Pakistan-India T20 Match Cancellation Could Cost Broadcasters $500 Million
Islamabad : Pakistan will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup but will boycott its scheduled match against India on 15 February as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, sources confirmed. The decision has raised concerns over significant financial losses for Indian broadcasters and the ICC.
The Pakistan-India cricket match is widely regarded as the world’s biggest sporting fixture, with reports suggesting that its cancellation could cost Indian broadcasters approximately $500 million (PKR 141 billion). Gate revenue losses could also result in millions of dollars in damages for the ICC. Analysts estimate that nearly half of the T20 World Cup’s total revenue comes from the Pakistan-India clash.
Despite skipping the match against India, Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the next round remain strong. Pakistan typically receives a $35 million annual share from the ICC, but the boycott could also trigger legal challenges from the ICC against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Government sources stated that the boycott is primarily in response to the ICC’s perceived bias regarding Bangladesh. ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s decisions have been described as favoring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), according to officials.
The controversy stems from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw its team from the World Cup over security concerns during the tournament, which is being held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February. The ICC did not accept Bangladesh’s stance and replaced the team with Scotland. Pakistan strongly opposed this India-favoring decision, citing fairness and solidarity with Bangladesh.
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