'Only fair that India gets their pound of flesh'- Ravi Shastri on India taking majority share from ICC’s revenue

The 2024–2027 cycle's allocation of ICC event income to each country has drawn criticism for its lopsided arrangement. The 12 Test-playing countries receive more than 88% of the revenue, with the "Big Three" of Australia, England, and India receiving 48.2%. At 38.5%, India takes home the lion's share of the pie.

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In his comments on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) event income allocation scheme for the 2024–2027 cycle, former India head coach Ravi Shastri vehemently defended India's high earnings share.

"I would want more (for India). Because half the money, most of the money, that's generated comes from India. So, it's only fair that they get their share of... pound of flesh. And it's relative, you know, it's economies," said Shastri, as quoted from Wisden.

"Tomorrow, there might be another stronger economy. Money might come from there like it did in the seventies, eighties. And the chunk of the money went to... You know,  went somewhere else. So, I think it's only fair, and it just shows in the revenues. When India travels, look at the television rights, look at the television, the income that comes, for an India series. So it's only fair that they get whatever they're getting now, if not more," Shastri added.

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ECB CEO Richard Gould expressed a similar view when the revenue-sharing model was introduced in 2023.

He had said, “India plays as many international matches as any other team globally. They do so knowing that their tours generate significant interest and revenue for the host nation. It’s crucial to consider the broader picture in this context.”

No need for a central fund for Test: Ravi Shastri

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A centrally controlled Test fund under the ICC has been suggested as a means of promoting the game's conventional format around the world. Shastri, who was recently honored with a suite named after him at Lord's during the World Test Championship final, has expressed his disapproval of the notion.

"Why do you need it? You know, from what is coming now and what the share is, there could be a certain amount of money kept for those countries to promote the game. There will be central support, and it can come through this (fund), but you also have to question, why are cricket boards losing money hand over fist? Is the administration okay? Are they being handled properly? Is the game being run properly? And is there accountability? For me, that is the key. Is there accountability when there's money being paid?” Shastri noted.

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