The Board of Control for Cricket in India often holds the limelight for being the richest cricket governing body in the world. Indian cricket viewership, billion-dollar sponsorships, and blockbuster leagues like the IPL have created financial supremacy for the BCCI. But any cricket board might not have that choice. Some cricket boards are cash-strapped despite being prominent cricketing nations in their own right.
So, let us look at those five poorest cricket boards in the world that exist as of 2025, and understand the nature of their problems.
1. New Zealand Cricket (NZC)
While the New Zealand team enjoys worldwide respect for its consistency and sportsmanship, the board’s financial condition tells a different story. In 2025, NZC was only able to generate US$9 million, a stagnant figure when compared with the likes of India or England.
The Struggle: Their domestic T20 league, the Super Smash, attracts few international stars, and in turn is unable to maintain huge broadcasting and sponsorship revenue.
Other Problems: The smaller stadiums with fewer fans meant there were fewer ticket sales and less money generated. While New Zealand has produced perhaps the best cricketers, like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult of this era, money does not float this way as it does in the larger cricket markets.
2. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)
Once, the West Indies cricket team dominated world cricket, but a fiscal crisis stands ominously before the board today. It is said that the maximum they managed to earn in 2024–25 was only something around $15 million, a paltry sum for a board that once enjoyed such splendid glory.
Reasons for Decline: Poor on-field performances have reduced fan interest, in effect affecting sponsorships and attendance.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is highly exciting, but its financial muscle pales in comparison to that of the IPL or PSL.
Very few global brands are investing in Caribbean cricket these days, and with these dwindling investments, the board continues to have a dry spell, even having had legendary talents in times past.
3. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
Afghanistan, with the likes of Rashid Khan in the fold, is now highly popular with the fans, but financially, the board is among the weakest. It earned less than $17 million during 2025, with the majority of it coming from the ICC.
Issues of Concern: Security issues do not allow Afghanistan to conduct matches at home, and having to conduct matches in the UAE drastically cuts ticket sales and local sponsorships.
The lack of a strong domestic T20 league also hurts their ability to generate extra income. Despite their progress on the field, financial stability remains a distant dream.
4. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
Sri Lanka, a former World Cup-winning nation, is now facing one of its toughest financial phases. In 2025, their earnings were only around $20 million.
Where Things Went Wrong: Mismanagement, corruption allegations, and poor team performance have reduced sponsor interest.
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) hasn’t been able to make major profits.
The low attendance at the stadium and poor marketing strategies further curtail their financial growth. Unless that is changed on and off the field, it looks like a very uncertain future for Sri Lankan cricket.
5. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)
Zimbabwe’s cricket struggles are no stranger matter. Though it claims to have made $38 million in revenue, political instability alongside economic challenges has rendered the board in a very fragile situation.
Why the Trouble?
After so many years, ZC really is trying to come back, but a lack of trust from sponsors, weak domestic infrastructure, and years of mismanagement have literally made it an uphill task.
To put it in simpler terms, player disputes and lack of international exposure as factors support the underdevelopment of their cricketing ecosystem.
