Beyond Boundaries: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Intellectual Property Rights and Revenue Distribution Challenges in Global Cricket Broadcasting

Abstract

International cricket broadcasting has become a new significant source of rich countries that possess high economic power. In these economically powerful countries, broadcast rights have preferably assumed a larger share of intellectual property rights and revenues, which have ended up to be only lessened to be distributed to other poor regions; hence, gradually concentrating resources for the few richer regions. The unequal revenue and IP distribution will not only deepen economic divides but also ensure that cricket fails to gain higher momentum and further development in up-and-coming cricketing nations. As the need for live sports continues to grow, incited by both traditional and digital platforms, the gap between cricket on a financial and developmental scale risks widening. This paper explores the distribution of intellectual property (IP) rights and revenue within the context of international cricket broadcasting agreements, with a particular focus on their impact on less affluent regions. It argues that economically powerful nations dominate these agreements, leading to a disproportionate distribution of revenue and IP rights, which in turn stunts the development of cricket in emerging regions. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, doctrinal analysis of the legal frameworks and treaties governing broadcasting rights with empirical case studies and economic data. Doctrinal analysis provides insights into the structure and implications of these agreements, while empirical data captures the tangible impact of unequal revenue distribution on infrastructure, talent development, and fan engagement across different regions. Key findings suggest that unequal revenue distribution exacerbates disparities in cricket infrastructure, talent development, and fan engagement between wealthier and poorer cricketing nations. The research highlights the role of international bodies like the ICC in addressing these imbalances and proposes policy reforms aimed at more equitable revenue-sharing models. Ultimately, this paper calls for a restructuring of broadcasting agreements to promote the global development of cricket and ensure its sustainability in the long term.