India series record Australia cricket revenue, Ashes two-day Tests burn A$20 million hole in finances

Rohit Sharma (left) and Virat Kohli return to the pavilion after winning the third match of the ODI series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia. (PTI File Photo) Cricket Australia’s (CA) record revenue of A$601.1 million ($423 million) in the 2025–26 financial year was driven by media rights deals for the Ashes and the limited-overs series against India. The governing body also posted a net surplus of A$81.8 million ($57 million), but the two Ashes Tests that ended over two days last summer cost it an estimated A$20 million in revenue.The financial impact comes as CA braces for two consecutive years of projected losses, with deficits expected in 2026-27 and 2027-28.On Wednesday, Cricket Australia said its financial results for 2025-26 reflected strong commercial performance, record viewing figures and the success of the international season. It posted a net loss of A$11.3 million ($7.95 million) in the previous financial year 2024-25.CA said the men’s home Ashes series against England and the white-ball series against India generated record media, advertising and match-day revenues. However, it expects revenue to fall over the next two financial years due to a “cyclical decline in media rights and matching revenue in line with the international tour schedule”.The financial outlook does not include the anticipated sale of stakes in certain Big Bash League (BBL) franchises.Australian teams also celebrated success on the field during the year. The men’s side retained the Ashes with a 4-1 series win at home, while the women’s team won their seventh ICC T20 World Cup title after defeating England in the final at Lord’s.During October and November last year, Australia won the ODI series over India 2-1, while India won the T20I series by the same margin.The Ashes also attracted record crowds, with 859,580 attending matches over 18 days, an average of 47,754 per day.

Do you think the two-day Ashes Tests have a significant impact on Cricket Australia’s revenue?

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

More than 5,000 users have already voted today

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

Share an opinion

The two-day ash tests cost CA A$20 million

Despite record financial results, the two Ashes Tests that ended within two days dealt a significant blow to CA’s revenue. The initial estimate of the loss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test was A$10 million, but the final impact was higher. The Perth Test, which failed to reach even the third day, compounded this shortcoming.At Wednesday’s annual general meeting, outgoing CA chairman Mike Baird joked about the need for future Test matches to last a full five days and addressed his successor, former Australian batsman David Boon.“We had a record Ashes crowd at the MCG, 94,000, who were there for just two days,” Baird said. “For the record, five day tests are a good thing, Boonie.The combined hit from the two shortened Tests was A$20 million, adding to the challenges CA faces as it braces for two years of projected losses.