Ever wondered how much money it takes to organize a test match? It’s not just about bats, balls, and broadcasting. From stadium rent and player accommodation to security and ticketing — organizing a single 5-day test match can cost anywhere from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore depending on the location and scale. In this post, we’ll break down every cost that goes into hosting a professional test match in India and globally.
How Much Does a Test Match Cost? Full Breakdown with India vs England 2025 Example
One of the most commonly asked questions in cricket economics is: how much does a Test match cost? This guide provides a full breakdown using the India vs England 2025 series as a reference. Whether hosted in the UK or India, Test matches involve massive logistics and finance.
🏟️ Hosting in the UK: India vs England 2025 (Hosted by ECB)
The 2025 series is being held in England, meaning all major costs are borne by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). So, how much does a Test match cost in the UK? Here’s a breakdown:
| Cost Category | Estimated Cost (GBP £) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Stadium Rent & Staff | £300,000 | ₹3.2 Cr |
| Security & Police | £150,000 | ₹1.6 Cr |
| Broadcasting Setup | £400,000 | ₹4.3 Cr |
| Match Officials & Crew | £100,000 | ₹1.1 Cr |
| Hospitality & VIPs | £200,000 | ₹2.1 Cr |
| Misc. (Permits, Insurance) | £100,000 | ₹1.1 Cr |
| Total per Test | £1.2M – £1.4M | ₹13–15 Cr |
💸 Who Pays What?
- ECB pays for all on-ground costs as the host.
- BCCI does not pay for hosting but earns via Indian broadcasting rights and sponsorship exposure.
📈 Revenue for ECB
- Ticket sales: 30,000+ seats per day, priced £50–150
- Broadcasting deals: Sky Sports (UK), JioCinema (India)
- Sponsors: NatWest, LV Insurance, Vitality
- Merchandise & hospitality suites
🇮🇳 India as Host: Comparison View
If the match were hosted in India, how much does a Test match cost then? Here’s how Indian-hosted Test matches compare in terms of expenses:
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| Stadium Rent & Maintenance | 2.5 |
| Security & Police Deployment | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| Ground Staff (Curators, Pitch) | 0.5 |
| Hospitality & Catering | 1.0 |
| Broadcasting Setup & Crew | 3.0 |
| Marketing & Ticketing | 1.0 |
| Miscellaneous (Permits, Insurance) | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| Total | ₹10 – ₹12.5 Crore |
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered how much does a Test match cost, now you know it varies from ₹10 crore in India to ₹15 crore in the UK. The India vs England 2025 series is a real-time example that shows how Test cricket remains both expensive and profitable depending on who’s hosting.
Also checkout https://sportsnmoney.com/india-vs-england-test-series-2025-full-schedule-squads-match-venues-start-dates/
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