial audit for the 2024-2025 fiscal year reveals a staggering growth trajectory. The BCCI’s General Fund jumped from ₹7,988 crore to ₹11,346 crore, marking a surplus of ₹3,358 crore in a single year.
Key factors driving this wealth include:
- Strong Treasury Management: Interest income rose to ₹1,500 crore, proving that the board’s cash reserves are working as hard as the players on the field.
- Diversified Streams: Even with a 38.5% share of ICC revenue seeing a slight “quantum reduction,” the board’s domestic media rights and new global partnerships have kept the income stream steady.
A Vision for 2025-2026
Looking ahead, the projected income for the 2025-2026 financial year stands at ₹8,963 crore. While this is slightly lower than previous peaks due to the dip in ICC revenue, the board still expects a substantial net surplus of ₹6,728 crore.
Reinvesting in the Game
The BCCI is channeling this wealth back into the roots of Indian cricket. The latest budget allocates:
- ₹500 Crore for infrastructure subsidies to modernize stadiums across the country.
- ₹3,320 Crore provisioned for income tax, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- ₹1,000 Crore set aside as a contingency fund for future challenges.
By replacing vulnerable sectors like real-money gaming with legacy brands like Apollo and Adidas, the BCCI has future-proofed its finances. It remains not just the “richest board,” but a masterclass in sports business management.
