Gross revenue share payable to cricketers increases 1.6x in FY23: BCCI annual report

BCCI's annual report also showed that the Board saw a significant rise in earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL)

The gross revenue share (GRS) that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pays to cricketers increased by 1.6x in fiscal year 2023.

The gross revenue share is 26 percent of the gross revenue of the Board which is to be distributed to players as fees and allowances.

For the year ended March 31, 2023, provision of Rs 84.68 crore has been recognised in the books of account as "Gross Revenue Share Payable to Players" in addition to amounts already paid and accrued during the year, the Board's 2022-2023 annual statement read.

The gross revenue share payable to players in FY22 stood at Rs 31 .56 crore, and Rs 3.98 crore in the year before that.

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Some reasons that could have led to this steep rise in GRS payable to players include renewal of contracts with Indian players, said Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance India.

"Our assessment is that central contracts with India players have been renewed as well as better payouts to domestic players in Ranji trophy level could have led to the increase in GRS payments to players. Also, women cricketers are being remunerated well now after the WPL (Women's Premier League) success as well after ?(Men's) World Cup win, big bounty was announced and distributed, all this could have led to the growth," he said.

Fees to players under expenses of men's international tours/tournaments in the Board's financial statement for FY 2022-23 stood at Rs 54 .20 crore, up from Rs 41.06 crore in FY 2021-22.

Fees to players in FY 2020-21 under expenses of men's international tours/tournaments stood at Rs 26.08 crore.

In March this year, BCCI launched a ‘Test cricket incentive scheme’ to increase test match fees as much as three times.

The cricket Board had announced that those making it to the playing eleven for more than 75 percent of the tests in the season will be paid an additional Rs 45 lakh per match and those in the squad but out of the eleven will be paid Rs 22.5 lakh per match. Those playing 50-75 percent tests would get an additional Rs 30 lakh and those in this category who are in the squad but not in the eleven Rs 15 lakh extra per match.

BCCI's annual report also showed that the Board saw a significant rise in earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

BCCI earned a surplus of Rs 5,120 crore in IPL 2023, up by 116 percent as compared to the 2022 edition due to the new media rights and sponsorship deals.

The total revenue generated from IPL 2023 stood at Rs 11,769 crore while the expenditure surged by 66 percent and amounted to Rs 6,648 crore.