Pakistan Cricket Board risks a massive financial hit of Rs 105–141 crore if they pull out of Asia Cup 2025 amid no-handshake controversy. (Image Credit: Outlook India)
Pakistan's threat to pull out of the current Asia Cup 2025 after issuing a demand to exclude ICC match referee Andy Pycroft may prove to be an expensive decision.
Informed source said that withdrawal might have a loss of revenue of USD 12–16 million (Rs 105–141 crore) for PCB.
Five Test-playing countries India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan all contribute 15 percent each to the annual revenue of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and account for 75 percent of the total.
Associate nations receive the remaining 25 percent. The revenue sources are broadcast rights (linear and digital), sponsorships, tickets, and other commercial revenues.
From the 2025 Asia Cup alone, PCB's estimated revenues stand at between USD 12–16 million. Experts maintain that pulling out would go a long way in hurting a cricketing organization that lacks the revenue comfort of boards like the BCCI.
Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) acquired an eight-year agreement with the ACC (2024–2031) for USD 170 million, including the Women's Asia Cup, the Under-19 Asia Cup, and the premier men's tournament.
"The India-Pakistan game is the showcase event, and a pullout might dent ad revenue, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals," a person familiar with PCB operations said on condition of anonymity.
PCB chairman and Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the ACC, has publicly criticized Pycroft, holding him responsible for the row after the India-Pakistan game during which the teams did not shake hands. The ICC, however, dismissed Pakistan's request to sack Pycroft.
"Can Naqvi afford to lose up to about USD 16 million out of an estimated USD 227 million yearly budget? That's close to 7 percent of PCB revenue," said one source. "It's financially a risky step, but politically he must keep his respect at home."
If PCB withdraws, it might find itself alone in the ACC, with other member countries set to vote against the release of Pakistan's 15 percent annual share for non-participation. The broadcaster, SPNI, could even refuse to pay the agreed amount, leading to even more financial headaches.
The India-Pakistan conflict is the biggest earner for the tournament. Withdrawal would mean huge losses for broadcasters and advertisers, and could potentially deal long-term commercial harm to the financial credibility of the PCB.
On account of the stakes, Pycroft is likely to remain the referee for Pakistan's next match against the UAE on Wednesday.
Still, certain ACC countries have the potential to grant concessions by exchanging Pycroft and Richie Richardson's match assignments, although no announcement has been made.
The incident highlights the fine balancing act Pakistan has to conduct among political expediency, cricketing ego, and economic frugality.
