Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: An India–Pakistan clash at an ICC tournament is estimated to generate a staggering “USD 250 million (over Rs 2200 crore)” in revenue, and the absence of this blockbuster fixture from the upcoming T20 World Cup is expected to result in massive financial losses for all stakeholders.The rivalry between the two neighbours, who only meet in multi-nation events because of strained bilateral relations, is so commercially powerful that the ICC routinely places them in the same group at global tournaments.
On Sunday, the Pakistan government officially announced its decision to boycott the high-profile match in Colombo scheduled for February 15.Should Pakistan stick to its stance, it risks forfeiting millions in revenue, while a walkover would also inflict significant financial damage on the ICC and India’s media rights holder JioStar, which is already attempting to renegotiate a USD 3 billion agreement with the world body.The host broadcaster is likely to suffer advertising losses estimated between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore, given that a 10-second commercial slot during the marquee encounter can fetch as much as Rs 40 lakh.Although India would receive full points in the event of a walkover, the ICC still holds the power to levy financial penalties on the PCB.
- Estimated value of one India–Pakistan ICC match:
USD 250 million (Rs 2,200+ crore)
- Broadcaster advertising revenue at risk:
Around Rs 200–250 crore
- Cost of a single 10-second ad slot during the match:
Up to Rs 40 lakh
- India media rights deal currently under renegotiation:
USD 3 billion (JioStar–ICC)
- Potential ICC financial penalties on PCB:
Amount not disclosed, but permitted under ICC regulations
- Pakistan Cricket Board’s annual revenue:
USD 35.5 million
- Value of one India–Pakistan game vs PCB annual revenue:
USD 250 million vs USD 35.5 millionNearly 7x Pakistan’s yearly income
- Audience size driving valuation:
1+ billion viewers worldwideIndia get full pointsICC, broadcaster, sponsors and PCB face major financial impactOne abandoned India–Pakistan fixture = hundreds of crores lost across ICC, broadcasters and sponsors, plus reputational damage to the tournament.Former ICC and PCB communications chief Sami-ul-Hasan Burney highlighted the scale of money involved in a single India–Pakistan game.“As regards the sanctions or the losses, as I said, the one match is costing USD 250 million (everything accounted for not just broadcaster’s loss). 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 confidential negotiations, reported that each India–Pakistan contest is valued at around USD 250 million, driven by an audience exceeding a billion viewers.The ICC’s response to Pakistan’s announcement also reflected the unmatched importance of the fixture.“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” 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 have departed for Colombo to play their remaining matches in the tournament, which begins February 7.With the ICC, PCB and BCCI having agreed to a hybrid model for India–Pakistan fixtures until 2027, the Pakistan board may find it difficult to justify a selective withdrawal.The chain of events began with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL on BCCI instructions, which ultimately led to Bangladesh pulling out of the ICC event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
