England cannot survive financially without India matches, admits ECB: Report

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly projected a “significant loss” for the 2027 financial year despite hosting arch-rivals Australia for the Ashes series next season.

According to the ECB’s latest financial disclosure as reported by The Times, the board earned major profits during the year ending January 31, 2026, mainly because of India’s tour of England and the huge broadcast revenues linked to matches involving the Indian team.

The ECB reported a profit of £12.6 million (around Rs 163 crore) on ordinary activities and a turnover increase of £89.4 million (around Rs 1,160 crore) compared to the previous year. The board clearly stated that these gains were “largely attributed” to increased broadcast and ticketing revenues from hosting India Test series in 2025.

ECB admits India series is big revenue machine

The financial report also revealed that the ECB earned £522.3 million (around Rs 6,773 crore) from the sale of eight franchises in The Hundred, most of which were bought by IPL teams. The board’s cash reserves also reportedly increased by £72.8 million (around Rs 944 crore).

However, despite these strong numbers, the ECB warned that it expects losses in 2027 because England will not host India that season.

“Attention should be drawn to the fact that the ECB’s revenues are inherently cyclical, reflecting the scheduling of high-value broadcast series by opposition, and while this profile is advantageous in the current year and in 2026, it is expected to result in a significant loss position in the 2027 season when the England men’s team does not host a series against India,” the report stated.

England will play a three-match Test series against New Zealand starting on June 4. England will then host India for a white-ball series before the start of The Hundred. Later in the season, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also scheduled to tour England.

Meanwhile, England women are preparing to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Ahead of the tournament, they will play T20I series against both New Zealand and India. After the World Cup, India Women will also face England Women in a Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

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