Cricket West Indies Seeks ICC Revenue Model Review
President Kishore Shallow advocates for a more equitable financial distribution model for cricket's governing body.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Corporate Finance
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Should global sports governing bodies mandate a more equitable distribution of revenue among smaller member nations?
Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow has officially called for a review of the current International Cricket Council (ICC) financial distribution model. Shallow aims to address the significant revenue disparity between top-tier boards and smaller member nations.
Why it matters
Amending the commercial model could provide essential financial stability for smaller cricket boards that currently struggle to compete. A more equitable distribution would help these nations maintain the sustainability of their domestic cricket programs.
The current ICC financial model assigns approximately 38.5 percent of annual revenue to India, while Cricket West Indies receives 4.58 percent. These figures dictate the financial landscape for international cricket boards through the 2027 season.
The players
Kishore Shallow
He is the president of Cricket West Indies and is actively campaigning for reforms to the international cricket financial structure.
International Cricket Council
The global governing body for the sport of cricket responsible for regulating rules and distributing international tournament revenue.
The details
Under current rules established in 1997, host boards retain broadcasting and ticketing revenue for bilateral series, leaving Cricket West Indies without a share of rights revenue from series played in India. The organization currently relies on sponsorships and commercial partnerships to supplement its income during tours.
Timeline
1997: ICC established the commercial arrangements currently governing bilateral international cricket series.
2024-2027: Period for which the current ICC financial distribution model remains in effect.
2027: India is scheduled to embark on a return tour to the Caribbean.
Market Dynamics
The proposal challenges the 1997 ICC bilateral series revenue retention rules that have long favored larger cricket markets. This move mirrors broader trends in professional sports where smaller governing bodies are seeking structural reforms to compete with dominant commercial entities.
A shift in revenue distribution could significantly impact the long-term solvency and investment capacity of regional cricket boards. Retail and institutional investors monitoring the sport should watch for how changes to these allocations affect the valuation of broadcasting rights deals.
The takeaway
The push for a financial review highlights the ongoing tension between historic revenue models and the economic needs of smaller national sports bodies. Stakeholders interested in the sport's health should monitor how upcoming negotiations impact the sustainability of bilateral series.
Further reading
Learn more about the fiscal structures impacting global sports organizations in our Corporate Finance section.
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Should global sports governing bodies mandate a more equitable distribution of revenue among smaller member nations?
