Pakistan and Bangladesh could lose Rs 12000000000 after possible T20 World Cup boycott, players might…
Uncertainty surrounds Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. Despite ongoing meetings between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government, a final decision has yet to be reached.
This situation has not only created a stir in the cricket world but has also intensified concerns about the heavy losses Pakistan cricket could face. Here’s a look at the difficulties Pakistan might encounter if it boycotts the T20 World Cup 2026.
Final decision rests with the Government
PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, recently met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue. According to sources, the Prime Minister has instructed officials to make a final decision by Friday or early next week. The delay in the decision has further fueled speculation of a boycott.
Team announced, but uncertainty remains
Despite the unclear situation, Pakistan has announced its squad for the T20 World Cup. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed captain, while big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Fakhar Zaman are also included in the team. The wicketkeeping duties have been shared between Khawaja Mohammad Nafe and Sahibzada Farhan. However, the team’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain.
Risk of significant loss in ICC revenue
If Pakistan withdraws from the tournament, it could lose its annual share of revenue from the ICC. Under the current arrangement, the PCB receives 5.75 percent of the ICC’s total revenue, which is approximately $34.5 million, or about 966 crore Pakistani rupees. In the event of a boycott, this entire amount could be withheld, which would be a major blow to Pakistan cricket.
Bangladesh also likely to be affected
This tough stance will not only affect Pakistan. According to reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) could also lose approximately 325 crore Bangladeshi taka (around $27 million) from ICC distributions. Furthermore, the cancellation of broadcasting and sponsorship deals is expected to lead to a 60 percent drop in the board’s annual revenue.
Threat of Bilateral series cancellations
The World Cup controversy could also directly impact the international cricket calendar. Reports suggest that India’s proposed tour of Bangladesh in August–September is now in jeopardy. If this tour is cancelled, the BCB would lose revenue from TV rights, which is considered equivalent to earnings from at least 10 bilateral series against other countries.
ICC warns of strict action
According to a report in The Indian Express, the ICC has given clear indications to the PCB that serious sanctions could be imposed if it withdraws from the World Cup. These sanctions could include a ban on all of Pakistan’s bilateral series, denial of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to foreign players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from future Asia Cup tournaments.
Deepening crisis for the future
If the boycott decision is taken, the damage will not be limited to just one tournament. It could severely damage Pakistan cricket’s global reputation, affect players’ careers, and cripple the board’s financial stability for a long time. The next few days will determine whether Pakistan cricket emerges from this crisis or sinks into a deeper quagmire.