Pakistan may lose 1500 crore taka by boycotting match against India

Sports Desk
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face huge financial losses if it boycotts the match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. If the ICC fines Pakistan for not playing the match, the PCB’s loss could be around 13 billion Indian rupees. In Bangladeshi currency, that’s more than 150 billion taka.

According to a report by news agency PTI, the PCB could face a huge deduction from its ICC dividend if it refuses to play the match against India in Colombo on February 15, 2026. Pakistan is expected to receive around 40 billion Pakistani rupees from the ICC in the current financial cycle.

Pakistan’s potential share in the ICC’s 2024-27 financial cycle is around $144 million. On average, they are expected to receive $38 million from the ICC every year.
A PCB insider said, “Basically, if the ICC decides to fine Pakistan for not playing India, then the PCB will suffer a big financial blow. Because the ICC’s share in the current cycle is around 40 billion Pakistani rupees.”

He added, “This money is playing a big role in keeping the PCB financially viable. If there is any tension in this, it will be a big challenge for Pakistan cricket.”

Champions Trophy and income constraints
Although Pakistan received ICC dividends from last year’s Champions Trophy, the PCB did not see much profit from hosting the tournament. As per the agreement between BCCI, PCB and ICC, Pakistan was able to host only one match at home as India matches were held in Dubai, a neutral venue. As a result, their income from ticket or hospitality boxes was minimal.

Meanwhile, the board is spending around Rs 18 billion on renovating stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. Amidst this huge expenditure, not getting ICC dividends could pose a danger to them.

Pressure and large fines from broadcasters

Since the PCB is a signatory to the ICC’s participation agreement for events, the ICC and broadcasters can claim heavy compensation if the match is not played except for ‘force majeure’ or unavoidable reasons.

Broadcasters have paid the ICC $3 billion for the current cycle, a large chunk of which comes from the India-Pakistan match. Each high-voltage match is likely to generate around $250 million in revenue. If the match is not played, that loss will ultimately be passed on to the member nations.

Domestic cricket and PSL revenue

The PCB’s biggest source of revenue outside the ICC is the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The board is expected to receive around $42 million in franchise fees from the PSL, including the two new teams. In addition, the board has to share a large portion of the central pool revenue with the franchises.

However, the Auditor General’s 2023 report says otherwise. It mentions problems in collecting franchise fees and the absence of bank guarantees. It also predicts major financial losses for the PCB from the 7th to 12th editions.

With the PCB’s financial situation shrouded in uncertainty due to the lack of any audited financial reports for a long time, the decision to boycott the match with India could be a ‘deadly blow’ for Pakistan.