The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the governing body for cricket at the international level. With the help of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), they not only make the rules of the game but also the code of conduct of the players. They are responsible for events such as ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the Test Championship Final. Any cricket outside of ICC events are under the jurisdiction of member boards. Meanwhile, let’s have a look at the net worth of the Apex Council.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between $3 billion – $4 billion as of 2025 |
| Established | 1909 (as Imperial Cricket Conference) |
| Headquarter | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Beginnings and Early Challenges
The International Cricket Council (ICC) was established in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference by representatives from England, Australia, and South Africa. In subsequent decades, cricket’s popularity surged, prompting the Council to evolve into the International Cricket Conference in 1965 and later the International Cricket Council in 1987.
In its early years, the ICC faced financial constraints. Much of its revenue came from member subscriptions and minor sponsorships. It secured a modest operating income of roughly $12.66 million in the late 2000s, while event income from the 2007 World Cup was around $286 million. Over time, the ICC sought to commercialize the sport and bolster its finances by organizing high-profile tournaments and strengthening broadcast and sponsorship agreements.
Rise to Becoming a Financial Power
The ICC’s financial trajectory saw exponential growth over the past two decades. The turning point was the incremental commercialization of its marquee events—especially the Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy. Between 2007 and 2015, sponsorship and media rights for these tournaments generated over $1.6 billion.
The 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, held in India, marked another milestone—delivering a record haul of $719 million in event revenue, up from $557 million in 2019. In parallel, the ICC achieved a staggering 187% surge in net surplus in 2023, reaching approximately $596 million. The financial year ending December 31, 2024, further saw a surplus of $474 million, mainly driven by the success of the T20 World Cup co-hosted in the West Indies and the USA.
Total annual income in 2023 stood at roughly $596 million—nearly triple that of 2022, when income was $208.4 million. The ICC has firmly established its place as a global sporting federation with significant commercial clout.
Main Sources of Income
1. Event Revenues
Major ICC tournaments—Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy—are the cornerstone of its income. The 2023 World Cup alone generated $719 million. Between 2007 and 2015, global event revenue exceeded $1.6 billion.
2. Media and Broadcasting Rights
Media rights are the ICC’s biggest revenue stream. Disney Star (formerly Star India) paid $3 billion for Indian rights (2024–2027). Other rights agreements exist with Sky Sports (UK), SuperSport (Africa), Willow TV (USA/Canada), and Prime Video (Australia). India contributes around 75–80% of the overall media rights revenue.
3. Sponsorships and Advertising
ICC’s sponsorship ecosystem includes global, official, and category-level partners. Major sponsors in 2023 included Mastercard, IndusInd Bank, Booking.com, Emirates, Aramco, MRF Tyres, Coca-Cola, Bira91, FanCraze, and others. Sponsorship revenue in 2023 was estimated at $120–150 million.
4. Merchandise, Ticket Sales & Digital Content
While not primary income lines, ICC benefits from merchandise sales, ticketing, and digital platforms—such as streaming content, highlights, and fan engagement channels.
Brands Associated with ICC
The ICC collaborates with a strong portfolio of brands:
- Broadcasters: Disney Star, Sky Sports, SuperSport, Willow TV, Prime Video.
- Sponsors: Mastercard, IndusInd Bank, Emirates, Aramco, Booking.com, MRF Tyres, Coca‑Cola, Bira91, FanCraze, Royal Stag, etc.
- Partners: Strategic collaborations include partnerships like Sobha Realty (men’s events global partner), and digital collaborations with Willow TV and Cricbuzz via “Willow by Cricbuzz”.
Headquarters and Offices
Initially headquartered at Lord’s in London, the ICC moved its headquarters to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2005 and has operated from there ever since.
Past and Current Members
- 12 Full Members (Test-playing nations) including India, Australia, England, etc.
- 98 Associate Members (emerging cricket nations)
FAQ
How ICC Makes Money?
The ICC’s revenue stems from:
1. Organizing global cricket tournaments.
2. Selling media and broadcast rights.
3. Securing sponsorships.
4. Earning from merchandise, ticket sales, and digital platforms.
5. Occasionally, investment returns and interest income
What Is Their Net Worth in 2025?
Estimated net worth ranges between US $3 billion and US $4 billion.
