NEW DELHI: An India–Pakistan match in an ICC tournament is estimated to generate a staggering “USD 250 million (over Rs 2200 crore)”, according to industry estimates. The absence of this cash-rich fixture from the upcoming T20 World Cup is expected to result in heavy financial losses for all parties involved.

The pull of the rivalry is so strong that despite strained diplomatic relations, the two teams only face each other in multi-nation tournaments. Recognising its unmatched commercial value, the ICC routinely places India and Pakistan in the same group at every global event.

On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that its team would boycott the marquee clash in Colombo on February 15, triggering serious concerns within the cricketing ecosystem.

Scenarios explained if Pakistan doesn't reverse boycott against India

Broadcasters, ICC face massive losses

If Pakistan stick to their decision, they risk forfeiting millions in revenue. A no-show would not only dent Pakistan financially but would also cause significant losses to the ICC and India’s media rights holder JioStar, which is already in talks to renegotiate its USD 3 billion deal with the world body.

The host broadcaster alone could lose advertising revenue estimated between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore for the marquee game, where a 10-second commercial slot can cost up to Rs 40 lakh.

While a walkover would award full points to India, the ICC retains the right to impose financial sanctions on the PCB.

A former ICC and PCB communications head, Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, summed up the scale of money involved in a single India–Pakistan contest.

“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 linked to a billion-plus audience, also underlined the enormous stakes involved.

Each India–Pakistan match carries an estimated value of around USD 250 million, the report stated.

ICC underlines sporting and commercial impact

The tone of the ICC’s response following the Pakistan government’s announcement highlighted the undisputed 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 ongoing uncertainty, Pakistan have travelled to Colombo to play their remaining matches in the tournament, which begins on February 7.

With the ICC, PCB and BCCI having agreed to a hybrid model for India–Pakistan games until 2027, the Pakistan board could find it difficult to justify a selective withdrawal from a single fixture.

The chain of events reportedly began with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL on BCCI instructions, which eventually led to Pakistan threatening to withdraw from an ICC event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

(With PTI Inputs)