Is cricket a sport or business?

Tuesday, 11 February 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ICC’s decision to concentrate a much higher level of ‘power’ and ‘profits’ in the hands of three countries has drawn much criticism – most of this on the basis that it is unfair and detrimental. This holds true – if cricket is like any other global sport, but it is not. Funding modern professional cricket requires strong revenue streams – which come from broadcasting and sponsorships and that in turn require a profitable/sizeable cricket consuming public. This is where India, England and Australia hold the ‘power,’ almost like an oligopoly. The only way other countries can gain ‘power’ (away from this oligopoly) is to build a strong and profitable business proposition. That requires a business approach, not just batting! Howzat?