The India-Pakistan match at the ICC event generates a staggering “USD 250 million (over Rs 2,200 crore)” in revenue, according to some estimates, and the absence of the cash cow tournament from the upcoming T20 World Cup is sure to cause big losses for all involved.
The rivalry between the arch-rivals, who play only in multi-team competitions due to strained relations between the two countries, is so strong that the ICC puts them in the same group at all world events.
on sunday The Pakistani government has announced a boycott of its marquee boycott team in Colombo on February 15.
If Pakistan remains adamant, it would risk losing millions in revenue and non-participation would cause significant financial damage to the ICC coffers and Indian media rights holder JioStar, which is already trying to renegotiate a $3 billion deal with the world body.
The host broadcasters could suffer ad revenue losses in the range of Rs 200-250 crore for the marquee game, a 10-second commercial slot of which can cost up to Rs 40 crore.
While a switch would give India full points, the ICC retains the power to impose financial sanctions on the PCB.
Former ICC and PCB head of communications, Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, summed up the amount of money that went into just one game.
“In terms of penalties or losses, as I said, one match costs USD 250 million (everything was equal to not just loss of broadcast). Pakistan’s annual revenue is USD 35.5 million, so there is a big, big difference,” he told PTI.
The Sydney Morning Herald cited industry sources with knowledge of confidential cost negotiations for the billion-plus game.
Each match between India and Pakistan is estimated to be worth around USD 250 million.
Pakistan leaves for Sri Lanka to play in other matches
Tone and tenor Statement by the ICC following the announcement by the Government of Pakistan he also emphasized the undeniable value of the competition.
“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the basic premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms according to the schedule of the event,” the ICC said.
“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”
Amid the drama, Pakistan left for Colombo to play their next games on display from February 7.
With the ICC, PCB and BCCI agreeing to a hybrid model for India-Pakistan games till 2027, the Pakistan board would find it hard to justify a selective withdrawal.
It all started with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman being removed from the IPL on BCCI’s instructions, leading to the national team’s withdrawal from the ICC event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 2, 2026
