Pakistan’s India call saves ICC ₹1,445 crore at T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s last-minute decision to allow its cricket team to play India in the ICC T20 World Cup has spared the International Cricket Council (ICC) a staggering revenue hit of nearly $174 million (around ₹1,445 crore), sources were quoted as saying.

The turnaround came after the Pakistan government withdrew its earlier directive asking the national team to boycott the February 15 India–Pakistan clash in Colombo — a move that would have triggered severe losses across broadcasting rights, ticket sales and sponsorship deals.

“The cumulative loss would have been around $174 million, factoring in broadcasters, gate receipts and sponsorship commitments,” a source said.

The market reacted instantly. Within minutes of confirmation that the marquee encounter would go ahead, airfares for a Mumbai–Colombo–Mumbai round trip jumped by ₹10,000, climbing to nearly ₹60,000, underscoring the commercial gravity of cricket’s most watched rivalry.

Back-channel diplomacy and ‘friendly countries’

The breakthrough followed intense back-channel negotiations involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sri Lanka Cricket and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Pakistan had earlier stood firm in solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter’s request to play matches outside India was rejected, prompting the ICC to even consider replacing Bangladesh with Scotland.

However, late February 9 night, the BCB issued a conciliatory statement urging Pakistan to honor its scheduled fixture against India “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.”

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board extends its sincere appreciation to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the ICC, and all involved for their positive roles in overcoming recent challenges,” the statement said, singling out PCB chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi for “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity.”

BCB president Md Aminul Islam added: “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh. Following my visit to Pakistan and the outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India.”

Prime ministerial call seals decision

The final push came at the highest political level. In a statement posted on X, the Government of Pakistan said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which the two leaders recalled the long-standing ties between the two nations.

“The Sri Lanka President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse,” the statement said. “In view of the outcomes achieved in discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture.”

For the ICC and the global cricket economy, the decision has ensured that the World Cup’s biggest draw — and its biggest payday — remains intact.