Beyond Boundaries: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Intellectual Property Rights and Revenue Distribution Challenges in Global Cricket Broadcasting

Abstract

International cricket broadcasting has become a new significant source of rich countries that possess high economic power. In these economically powerful countries, broadcast rights have preferably assumed a larger share of intellectual property rights and revenues, which have ended up to be only lessened to be distributed to other poor regions; hence, gradually concentrating resources for the few richer regions. The disequal revenue and IP distribution will not only deepen economic divides but also ensure that cricket fails to gain higher momentum and further development in up-and-coming cricketing nations. As the need for live sports continues to grow, incited by both traditional and digital platforms, the gap between cricket on a financial and developmental scale risks widening.This paper explores the distribution of intellectual property (IP) rights and revenue within the context of international cricket broadcasting agreements, with a particular focus on their impact on less affluent regions. It argues that economically powerful nations dominate these agreements, leading to a disproportionate distribution of revenue and IP rights, which in turn stunts the development of cricket in emerging regions. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, doctrinal analysis of the legal frameworks and treaties governing broadcasting rights with empirical case studies and economic data. Doctrinal analysis provides insights into the structure and implications of these agreements, while empirical data captures the tangible impact of unequal revenue distribution on infrastructure, talent development, and fan engagement across different regions. Key findings suggest that unequal revenue distribution exacerbates disparities in cricket infrastructure, talent development, and fan engagement between wealthier and poorer cricketing nations. The research highlights the role of international bodies like the ICC in addressing these imbalances and proposes policy reforms aimed at more equitable revenue-sharing models. Ultimately, this paper calls for a restructuring of broadcasting agreements to promote the global development of cricket and ensure its sustainability in the long term.

Introduction

1. Overview

Cricket’s global popularity has surged, driven largely by advancements in media and broadcasting. Broadcasting rights are the most valuable assets for cricket boards and media houses, forming the core of revenue generation. However, this ecosystem is dominated by wealthier cricket nations, which leads to unequal distribution of financial and developmental benefits. Less affluent nations struggle to gain exposure and resources, creating a cycle of inequality in global cricket.

2. Historical Development of Cricket Broadcasting

Radio Era (1920s–1930s)

• Cricket’s first mass media exposure came via radio, offering ball-by-ball commentary.

• Created strong emotional engagement and a broad fan base.

Television Era (1930s–1970s)

• First TV broadcast: 1938 Ashes Test in England.

• Early broadcasts had limited production quality, but this improved over time.

• Introduction of color TV in the 1970s enhanced viewer experience.

Broadcast Innovation – Kerry Packer's Revolution (1977–79)

• World Series Cricket introduced:

  • Night matches

  • Colored uniforms

  • Multiple camera angles

• Marked the start of cricket’s commercialization and increased player earnings.

3. Key Milestones in Broadcasting Agreements

• 1990s: Satellite broadcasting boomed; ESPN and Sky Sports entered cricket markets.

• 2000s: ICC sold global rights for major tournaments, raising revenue for smaller boards.

• 2008: IPL transformed cricket broadcasting. Its first media rights deal hit $1.02 billion.

• 2017–2022: Rise of digital streaming. Star India and Viacom18 bought IPL rights worth $6.2 billion. Separation of digital and TV rights became common.

• New players like Amazon Prime and Facebook entered the market, intensifying competition.

4. Economic Power Shifts in Cricket

India

• The financial powerhouse of world cricket.

• Massive population, passionate fanbase, and booming middle class fuel media dominance.

• IPL and satellite TV transformed India's broadcasting clout.

• Controls cricket's global calendar and player priorities due to financial leverage.

Australia

• Pioneer in media innovation (Kerry Packer era).

• BBL and broadcasting deals worth billions sustain strong influence.

• Known for advanced production and family-friendly league formats.

England

• Rich cricket heritage with a mix of free-to-air (BBC) and subscription (Sky Sports) models.

• Innovations like "The Hundred" attract new audiences.

These three nations dominate global broadcasting, scheduling, and revenue, sidelining smaller boards.

5. Impact of Inequality

• Richer nations benefit disproportionately from media revenue.

• Smaller cricketing nations struggle with exposure, funding, and infrastructure.

• Bilateral series (involving top teams) are more profitable than ICC tournaments, worsening disparity.

• Star players prefer high-paying leagues over national duties.

6. Legal Framework for Broadcasting IP

A. International Treaties

• Berne Convention (1886):

  • Protects broadcasts as artistic works.

  • Ensures copyright across member countries.

• Rome Convention (1961):

  • Grants broadcasters rights over rebroadcasting and reproductions.

  • Outdated for modern digital needs.

• TRIPS Agreement (1995):

  • Strengthens global IP enforcement.

  • Helps protect cricket broadcasts legally across WTO nations.

• WIPO Copyright Treaty (1996):

  • Addresses digital piracy and grants rights over streaming.

  • Critical for protecting online cricket content.

These treaties shape the legal protections of cricket broadcasts, particularly important in the digital age where piracy and rights fragmentation are major concerns.

7. Policy Implications and Recommendations

• Global reform is needed to balance revenue sharing and media access.

• The ICC must play a stronger role in ensuring equitable broadcasting frameworks.

• Future policies should promote inclusive growth, allowing emerging cricket nations to thrive through better exposure and funding.

Conclusion

Global cricket broadcasting stands at a transformative crossroads where technological advancements, changes in media consumption, and patterns of fan engagement are reshaping the landscape. Streaming platforms like Hotstar and Amazon Prime, as well as other OTT services at present challenge traditional TV broadcasters with mobile-first viewers demanding improved viewing experiences. With real-time statistics, multiple-angle replays, and all that augmented reality has to offer, these platforms have ensured that this cricketing spectacle reaches a new global audience-a vast footprint in emerging markets, especially in the USA, Europe, and China. However, there should be a balanced growth, and broadcasting revenues should be collected in a more inclusive manner. It is skewed at the present time towards the wealthier cricketing boards and needs to be reversed through the revenue-sharing model that allows the smaller cricketing nations. Technological innovations give the chance to the small cricketing nation to promote their game and generate further revenues. Sustainability practice and growth in women\'s cricket promotion are ways and means by which cricket will be secured as a game for all, globally. That comes through embracing these trends and maintaining broadcasting commercially viable but accessible in a manner that cricket begins to grow into a truly global phenomenon, delivering these new audiences and its rich traditions in the proper way.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Srijan Kar, Dr. Mitali Srivastava. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.