ECB forecasting losses of up to £50m in 2027 despite visit of Australia for the Ashes

• Concern among counties due to reliance on ECB funding

• Optimism that eventual figure could be reduced to £35m

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is forecasting losses of tens of millions of pounds next year despite hosting the Ashes, with county executives told last week that the deficit could be as large as £50m.

The anticipated shortfall, after posting a profit of £12.6m in 2025, is due to a combination of the cyclical nature of the governing body’s media revenues, which is largely determined by domestic opposition, and a recent decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withhold a portion of the broadcast payments owed to members that it had been due to distribute in 2027.