The world’s richest cricket board seems unfazed by turbulence off the field, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) once again showing why its financial muscle is unmatched. Even the sudden exit of a major sponsor like Dream11 has failed to slow the Board down.
According to a report accessed by Cricbuzz, the BCCI quickly made up for the gap left by Dream11 by signing fresh sponsorship deals with Adidas and Apollo Tyres. The Board also secured a new jersey sponsorship at a higher valuation for a two-and-a-half-year cycle, underlining just how strong its commercial appeal remains.
Dream11 withdrew from its Rs 358 crore sponsorship deal in August after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. The legislation banned real-money gaming in India, directly impacting Dream11’s core business and forcing the fantasy gaming platform to step away from its role as Team India’s title sponsor. The deal, originally signed for the 2023 to 2026 cycle, was cut short with a year still left to run.
Despite that setback and a reduced share of revenue from ICC events, the BCCI’s finances remained in strong shape. Former treasurer and current joint secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia presented the Board’s draft budget for the 2025 to 2026 financial year, along with audited accounts for 2024 to 2025, and the numbers told a familiar story. The BCCI’s general fund jumped from Rs 7,988 crore to Rs 11,346 crore, creating a surplus of Rs 3,358 crore. The rise was attributed to strong revenue streams and careful financial management.
Looking ahead, the Board has projected an income of Rs 8,693 crore for the 2025 to 2026 financial year. While that figure is slightly lower than the previous year due to a dip in ICC revenue, it is still supported by rising interest income, estimated at Rs 1,500 crore compared to Rs 1,368 crore last year, reflecting efficient treasury operations.
WHAT ABOUT TAXES?
The Apex Council was also told that the BCCI has planned for future liabilities. Around Rs 3,320 crore has been set aside for income tax, Rs 1,000 crore for contingencies, and Rs 160 crore for litigation costs. In addition, Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to improving cricket facilities across the country.
In short, even when sponsors exit and regulations shift, the BCCI continues to move in only one direction.
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