The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under fire for its $55 million annual development fund, which insiders claim is poorly monitored and easily exploited. This situation was highlighted during the ICC's Annual Conference held in Edinburgh, where discussions about financial allocations took center stage on February 17, 2026.
Concerns Over Funding Distribution
According to a Play the Game investigation, over 88% of the ICC's budget is distributed to its 12 Full Members, including India, Australia, and England, based on their commercial value. Notably, India receives nearly 40% of the ICC's annual earnings due to its vast broadcasting market.
The remaining 11.2% is allocated to the ICC's 98 Associate Members through two funding streams: competition grants and Scorecard grants. The Scorecard grants, intended to promote grassroots cricket, depend on self-reported statistics, which have raised concerns about transparency and potential manipulation.
Scorecard Grant System and Its Implications
Documents obtained by Play the Game reveal that the total funding for Associate Members in the 2026-27 cycle is USD 54.9 million, with Scorecard grants comprising more than half of this amount. For instance, top-tier countries like the United Arab Emirates and Scotland will each receive $1.02 million in Scorecard funding, while lower-ranked nations like Iran and Saint Helena will only get $26,000.
- Top-tier funding: $1.02 million for UAE and Scotland
- Lowest tier: $26,000 for Iran and Saint Helena
- Funding disparity: 26 lowest-ranked members receive less than 20% of top funding
This funding structure creates significant disparities, where a single ranking position can dramatically alter a country's funding. For example, the Philippines improved its position from 57th to 47th, resulting in a funding increase from $65,000 to $237,000.
