Pakistan Bears the Brunt. In T-20 Word Cup
(Patiala – 3rd February Navneet Bansal News Room) The India v/s Pakistan match is normally the most lucrative game in any World Cup, generating huge global viewership, ad revenue and sponsorship value. Pakistan (PCB) could face a lot of Problems because it is withdrawing from (boycotting) the ICC T20 World Cup match against India (scheduled for 15 Feb 2026). Pakistan currently receives about $34.5 million (₹312 Crore) annually from ICC annual revenue distributions tied to media rights. The ICC may with hold or reduce this share as a penalty, costing the PCB a large chunk of this income. Pakistan will forfeit the match — India gets the points and Pakistan’s Net Run Rate (NRR) takes a big hit, hurting qualification chances. Even if Pakistan still makes Super 8s (depending on results) a for feit adds negative competitive consequences.
*Who loses what?*
International Cricket Council (ICC)
• Loss of key match revenue & brand value
• Broadcasters & sponsors
• Ad revenue losses possible refunds/liabilities
Pakistan Board (PCB)
• ICC beyond financial loss& broader penalties including:
• Restrictions on PCB’s future revenue or participation in ICC events.
• Limits on players’ eligibility in global leagues (e.g., PSL foreign player NOCs).
• Suspension or exclusion from future bilateral/multilateral events.
Indian board (BCCI)
Less direct financial hit but commercial partners affected
The India-Pakistan T20 contest is conservatively valued at USD 500 million (Rs 4,500 crore) when broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, ticketing, and downstream commercial activity like legal betting and all other are taken together.
What lies ahead is completely uncalled for and unfortunate, and this decision certainly sets an unhealthy precedent for the future of the game of Cricket.The biggest sufferers will be crores of cricket fans like me, who were hoping to witness yet another thrilling contest between these two traditional rivals.
