The Business of Cricket podcast features in-depth discussions with cricket's leading executives about pressing issues facing the sport.
We give you an insider's view into the people, deals and organizations that drive the cricket world.
Our guests include ICC and national governing board leaders, T20 franchise owners and executives, sponsors, broadcasters, agents, coaches, players and other people doing important and interesting things in cricket.
If you want to learn more about what drives the cricket world off the pitch, are interested in the business of sport, or are in the industry or hope to be, then this podcast is for you.
This podcast is brought to you by cricexec: the cricket industry's only trade publication.
Join us and check us out at: cricexec.com
Top cricket journalists on the next ODI cycle, the EPL, and more | Ep 14
The ETPL has launched, but can it survive without TV revenue? Two cricket journalists break down the commercial reality of the new franchise league.
Nathan Johns and Peter Della Penna join Zee Zaidi, cricexec Founder and Publisher, to explore the launch of the European T20 Premier League, questioning its financial viability without broadcast income or deep local engagement. The panel also unpacks the ECB's decision to veto the Euro Nations Cup and the ICC's structural changes to the ODI World Cup pathway, asking whether T20 is actually the right format to grow the game in associate markets.
Nathan Johns is a cricket journalist covering the Ireland and UK area. Peter Della Penna is a cricket journalist covering American and Associate circles.
The cricexec newsletter goes to senior executives across the cricket industry each week. Subscribe: [link]
Chapters
00:00 The ETPL launch and franchise economics
06:31 Local market engagement and the MLC comparison
21:11 The ECB's veto of the Euro Nations Cup
34:19 The ICC's changes to the ODI World Cup pathway
51:26 Format viability: Can T20 actually grow associate markets?
Topics covered — ETPL franchise economics — European cricket expansion — ECB regional strategy — Euro Nations Cup — ICC World Cup pathway — Associate cricket development
cricexec covers the business of cricket for the people who run it. Reporting, analysis and the annual Global Power 100.
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#cricket #ETPL #AssociateCricket
7 May 2026
Leadership in Cricket: R. Ashwin on Mindset, Mentorship & Meaning
In this episode of The Business of Cricket podcast by cricexec (episode 13), Ravichandran Ashwin sits down with cricexec’s Zee Zaidi for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond cricket.
Ashwin reflects on the role of failure in shaping success, sharing why setbacks — not achievements — have been the most important lessons of his career. He opens up about his early challenges, the influence of his father as a mentor, and how sport became a foundation for discipline, problem-solving, and personal growth.
The discussion explores themes that resonate equally in business and life — from sustained performance and passion-driven work to leadership, mentorship, and the importance of letting go. Ashwin also offers insight into his post-playing journey, including his role as an ambassador for the game, his approach to entrepreneurship, and why joy — not money — drives his decisions.
Blending personal stories with thoughtful perspective, this episode is a deep dive into mindset, resilience, and what it truly means to keep evolving — on and off the field.
Leadership in Cricket is the series of The Business of Cricket Podcast that talks to players and coaches the way you'd talk to any high-performance leader — because that's what they are. Each episode is an in-depth conversation with a current or recent international player, captain, or head coach, focused not on technique or tactics but on the leadership questions that sit underneath them: how to set culture in a dressing room, how to make decisions under enormous pressure, what failure has taught them, how they think about authority, accountability, and identity in a career measured in public. It's a sports leadership conversation built for an executive audience.
10 Jun 2025
CEO Johnathan Atkeison addresses the controversy surrounding USA Cricket’s constitutional overhaul | Ep 12
USA Cricket CEO Johnathan Atkeison discusses the constitutional overhaul and the rationale behind the amendments passed by USA Cricket's membership in an interview with cricexec.
27 Feb 2025
Andrew Breetzke - Bangladesh Cricket player non-payment scandal: World Cricketers' Association responds | Ep 11
In today's episode of Business of Cricket Podcast, Zee sits down with Andrew Breetzke, CEO of the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) and Board Member of the World Cricketers' Association, to discuss a major controversy in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) regarding late or missing player payments. Andrew highlights the broader risks threatening franchise leagues worldwide—corruption and financial instability—and explains how due diligence, player associations, and governance can help address these issues.
The conversation delves into the rapid rise of franchise leagues, the financial sustainability of the cricket economy, and the ICC’s role (or lack thereof) in regulating the global cricket calendar. With insights on the SA20’s success and the challenges facing smaller cricket boards, this is a must-watch discussion for anyone interested in the future of the game.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
1 Dec 2024
Shane Watson wants to change how everyone thinks | Australian Cricket Legend | Ep 10
Australian cricket legend Shane Watson shares his mental skills approach, which revolutionized his game and is now empowering top cricketers worldwide.
