Cricket Australia Revenue: India series drive record Cricket Australia revenue, two-day Ashes Tests burn A$20m hole in finances | Cricket News
Cricket Australia’s (CA) record revenue of A$601.1 million ($423 million) in the 2025-26 financial year was driven by media rights deals for the Ashes and the limited-overs series against India. The governing body also reported a net surplus of A$81.8 million ($57 million), but two Ashes Tests that ended inside two days last summer cost it an estimated A$20 million in revenue.The financial impact comes as CA prepares for two consecutive years of projected losses, with deficits expected in 2026-27 and 2027-28.On Wednesday, Cricket Australia said its financial results for 2025-26 reflected strong commercial performance, record audiences and the success of the international season. In the previous financial year, 2024-25, it had recorded a net loss of A$11.3 million ($7.95 million).CA said the men’s home Ashes series against England and the white-ball series against India generated record media, commercial and match-day revenue. However, it expects revenue to fall over the next two financial years due to a “cyclical decline in media rights and match revenues in line with the international touring schedule.”The financial outlook does not include the anticipated sale of stakes in some Big Bash League (BBL) franchises.Australia’s teams also enjoyed success on the field during the year. The men’s side retained the Ashes with a 4-1 series win at home, while the women’s team won its seventh ICC T20 World Cup title after beating England in the final at Lord’s.During October and November last year, Australia won the ODI series against India 2-1, while India claimed the T20I series by the same margin.The Ashes also drew record crowds, with 859,580 spectators attending matches over 18 days, at an average of 47,754 per day.
Two-day Ashes Tests cost CA A$20 million
Despite the record financial results, the two Ashes Tests that ended inside two days dealt a significant blow to CA’s revenue. The initial estimate for the loss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test was A$10 million, but the final impact was higher. The Perth Test, which also failed to reach a third day, added to the shortfall.At Wednesday’s annual general meeting, outgoing CA chair Mike Baird joked about the need for future Test matches to last the full five days while addressing his successor, former Australia batter David Boon.“We’ve had a record Ashes crowd at the MCG, 94,000, only going two days there,” Baird said. “Let’s mark it down that five-day Tests are a good thing, Boonie.”The combined revenue hit from the two shortened Tests amounted to A$20 million, adding to the challenges facing CA as it prepares for two years of projected losses.
