'Won't have that kind of revenue without India' - ECB CEO Richard Gould backs ICC's new finance model

Richard Gould, the CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has endorsed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) proposed financial model as he believes India makes a significant contribution to raising income and fueling the global expansion of cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to receive USD 230 million - 38.5 percent of ICC annual earnings of USD 600 million earnings - over the next four-year commercial cycle, according to the new proposed distribution model. Meanwhile, the ECB (USD 41.33 million or 6.89 percent) and Cricket Australia (USD 37.53 million or 6.25 percent) came in second and third, respectively.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are expected to get USD 34.51 million (5.75 percent), with the remaining eight full members sharing the remaining revenue. Out of the USD 600 million projected pool, the 12 full members will receive USD 532.84 million (88.81 percent), and the remaining, a mere USD 67.16 million (11.19 percent). going to associate members.

Notably, the proposals, which are due to be ratified by the ICC Board, have been criticised since they will increase the game's financial inequity. Gould, meanwhile backed ICC's new model, acknowledging India's contribution to the revenue generation. He stated that while margins may be tweaked, India's dominant position is due to their capacity to "drive revenues" and "drive the sport forward".

“When you see where that value is created, I think it’s understandable,” Gould said on the latest episode of The Final Word podcast. “There may be tweaks in the margins here or there, but the dominant position India is in is based on India’s ability to drive revenues and drive the sport forward. One point four billion people, one sport, ten (IPL) teams, one international team."

Without India we wouldn’t have the kind of revenues that are coming into the game: Gould

Gould acknowledged the disparity, but took a broad picture of the issue, mentioning how crucial India are since the ICC would not be making such revenues without India's presence. He also said that there is collective decision-making, both in India and inside the ICC, and that there is a genuine drive and understanding that cricket needs to be enlarged.

“I get it (the financial inequality). But I also understand how important India is, because without them we wouldn’t have the kind of revenues that are coming into the game,” he said. “And I do think India make huge efforts to be responsible partners in this when I see the amount they travel around the world, taking India everywhere. I do think it is a balance.

“I think there is collective decision-making, both in India and within the ICC, and I think there is a real determination and understanding we need (for) cricket to be expanding and we need it to be healthy around the world.”