12 Nov 2024
Dilip Vengsarkar, Indian Cricket Legend, on being a great selector and more | Ep 9
Our special guest this episode is Dilip Vengsarkar – an Indian cricket legend in all aspects of the sport.
As a player, he was a central member of India’s fairy tale 1983 World Cup winning squad.
He was one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1987 and that year also became India’s captain.
After retiring he became an administrator and was BCCI’s Chairman of Selectors when India won the first T20 World Cup in 2007.
He also runs multiple academies where he’s constantly finding and training the stars of the future.
This titan of cricket sat down with us at the NCL tournament in Dallas, and shared his thoughts on what makes a good selector, his storied career, and so much more.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
31 Oct 2024
MLC’s San Francisco Unicorns Co-Owners, Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan | Ep 8
America’s Major League Cricket has exploded onto the global cricket scene.
And one of its most fascinating franchises is the San Francisco Unicorns.
Led by Head Coach Shane Watson and a star-studded squad including Pat Cummins, Haris Rauf and Finn Allen, they were the runners-up in the 2024 tournament.
They’ve also created a unique brand and culture.
On this episode we’re joined by the team’s co-owners, Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan – two incredibly successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, lifelong business partners, and cricket fans who decided to embark on a sports adventure.
They share insights with us on their approach to ownership including, giving Shane Watson his first ever coaching gig,
Their data driven approach to building the team,
The Unicorns’ unique name and branding,
And their special partnership with Cricket Victoria in Australia,
And so much more.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
29 Sept 2024
Unleashing Cricket’s Digital Potential | Finn Bradshaw, ICC’s Head of Digital | Ep 7
Finn Bradshaw, the ICC’s Head of Digital, has one of the most high impact jobs in all of cricket.
He oversees the ICC’s massive social channels, website and digital platforms, and reports directly to the ICC’s CEO. So he’s perfectly positioned to help grow the sport’s global audience and revenues.
And fortunately for the cricket world, Finn and his team are extremely passionate about what they do.
Watch our in-depth conversation with Finn that covers a variety of topics such as:
In this conversation, Finn discusses:
- the pivotal role of digital strategy in enhancing cricket's global reach and engagement.
- the ICC's digital initiatives, including social media strategies, content creation, and the importance - of connecting with diverse audiences, particularly in promoting women's cricket
- the evolution of cricket broadcasting
- the impact of the T20 World Cup
- growth of cricket in the US.
- the crucial role of sponsors
We also discuss Finn's career journey from Cricket Australia to the ICC.
The discussion highlights the importance of digital media and journalism in engaging audiences and the innovative approaches taken by various organizations in the cricketing world.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
5 Sept 2024
Rahul Srinivasan, CEO of Boundaries North | Most Exciting Company in Cricket | Ep 6 🏏🇨🇦
Boundaries North is one of the most innovative and exciting organizations in the cricket world today.
It’s a private company that formed a partnership with Cricket Canada in 2023 to monetize their full set of commercial rights – sponsorship, broadcast and merchandising.
In this week’s podcast we spoke to CEO Rahul Srinivasan: a former Canadian youth international cricketer who also worked in Canada’s professional rugby league solving similar problems.
Excited by the investment in cricket in the USA over the last few years, Srinivasan and his partners decided the same could be done for cricket in Canada.
Even though Boundaries North has only been active for 18 months, they’ve already put up some huge wins including major sponsorship deals for Cricket Canada with global brands such as Coke, TD, Nissan, and A&W.
But they’re doing a lot more than just monetizing rights – they’re helping drive infrastructure and grassroots development across Canada.
It’s an exciting conversation where Rahul talks about the specifics of Boundaries North’s business model, the details of its playbook, and their collective vision for the future of cricket.
For anyone who cares about Associate Cricket, or is interested in creative ways to grow the sport everywhere, this episode is a must watch.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
19 Aug 2024
Dario Barthley, CEO of MAX60 | Warner, Lynn, Perera play in the Caymans | Ep 5🏏🇰🇾
The MAX60 T10 tournament launched on Sunday, August 18 in the Cayman Islands featuring stars such as David Warner, Chris Lynn, and Thisara Perera. It’s the brainchild of Dario Barthley, cricket administrator and promoter in the West Indies, and CEO of BMP Sports, which owns MAX60.
