Pakistan has refused to play against India in the T20 World Cup. A group stage match between the two was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The Pakistan government's last-minute decision, made just five days before the World Cup, has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. This is because Pakistan's boycott will inflict substantial economic losses on the ICC.
In ICC tournaments, an India-Pakistan encounter generates nearly 250 million dollars (over 2200 crore rupees) in revenue. Reports suggest this revenue could exceed 3000 crore. If this match does not occur, all stakeholders will face significant financial hardship.
Understanding the Financial Impact on Pakistan's Annual Earnings
The Pakistan Cricket Board's annual earnings range between 35 to 45 million dollars, equating to 300 to 400 crore rupees. This revenue includes ICC revenues, PSL earnings, series and ticket sales, as well as sponsorship income. However, the primary source of PCB's income is the ICC's revenue share, accounting for over 80% of its total earnings.
Now, Let's Uncover the Revenue from an India-Pakistan Match
Discussing an India-Pakistan ICC match, the earnings are over 2200 crore rupees. At times, this is estimated to be above 3000 crore. This clearly shows that the revenue generated by a single India-Pakistan match equals what Pakistan earns in seven years.
It's no secret that the match between India and Pakistan is the biggest revenue source for ICC. The global audience eagerly watches, bringing in enormous advertisement revenue. This is why ICC places both nations in the same group in multi-nation tournaments, despite the lack of bilateral series between them, to ensure they clash.
The Price for a 10-Second Ad Slot is 4 Million Rupees
If their match doesn't take place in the World Cup, the host broadcaster could lose 200 to 250 crore rupees solely from ad revenue. In high-profile matches like these, a 10-second ad slot sells for up to 4 million rupees.
It is clear that Pakistan boycotting this match would cause huge losses to the ICC. Consequently, ICC might impose sanctions on Pakistan or demand compensation to recuperate its financial losses, potentially devastating the Pakistan Cricket Board.
India Gains Two Points Without Playing
If the India-Pakistan match does not happen, Team India will receive a walkover and gain two points without playing. Pakistan, however, will suffer heavy net run rate penalties, potentially jeopardizing its World Cup journey.
Pakistan Has Breached the Agreement
Pakistan's antics have been ongoing for several days. During the Asia Cup, the team even threatened to boycott the tournament but eventually participated. Once again, entangled in conflict between Bangladesh and India's cricket boards, Pakistan intervened unnecessarily.
Pakistan instigated Bangladesh, leading to Bangladesh's tournament exit. Soon after, Pakistan threatened a boycott and later claimed they would only refuse to play against India.
Pakistan dares to make such a move when an agreement on a hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches exists between ICC, PCB, and BCCI until 2027. There's mutual consent that both countries will play at neutral venues during ICC tournaments. Hence, it's hard for the Pakistan board to justify such selective boycotts.
ICC has scheduled a meeting to address this fiasco, where discussions about stringent actions against Pakistan are expected to take place.
Restricting foreign player participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), along with withdrawing international recognition and commercial support from the league.
Severe cutbacks to the funds Pakistan receives from the ICC's revenue pool, heavily relied upon by the PCB.
Mandating compensation to broadcasters for lost revenues from the missed India-Pakistan match.
Exclusion from the Asia Cup.
A halt on all bilateral series involving Pakistan.
