Ravi Shastri defends India collecting lion's share of ICC revenue, says BCCI deserves even more: 'It's only fair'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the richest board in cricket by a fair distance and receives the lion's share of the International Cricket Council's annual revenue. Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri, however, not only has defended the current ICC revenue model, he has also urged the Indian board to dig deeper and secure an even bigger share for itself than the 38.5 per cent that it currently receives.

"I absolutely agree (that India should get 38.5 per cent). I would want more for India," cricketer-turned-commentator Shastri told Wisden.

And when asked to explain his opinion, Shastri argued that India is the biggest contributor to the ICC's revenue, which some sources estimate stands in the range of 70 to 80 per cent.

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"Most of the money that is generated comes from India. So it's only fair that they get their pound of flesh.

"And it's relative. It's economies. Tomorrow there might be another economy that's stronger, money might come from there like it did in the 1970s and 80s, and the chunk of the money goes somewhere else," Shastri added.

Shastri explains India's impact on the cricketing world

The lion's share of the ICC revenue, combined with the sale of broadcast rights for the lucrative Indian Premier League that keeps smashing records cycle after cycle, have helped the BCCI not only become the richest board in the world but also the most powerful.

That, in turn, has made India something of the first nation in the cricketing world, which is at the heart of every major cricketing event – whether it be the ICC World Test Championship cycle or the World Cup.

The IPL also enjoys special status with a dedicated two-month window in the summer during which international cricket is kept at a bare minimum.

The Indian cricket team also enjoys the biggest following in the sport and a visit by the Men in Blue can often prove to be a boon for other boards, thanks to the prospect of packed venues and greater interest from broadcasters.

"I think it's only fair. It shows in the revenues. When India travel, look at the television rights, look at the television 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.