Cricket Australia (CA) has reported a net deficit of 11.3 million Australian dollars (7.34 million dollars) for the 2024-25 financial year, despite a substantial surge in revenue from hosting the much-hyped Border-Gavaskar Trophy featuring the celebrated Ro-Ko (Rohit-Kohli) comeback series against India.
At its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, CA revealed that total revenue climbed by A$49.2 million from the previous year to 453.7 million Australian dollars, largely fuelled by a new domestic media deal and robust match receipts from the five-Test blockbuster against India.
However, the increased earnings were offset by a steep rise in expenditure – up 24.1 million Australian dollars- primarily due to marketing costs surrounding the India series and funding an additional 70 days of international tours for the national teams.
Distributions to CA’s member states and territories showed minimal movement, increasing by just 800,000 dollars from the previous year to 120.9 million Australian dollars.
Cricket Victoria (CV) sharply criticised the board for failing to translate record revenues into profitability.
“For another year, CA is presenting a financial loss with a balance sheet showing member funds in deficit,” CV chairman Ross Hepburn said at the AGM.
It is especially disappointing that since FY2019, Cricket Australia’s accounts have shown significant cumulative loss, excluding COVID-related impacts and World Cup revenue.”
CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg maintained a positive outlook for the next financial cycle, pointing to the upcoming Ashes series against England, which begins in Perth on November 21, 2025. He said CA expected a strong rebound in commercial and sponsorship revenue, projected to rise from 69 million Australian dollars to 86 million Australian dollars in 2025-26.
“The Ashes and India white-ball content in FY26 is expected to deliver significant profit to CA and enable us to rebuild our net assets and cash reserves for the next cycle,” said CA Chief Financial Officer Sarah Pragnell.
In a bid to strengthen its long-term financial position, CA is also exploring private investment in Big Bash League (BBL) teams to enhance the competition’s value and competitiveness against global T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League.
But convincing member states remains a key hurdle.
“We believe that all other options need to be diligently canvassed before resorting to selling off member assets,” Hepburn cautioned.
Despite the immediate setback, CA remains optimistic that upcoming marquee events like the Ashes and India’s white-ball tour will help the board swing back into the black in the next financial year.
– Ends
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