Kishore Shallow backs review of ICC revenue-sharing model to help smaller boards

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados. Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow has called for a review of the International Cricket Council's revenue-sharing and broadcasting models to better support smaller cricketing nations, while insisting that CWI is satisfied with its current arrangements.

His comments come amid debate over the fairness of the ICC's financial structure, following criticism from CWI chief executive Chris Dehring and former president Dave Cameron.

Shallow suggested Dehring's remarks may have been misunderstood and stressed that CWI has a positive relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"I suspect it was sort of taken out of context what the CEO (Chris Dehring) said," he said. "We are obviously very appreciative of our partnership with India and BCCI in particular. And, in fact, this tour has been a very successful one for us both on and off the field."

Smaller members

"I think the point that Chris was making, or he tried to make, was by and large an amendment to the commercial model would help smaller members, the likes of Cricket West Indies, New Zealand, and so on," Shallow said. "It's something that I'm sure is topical at the board level of the ICC."

Under the current system, host boards keep broadcasting revenue from bilateral series. CWI earns no share of India's broadcast rights when touring there, but Shallow said it benefits from sponsorship and other commercial opportunities linked to India's large market.

"When we host India, this is one of the series that we generate significant revenue from," he said.

A dispute dating to 1997

The debate dates back to 1997, when the ICC introduced a system allowing host boards to keep most broadcasting and ticketing income. The West Indies were reportedly the only nation to oppose the change.

Under the ICC's 2024 to 2027 financial model, India receives about 38.5 per cent of annual revenue, compared with 4.58 per cent for CWI.

Shallow said the issue extends beyond India, as the West Indies prepare to tour Bangladesh for two Tests. "This is why I don't want it to be uniquely about India," he said.

He praised India for touring widely and welcomed its planned return to the Caribbean in 2027 as another commercial opportunity.