Cricket Australia Faces $7 Million Loss Amid Record-Breaking India Tour

Cricket Australia (CA) reported a net deficit of A$11.3 million ($7.34 million) for the 2024-25 financial year, primarily due to increased expenses despite a rise in revenue generated from hosting the Border-Gavaskar series against India.

During its annual general meeting (AGM), CA revealed that the total revenue had risen by A$49.2 million from the previous year, reaching A$453.7 million. This increase was largely attributed to a new domestic media deal and income from the five-Test series against India.

The organization’s expenses, however, climbed by A$24.1 million, encompassing marketing costs associated with the India series and funding for an additional 70 days of national team touring.

Despite these financial changes, distributions to CA’s member states and territories showed minimal growth, with an increase of only A$800,000 to A$120.9 million compared to the previous year.

Cricket Victoria (CV), in particular, criticized CA for the recorded annual loss, expressing disappointment over the lack of financial improvement despite extensive and costly reviews. “For another year, CA is presenting a financial loss with a balance sheet showing member funds in deficit,” stated CV Chairman Ross Hepburn at the AGM. He further pointed out that CA has reported significant cumulative losses since FY2019, excluding COVID-related impacts and World Cup revenue.

On a more optimistic note, CA CEO Todd Greenberg mentioned that the forecast for 2025-26 looked promising, as Australia is set to host England for the five-Test Ashes series starting in Perth on November 21. CA expects a significant boost in commercial and sponsorship revenue, projecting an increase from A$69 million to A$86 million in the coming year.

According to CA CFO Sarah Pragnell, the Ashes and India white-ball content in FY26 are anticipated to generate substantial profit, which will help CA rebuild its net assets and cash reserves for the next cycle.

Additionally, CA is considering allowing private investment in teams in the Big Bash League, Australia’s domestic T20 tournament, as a strategy to unlock value and enhance competitiveness against international leagues like the Indian Premier League.

Securing member state approval for these initiatives could be one of CA’s biggest hurdles. As CV’s Hepburn suggested, “We believe that all other options need to be diligently canvassed before resorting to selling off member assets.”

[Published on Oct 30, 2025]