The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has forecast a 'significant loss' for the 2027 financial year despite hosting the highly anticipated Ashes series next year.
The ECB's financial reports state that the majority of the board's profits are due to tours by India. Specifically, broadcast deals to telecast these matches in India.
Last year, India played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in a five-match Test series against England in England. Later this year, India is once again scheduled to visit England, but for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs.
ECB reports profits in 2026
In their 2026 financial disclosure, the ECB reported significant profits for the year ended January 31, 2026.
The accounts reported a £12.6 million (approx. Rs. 163.41 crore) profit on ordinary activities and an improved year-on-year turnover of £89.4 million (approx. 1,160 crores). These figures are largely attributed to the lucrative overseas broadcast deals accompanying India's visits.
The same disclosure reported a profit of £522.3 million (approx. Rs. 6,773 crores) from the sale of the eight The Hundred franchises, alongside an increase in cash reserves by £72.8 million (approx. Rs. 944 crores).
ECB expects losses in 2027
In the same financial disclosure, the board suggested that the lack of a home series against India next year would ultimately result in losses.
This statement has serious implications since it essentially means that even England is now in a growing list of cricket boards that do not turn over a profit unless India is visiting them.
The ECB financial report explicitly stated: "Turnover in the year ended 31 January 2026 amounted to £408.9m (approx. 5,304 crores), an increase of £89.4m compared to the prior year. This is largely attributed to increased broadcast and ticketing revenues due to hosting an India men’s Test series in 2025."
“Attention should be drawn to the fact that the ECB’s revenues are inherently cyclical, reflecting the scheduling of high-value broadcast series by opposition, and while this profile is advantageous in the current year and in 2026, it is expected to result in a significant loss position in the 2027 season when the England men’s team does not host a series against India."
England's upcoming schedule
The ECB argubaly have their hands full with the national team's upcoming schedule, for both men and women.
England recently appointed former Australian batter Marcus North as their men's selector. His first assignment will be a three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on June 4.
India's limited-overs tour will follow the Test series and will be followed by The Hundred for both men and women. England will then host a three-match Test series against Pakistan. The home summer will eventually end with a limited-overs tour by Sri Lanka.
England's women arguably have bigger things to look forward to. The Women's T20 World Cup will be played in June and will be hosted by England. In preparation for that event, they will play a three-match T20I series against both New Zealand and India.
After the World Cup, India will play England in a Women's Test at the iconic Lord's cricket ground. England Women's home summer will end with a three-match ODI against Ireland.
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