Players not eligible for share from BCCI’s IPL revenues

The BCCI-appointed audit firm Deloitte has revealed that the total gross earning of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doesn’t include the revenue generated from the IPL. The assessment undercut former coach Anil Kumble’s suggestion earlier this year, that players’ share of the pie should be 26 percent of all board income including the league revenues.

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) had earlier bestowed Deloitte with the task to make recommendations and create an “operating manual.” The draft handbook will comprise of core principles and policies for the administration of the cricket board. Meanwhile, the BCCI has effectively discarded Kumble’s recommendation.

The manual emphasises on maintaining “transparency” and “fairness” with regards to players’ payments. It also highlighted that “Reward based on Category” and recognition for “superior performance” will be identified. The Deloitte manual, however, is still a working document that has been sent to the board’s office-bearers by the COA. The final approval lies with the general body.

Share for Players’ Association

The revenue shares as defined by the prescribed Deloitte manual allot 13 per cent for international cricketers, 10.40 per cent for senior domestic cricketers, 1.60 per cent for junior domestic cricketers and 1 per cent for women cricketers. Also, in addition, a 1 per cent share has been reserved for Players’ Association that will be formed via a steering committee as per the Lodha Committee’s recommendations accepted by the Supreme Court of India.

According to the Indian Express, a BCCI spokesperson said, “The difference between the two models (Kumble and Deloitte) is that Kumble has taken the complete top-line number based on the annual report. The correct number is the revenue, where the players have their direct contributions. To implement Kumble’s presentation in toto, the BCCI would be in a loss of Rs 200-250 crore. That’s not a practical way of doing it. Deloitte knows all the numbers and their document is principles-based.”