Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
ECB forecasts losses of up to £50m in 2027 despite hosting the Ashes
The England and Wales Cricket Board expects losses of up to £50m in 2027, even though England will host Australia for the Ashes.
The ECB says the projected deficit reflects the cycle of its media income and a decision by cricket’s governing body, the ICC, to withhold some payments due to members.
England will not host India in 2027, unlike in 2025, when a five-Test series helped the ECB make a £12.6m profit.
The ICC is holding back some broadcast money because it expects the value of its next Indian TV deal to fall.
The shortfall matters to county clubs, as most rely on ECB funding and 10 of the 18 first-class counties recorded losses in their latest accounts.
The ECB hopes the eventual loss could be closer to £35m, but the amount withheld by the ICC is not yet confirmed.
The ECB is working with the ICC and seeking extra revenue to reduce the deficit before its 2027 financial year ends on 31 January 2028.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is forecasting losses of up to £50m in 2027, despite hosting the Ashes.
The projected shortfall reflects the absence of a home series against India and a reduction in broadcast payments from the International Cricket Council.
ECB sources said the eventual loss could be around £35m, depending on the amount withheld and whether the board secures extra revenue.
The forecast has raised concern among county executives, many of whose clubs rely on ECB funding.
The ECB made a £12.6m profit in 2025, supported by England’s home Test series against India.
- Who
- The England and Wales Cricket Board.
- What
- It forecasts losses of up to £50m in 2027, despite hosting the Ashes.
- When
- The forecast is for 2027. The ECB’s accounting period runs until 31 January 2028.
- Where
- England and Wales.
- Why
- The shortfall is linked to the absence of a home series against India and the ICC withholding some broadcast payments due to members.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ECB published its 2025 accounts, warning of a significant loss in 2027 because it would not host India.
The ECB recorded a profit of £12.6m, supported by England’s five-Test series against India.
County executives were told the ECB’s projected 2027 deficit could reach £50m.
The ECB expects a shortfall while hosting Australia for the Ashes and receiving reduced ICC broadcast payments.
- Projected maximum loss
- £50m in 2027
- Possible reduced loss
- Around £35m, according to ECB sources
- 2025 profit
- £12.6m
- County reliance
- Ten of 18 first-class counties reported losses in their latest published accounts
- Accounting period
- Runs until 31 January 2028
3 sources
What people are saying
significant loss