No India-Pakistan T20 World Cup showdown could cost USD 250 million

The potential absence of an India-Pakistan clash at the upcoming T20 World Cup could deal a massive financial blow to world cricket, with each fixture between the arch-rivals estimated to be worth around USD 250 million (over BDT 2,750 crore).

Because of the strained political relationship between the two nations, the teams only meet in multi-team tournaments, making their encounters the biggest commercial drivers of ICC events. As a result, the ICC consistently places them in the same group in global competitions.

On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced its team’s boycott of the high-profile match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. If Pakistan stick to their decision, they risk losing millions in revenue, while the ICC and India’s media rights holder JioStar could also face significant financial setbacks. JioStar is already attempting to renegotiate its USD 3 billion agreement with the ICC.

Broadcasters are expected to suffer heavy advertising losses, estimated between USD 24 million and USD 30 million (BDT 260 crore to BDT 325 crore). For such a marquee fixture, a 10-second advertisement slot can cost up to USD 48,000 (BDT 52 lakh).

Although a walkover would award full points to India, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Former ICC and PCB communications head Sami-ul-Hasan Burney highlighted the scale of the financial stakes involved.

“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 involved in confidential negotiations, reported that each India-Pakistan game carries an estimated value of around USD 250 million, given its billion-plus global audience.

The ICC’s response to Pakistan’s announcement further underscored the importance of the contest.

“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 standoff, Pakistan left for Colombo to play its other matches in the tournament, which begins on February 7.

With the ICC, PCB and BCCI having agreed to a hybrid hosting model for India-Pakistan games until 2027, the Pakistan board is likely to find it difficult to justify the selective withdrawal.

The issue was triggered by Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL on BCCI instructions, which led to Pakistan withdrawing from the India match.