The rivalry between the two neighbors is so commercially strong that the ICC routinely places them in the same group in global tournaments. (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: The India-Pakistan clash at the ICC tournament is estimated to generate a staggering revenue of “USD 250 million (over Rs 2,200 crore)” and the absence of the sensational fixture in the upcoming T20 World Cup is expected to lead to massive financial losses for all parties involved.The rivalry between the two neighbours, who only meet at multi-nation events due to strained bilateral relations, is so commercially strong that the ICC routinely places them in the same group at global tournaments.
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On Sunday, the Pakistani government officially announced its decision to boycott the highly anticipated match in Colombo scheduled for February 15.If Pakistan sticks to its stance, it risks losing millions in revenue, while the overreach would also cause significant financial damage to the International Criminal Court and India’s media rights holder JioStar, which is already trying to renegotiate a $3 billion deal with the world body.The host broadcaster is likely to incur advertising losses estimated at between Rs 200 and 250 crore, given that a 10-second commercial slot during a marquee encounter can fetch up to Rs 40 crore.Although India would get full points if overrun, the ICC still has the power to impose financial sanctions on the PCB.
- Estimated Value of One ICC India vs Pakistan Match:
USD 250 million (Rs 2200 million and above)
- The operator’s advertising income at risk:
Around Rs 200-250 crore
- Price of one 10-second ad block during the match:
Up to Rs.40 crores
- The Media Rights Agreement in India is currently being renegotiated:
$3 billion (JioStar–ICC)
- Possible ICC financial sanctions on PCB:
The amount is not disclosed but is allowed under ICC regulations
- Annual Income of Pakistan Cricket Board:
35.5 million USD
- India-Pakistan One Game Value vs Annual PCB Revenue:
$250 million versus $35.5 millionAlmost seven times the annual income of Pakistan
- Awards by audience size:
1+ billion viewers worldwideIndia gets full pointsThe ICC, broadcaster, sponsors and PCB are facing a big financial impactOne abandoned match between India and Pakistan = lost hundreds of millions of crowns between ICC, broadcasters and sponsors plus damage to the reputation of the tournament.Former ICC and PCB communications chief Sami-ul-Hasan Burney highlighted the scale of money involved in one India-Pakistan 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, citing industry sources familiar with the negotiations, said that each India-Pakistan contest is worth around US$250 million, thanks to an audience of more than a billion viewers.The ICC’s reaction to Pakistan’s announcement also reflected the incomparable importance of the match.“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.”Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan left for Colombo to play their remaining matches in the tournament, which begins on February 7.With the ICC, PCB and BCCI agreeing to a hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches until 2027, it may be difficult for the Pakistan board to justify a selective withdrawal.The chain of events started with the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL on the instructions of the BCCI, which eventually led to Bangladesh pulling out of the ICC event, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
