New ICC draft: West Indies expect a 100% rise in revenue

Dubai: The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is expecting at least 100 per cent increase in its revenue over the next eight years if the proposed system of ICC revenue sharing is voted in.

On the first day of its two-day meeting in Dubai, the ICC executive board had yesterday proposed some "key principles" regarding a change in its structure and governance, which were unanimously supported by the ICC members. The WICB felt many of the key principles could be beneficial to them and accordingly issued a release in support of the new draft principles. "After extensive discussions and careful consideration the West Indies Cricket Board joined with all other Full Members of the ICC in providing support for key principles relating to the future structure, governance and financial models of the ICC," the release said. "Based on new proposed system of ICC revenue sharing for the upcoming eight-year cycle (2015-2023), WICB projects to receive at least 100 per cent increase on the previous eight-year cycle (2006-2014)," the release said. On the FTP issue, the WICB said that it will be "an opportunity, through bilateral agreements, to increase the number of matches and series (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) played annually by the West Indies men`s team against higher ranked opposition and against teams, which are profitable to the WICB. These will include matches and series both in the West Indies and overseas". WICB also said that "through initial discussions, the BCCI, ECB and CA have all committed to increased tours to the West Indies over the next eight-year cycle (2015-2023). This is in addition to the India, England and Australia tours which are currently on the existing FTP". The WICB also said that the newly proposed annual Test Match Fund, which will benefit full members apart from India, England and Australia, will "allow the WICB a financial buffer in the hosting of Test cricket against unprofitable teams".