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ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board of possible legal action from broadcasters and a revenue loss of nearly USD 35 million if Pakistan goes ahead with its boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup in Colombo.
ICC has flagged the risk of legal action from official broadcasters
New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about serious legal and financial consequences if Pakistan goes ahead with its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, sources said on Tuesday.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the ICC has flagged the risk of legal action from official broadcasters and warned of a potential loss of nearly USD 35 million in annual revenue for Pakistan cricket.
ICC demands fair play, warns PCB of long-term impact if boycott against India continues
The warning comes amid concerns that broadcasters could move court over a possible breach of contract if the high-profile India–Pakistan clash does not take place. The match is considered one of the biggest commercial draws of ICC tournaments and is a key component of broadcast agreements.
Sources indicated that the ICC may consider withholding Pakistan’s entire annual revenue share, estimated at around USD 35 million, to compensate broadcasters for potential losses arising from the boycott.
Although Pakistan has not yet formally communicated its decision to the ICC in writing, the board has indicated that the move follows directions from the government.
Officials suggested that approaching the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) may not offer relief to the PCB. The DRC functions as an internal body and does not entertain appeals against decisions taken by the ICC itself.
Observers also pointed out that Pakistan’s position could be weakened by the fact that it is playing its World Cup matches at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka, a condition accommodated by the ICC. In contrast, India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in the past did not prevent it from playing Pakistan at neutral venues during ICC events and Asia Cup tournaments.
According to sources, the ICC’s long-term broadcast agreement for global events was structured around marquee fixtures, including India–Pakistan matches. Broadcasters made payments based on these guarantees, giving them grounds to pursue legal action against both the ICC and the PCB in case of non-compliance.
ICC demands fair play, warns PCB of long-term impact if boycott against India continues
“The broadcaster will be well within its rights to approach the courts if such a key match is withdrawn,” a source familiar with the contract terms said.
It is also learnt that the PCB reached out to other ICC member boards seeking backing on the issue but failed to secure support. The lack of consensus among member nations has further isolated Pakistan on the matter.
With the ICC standing firm and broadcasters monitoring the situation closely, a complete withdrawal from the tournament or continued boycott of the India fixture could carry far-reaching consequences for Pakistan cricket, both financially and diplomatically.
