How much revenue will Pakistan lose if they pull out of the Asia Cup?

Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup over a referee dispute could cost them millions in revenue, potentially jeopardising their financial stability within the Asian Cricket Council. This potential decision, driven by PCB chief Naqvi's criticism of the match referee, risks a significant loss from broadcast deals and sponsorships.

File photo of Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB president and current ACC chief.

Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup over demands to remove ICC match referee Andy Pycroft could cost them between USD 12 to 16 million in revenue. The Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) annual revenue distribution allocates 15 percent each to five Test-playing nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan - totalling 75 percent, with Associate nations sharing the remaining 25 percent.

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The revenue streams include broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticketing, with Pakistan Cricket Board expected to earn USD 12 to 16 million from this Asia Cup alone. Sony Pictures Network India had secured an eight-year deal worth USD 170 million with the ACC, covering the period from 2024 to 2031, including broadcast rights for women's Asia Cup and Under-19 men's Asia Cup. PCB chief Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control and heads the ACC, has criticised Pycroft for the controversy surrounding the Indian team's refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after their recent match.

Poll

Do you support the PCB's demand to remove Andy Pycroft as match referee?

Yes, he should be replaced. No, he should stay.

The ICC has rejected PCB's demand to remove Pycroft as match referee. "Can Naqvi risk Pakistan losing around USD 16 million out of a projected budget of USD 227 million for the fiscal year? That will be roughly seven per cent of the annual PCB revenue gone. It will be walking on thin ice for him. But again as one of the important ministers of Pakistan, he also needs to keep his respect in front of his countrymen," a PCB source told PTI anonymously. A withdrawal could jeopardize PCB's position within the ACC board room, potentially affecting their 15 percent annual share for not participating in a major event. Naqvi's dual role as ACC head would also face challenges from the official broadcaster, who might refuse to pay the agreed fee. The India-Pakistan match generates significant revenue, and a withdrawal would result in substantial losses for the broadcaster, who sells advertisement slots at premium rates for these matches. The situation leaves Pakistan with limited options and more to lose than gain. As TimesofIndia.com reported on Wednesday, Pycroft is expected to sit out Pakistan's match against UAE, with Richie Richardson likely to step in.

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