The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to earn between USD 12-16 million from the Asia Cup 2025, and pulling out could result in a huge financial loss.
The Pakistan Board has threatened to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not remove Andy Pycroft from the match referee panel.
However, the ICC has officially rejected the demand on Tuesday and Pakistan have yet to respond. A report revealed that such a move could cost the PCB between USD 12-16 million which is INR 106-141 crore in revenue.
The five test playing nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participation in the Asia Cup 2025 constitute 75 per cent of the Asia Cricket Council’s annual revenue with each earning 15 per cent.
The remaining portion is shared by Associate nations. The revenue comprises broadcast deals, various sponsorships and ticketing among other things.
The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi who is the head of the ACC, Naqvi did not mince words as he took to social media to express outrage at the Indian team for not shaking hands with the Pakistani players at the end of their Asia Cup clash in Dubai.
Naqvi confirmed that the PCB sought ICC’s internvention to take action against Pycroft who was alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct when he asked the two captains not to shake hands at the toss.
The report also clearly stated if Pakistan do go ahead with the move to withdraw from the competition in the wake of no-handshake row, they could find themselves isolated in the ACC boardroom, with directors of other cricket boards likely to oppose awarding them the 15% annual shar without participating in matches of a marquee event.
The format of the Asia Cup will allow India and Pakistan to clash in the Super Four stage of the competition. With the rivalry clash is being the biggest revenue generator, a pull-out could mean that Naqvi the ACC chief, will also have to bear out the brunt of the official broadcaster.
Incidently, Pakistan’s next match will be officiated by Andy Pycroft on Wednesday. Unless, other ACC nations decide to offer them some leeway by swapping Pycroft and Richie Richardson’s matches.
Pakistan’s final group stage game will be played against UAE on September 17 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
