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Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, has received government approval to participate in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. However, the team will not participate in the group match against India on February 15, a decision that is expected to trigger financial losses.
Pakistan has not disclosed the reasons behind its decision. The problem started when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send a team to India for the T20 World Cup. As a result, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Bangladesh was being treated “unfairly”.
ICC warns PCB not to miss India T20 World Cup match
The International Cricket Council has issued a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board over its decision. The ICC said refusing to play would have more serious consequences than just one match.
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The International Cricket Federation said the move could harm the wider “global cricket ecosystem”. The concern is money and the serious financial damage such a decision could cause. Notably, the board reminded the PCB that it is part of the global system and benefits from it.
“The International Cricket Council hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term impact on cricket in the country as this may impact on the global cricket ecosystem of which it is a member and beneficiary.”
India vs Pakistan T20 2026 World Cup match worth Rs 4,500 crore
The India vs Pakistan T20 match is the most profitable tournament in world cricket. According to NDTV, a match is worth $500 million (Rs 4,500 crore) after deducting television rights, advertising, sponsorship and ticket sales.
No other cricket tournament generates such high levels of revenue. Amid this conflict, TV channels are charging Rs 25-40 lakh for a 10-second ad. Broadcasters will suffer the biggest losses if the games cannot be held.
They expect to earn around Rs 300 crore from advertising on the game alone. Broadcasters pay huge sums for guaranteed big games, and losing the most important games destroys that value. JioStar has sought a refund from the ICC due to expected financial losses.
When broadcasters lose money, the ICC earns less from the tournament. With the internal value of each World Cup match being around Rs 138.7 billion, canceling the India-Pakistan match would not only harm one tournament but also shake up the entire financial structure of the tournament.
Pakistan faces severe economic losses by skipping conflict with India
Pakistan will be hit the hardest if the match does not go ahead. Both India and Pakistan are likely to lose about Rs 2 billion in direct and indirect revenue. While India can handle the loss, it will be a major blow to Pakistan.
The PCB earns approximately $34.51 million annually from the ICC, but this income is dependent on playing all scheduled matches. Insurance will not cover losses because voluntary withdrawal is not considered an “unavoidable cause.” The PCB could face funding cuts, hefty fines and legal action from broadcasters.
The damage may also extend into the future. Broadcasters may view Pakistan’s matches as risky and therefore pay less for future broadcast rights, while sponsors may stay away from events if they fear they will be cancelled.
Thousands of fans have booked flights and hotels for the match but risk losing money with no refunds. Pakistan may feel they have a point, but skipping this game could cost them far more than expected in the long run.
