Champion trophy

As of last year, under the ICC’s revamped revenue-distribution model, the BCCI now takes home nearly 40% of the governing body’s net surplus earnings, amounting to roughly $230m annually. But that’s still less than all the other boards, including 96 associate nations, added together. And even though England’s share of 6.89% is a long way back in second place, if cricket were to act as a democracy rather than the plutocracy that it is, real change could be possible. India could be told to play fair or play on their own. Who knows, maybe they’d even reconsider the way funds are distributed to those in need rather than doling out crumbs only when they visit foreign lands.

Admittedly this is a pipe dream. And why should India give up what they’ve created? For most of cricket’s history they lived under English and Australian influence. Now they’re calling the shots. Market forces are in their favour. They win tournaments without Jasprit Bumrah. Their batters are artists. Their spinners are warlocks. We should be in love with them. It’s a pity we’re not.