Dario is best known throughout the cricketing world as the former Media Officer for the West Indies Men's Cricket Team. However, he also has extensive experience in running tournaments (Antigua’s long-running Cool & Smooth T20 tournament) and franchise teams (team manager in the CPL), which he leveraged into founding MAX60.
The MAX60 packs 25 games into eight days. Inaugural teams are T10 Abu Dhabi Champions New York Strikers, Caribbean Giants, Grand Cayman Stingrays, Boca Raton Trailblazers and Miami Lions.
Dario joined us on the Business of Cricket podcast to talk about the week-long MAX60 tournament, and the professional journey, unique to West Indies cricket, that got him there.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
11 Aug 2024
Tim Wigmore, Cricket Journalist and best-selling Author | Ep 4 🏏📚
Tim Wigmore, Deputy Cricket Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, is a highly celebrated English journalist and author.
He has co-authored several best-selling cricket books, including Cricket 2.0, which was Wisden’s book of the year in 2020.
Tim joined us on our podcast to talk about the state of cricket in general and English cricket in particular, how he hones his craft, and his process for writing books alone or with a collaborator.
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
30 Jul 2024
Tom Moffat, CEO of the WCA | Pro cricketers still face this in 2024? | Ep 3
"The Labor Movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men that ever existed.” – Clarence Darrow
Many cricketing nations have domestic professional players’ associations, such as the PCA in England and Wales, the ACA in Australia, the WIPA for West Indies cricketers.
The newly-rebranded World Cricketers’ Association (formerly FICA) was formed in 1998 to coordinate amongst these groups and also to represent all players in global forums on issues that cut across national boundaries.
But as is often the case whenever workers self-organize, throughout the history of cricket’s labor movement, players have faced resistance and opposition from powerful interests. This even continues today in cricketing countries without players’ associations.
On this episode, Tom Moffat, CEO of the WCA joins us for a fascinating chat about his organization, the varying climate for players in different parts of the world, and some of the key issues on concerning players’ associations today, including:
- The need for global scheduling windows
- Cricket’s multi-employer system
- Ownership consolidation in cricket (i.e. IPL teams)
- Women’s cricket
And much more
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
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22 Jul 2024
Mark Curtin, CEO of Lord’s Taverners | Making cricket “the most inclusive team sport” | podcast Ep 2
Lord’s Taverners is one of the most prominent cricket charities in the world.
Membership is by invitation only and the 5,000 members include prominent sports, entertainment and society figures such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Sir Alastair Cook, Sir Andrew Strauss, Greg James, Miles Jupp, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jonathan Agnew and Mike Gatting. King Charles served as President in 1975.
Yet there is much more to the Taverners than a list of famous members.
On our episode, we’re joined by Chief Executive Mark Curtin and we delve into the history and the incredible work of the Lord’s Taverners.
Mark shares his insights on the charity’s mission to use cricket as a tool to empower disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK.
We discuss:
The history and core values of the Lord’s Taverners
How the charity uses cricket to tackle social mobility and disability issues
The impact of the Lord’s Taverners on young people’s lives
Upcoming fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved
International affiliates and membership
This episode is a must-listen for cricket fans passionate about giving back or anyone interested in the power of cricket – and sport in general – to create social change
ABOUT CRICEXEC
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field -- the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
To read the latest industry news: https://www.cricexec.com
Subscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!
Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexec
Subscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/
13 Jul 2024
Mental health crisis in cricket? | Simon Cusden, former player & Wellbeing coach | BoC Podcast Ep 1
Cricket is a high pressure sport and environment. Fans don’t see it, but many cricketers experience anxiety, depression, stress and its side effects. Until recently, they mostly suffered in silence, but on a positive note, the culture has been changing.
On the first episode of our newly-launched business of cricket podcast, we wanted to focus on this critical issue. So our guest is Simon Cusden — a former England cricketer.
Cusden played for Kent County Cricket Club (2004-2006) and Derbyshire (2007), with a total of seven first-class and six List A matches. He represented England Under-19s in 2002-2003 and was the top wicket-taker against Bangladesh in 2004. Cusden, who battled addiction throughout his career, experienced a major mental health crisis after retiring, but got through it thanks to the cricket establishment.
With the backing of England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association (the PCA) as well as its charity for supporting former cricketers, the Professional Cricketers’ Trust (previously known as the PCA Benevolent Trust), Cusden went to rehab and recovered.
Now eight years sober, Simon is a coach who helps athletes as well as other professionals and executives functioning in high-pressure environments. He spoke to us about his own journey, as well as the evolving awareness about mental health issues in sports in general and cricket in particular.
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