The highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, is facing a major crisis. The Pakistan government has announced that their team will not take the field against India, even though the squad has already landed in Sri Lanka. This potential cancellation creates a massive financial risk, estimated at over Rs 2200 crore ($250 million) for the tournament organizers and partners.
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How much money is at risk if the match is cancelled?
This single match is considered the financial backbone of the entire tournament. Industry experts estimate the total economic impact of this fixture to be around Rs 2200 crore. The official broadcaster, JioStar, is looking at a direct loss of Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore in advertising revenue alone if the game does not happen.
Advertisers pay a premium for this high-voltage game. A single 10-second commercial slot is priced between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. Due to the high stakes, JioStar has reportedly started emergency talks with the ICC to renegotiate their $3 billion media rights deal. They argue that the value of the deal drops significantly without the India-Pakistan clash.
What are the ICC rules and penalties?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strict rules for such situations. A walkover cannot be declared just by a statement on social media. The Indian team must be present at the R. Premadasa Stadium for the scheduled toss. If the Pakistan team fails to appear, the match referee will formally award the game and 2 points to India.
The ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of severe financial consequences. Reports suggest that the global body might withhold 70% to 80% of Pakistan’s annual revenue share to cover the losses faced by broadcasters. Broadcasters also have the option to sue for damages up to Rs 315 crore for breach of contract.
Why did the controversy start?
The diplomatic tension reportedly escalated after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL on instructions from the BCCI. Following this, Bangladesh refused to send its team to the tournament, and the ICC named Scotland as their replacement. This chain of events led to the current standoff.
Despite the boycott announcement by their government on Sunday, the Pakistan cricket team is currently in Colombo. They are preparing for their other group-stage matches, starting with the Netherlands. Indian lawmaker Shashi Tharoor recently commented on the issue, criticizing the politicization of the sport while also questioning the handling of the initial contract dispute.
