The controversy in which Pakistan may deny India the chance to play the T20 World Cup 2026 has now taken a new turn and crossed over to the realm of finances. It is believed that an India-Pakistan game is the priciest game in the entire world of cricket not necessarily because of the competition, but considering the huge amount of revenue it generates to the broadcasters, ICC and cricket boards.
It is estimated by industry that the value of a single India-Pakistan match during an ICC event is almost 250 million US dollars, approximately 2-200 crore. This figure is because of television and online broadcasting rights, advertisements, sponsorship presence and international viewership. In case such a match is cancelled, this revenue is not moved elsewhere, it is merely lost.
The greatest short term loss will be experienced by the Indian broadcaster, JioStar, which charges a high rate of advertisements during India- pakistan matches. Some advertisements a minute or two long in this match may involve severals million rupees. In the absence of this match, the broadcasters will lose hundreds of crores of ad revenue alone. The ICC too would experience a decline in the overall commercial worth of the tournament because the sponsors are signing contracts in anticipation of the highest world wide coverage.
In the case of Pakistan cricket, the effects might be even more serious. The amount of money earned by Pakistan through the yearly cricket is significantly less as compared to the revenue earned by a single World Cup match involving India and Pakistan. In case Pakistan declines to play a scheduled match, the ICC can also give financial fines. The decision would result in long-term financial stress on the Pakistan Cricket Board when the potential fines and lost revenue are added.
India would get a hundred points in case of a walkover but these points cannot recover money. The economics of broadcasting and advertising is what fuels modern international cricket and no other match can present the same value as India vs. Pakistan.
To put it simply, missing this game will be the greatest blow to Pakistan, lessen revenues among the broadcasters, and compromise the commercial capabilities of the tournament. These figures help understand that it is not only a matter of cricketing competition, but of the monetary support of the very concept of international cricket.