The Business of Cricket by cricexec

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.

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 CRICEXECCricket’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.comSubscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexecSubscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/

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 CRICEXECCricket’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.comSubscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexecSubscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/

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 sponsorsWe 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 CRICEXECCricket’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.comSubscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexecSubscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/

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 CRICEXECCricket’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.comSubscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexecSubscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/

"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 DarrowMany 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 cricketAnd much moreABOUT CRICEXECCricket’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.comSubscribe to us on YouTube to get more great content!Follow us on all other social platforms: @cricexecSubscribe to our free "daily briefing" newsletter, delivered every weekday and read by top executives throughout the industry: https://www.cricexec.com/subscribe/

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.