Is The BCCI Financially COVID-Proof?

The Board is on safe ground, thanks to IPL media rights and safety-first investment strategy

- Amol Karhadkar

Corporates all over the world have been feeling the pinch because of the CO- VID-19 outbreak. Sports federations are no exceptions — with live sport coming to a standstill, broadcast revenue has been severely hit.

While Cricket Australia (CA) is in financial trouble, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) — the richest cricket body in the world — is unlikely to be affected in the near future, even if it is forced to cancel the Indian Premier League’s 2020 edition.

Insiders attribute the CA’s difficulties — staff salaries have been cut by 80% — to “careless planning” since it has invested heavily in the equity market. On the other hand, the BCCI — being a registered society — has played it safe, resulting in financial security.