Pakistan’s T20 World Cup boycott could trigger 3 huge penalties – ‘$34.5 Million loss, ICC sanctions and…’ – News24 Pakistan’s T20 World Cup boycott could trigger 3 huge penalties
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to come under tight scrutiny from International Cricket Council (ICC) if they decide to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The possible consequences include suspension of PCB’s revenue share, limits on future bilateral engagements and very minimal role in the upcoming ICC tournaments.
Big revenue loss for Pakistan
Officials within the ICC have indicated that an exit at this point would violate the event’s participation agreement. According to Hindustan Times, an official mentioned that if Pakistan withdraws then PCB’s annual ICC revenue – estimated roughly around $34.5 million will be frozen. This payment is part of the ICC’s $3.2 billion media rights cycle for 2024–27, with more than 85 percent of that income generated from the Indian market.
“As a direct consequence, PCB’s share of ICC annual revenue [estimated at around $34.5 million], would be withheld,” an official said on condition of anonymity, as mentioned by Hindustan Times
ICC sanctions and huge affect on PSL
The report further added that if Pakistan boycotts T20 World Cup “solely on government advice” despite no issue concerning the team then ICC will see it as an attempt to “weaponise sport for politics.” This will not only alienate PCB within ICC but also affect foreign player participation in the Pakistan Super League, the official claimed.
“This is not Pakistan’s battle to fight. Why should any government have a problem with a decision not concerning their national side and face consequences?” the official said.
Pakistan plans to boycott T20 World Cup
The warning comes after Pakistan hinted that they may reconsider its participation after ICC gave the final verdict to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board will follow all the instructions given by the government and if the authority tells not to participate then Pakistan will not take part in the tournament. Pakistan’s stance is widely viewed as a pressure tactic rather than a genuine plan to withdraw.