T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s Boycott of India Match Could Cost Indian Broadcasters $500 Million

**Islamabad:** Pakistan has allowed its national team to participate in the **T20 World Cup 2026**, but in a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, the team will **boycott its scheduled match against India on February 15**. This decision is expected to cause **significant financial losses for Indian broadcasters**.

The Pakistan-India cricket match is widely regarded as **the biggest sporting event in the world**. According to reports, the cancellation of the match could result in **losses of approximately $500 million (PKR 141 billion) for Indian broadcasters**, while gate revenue losses may cost the **ICC millions of dollars**.

It is estimated that **half of the total revenue from the T20 World Cup comes from the Pakistan-India encounter**. Pakistan typically receives **$35 million annually from the ICC**, but following the boycott, the **PCB may also face legal action from the ICC**.

Despite skipping the India match, Pakistan’s **chances of qualifying for the next round remain strong**. Government sources stated that the main reason for the boycott is the **ICC’s perceived bias against Bangladesh**, as ICC Chairman **Jay Shah’s decisions have allegedly favored the Indian Cricket Council**.

Earlier, the **Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup**, citing security concerns. Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s stance, but the **ICC did not accept it and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland** in the tournament. Pakistan has strongly opposed the ICC’s **India-favoring policies and the exclusion of Bangladesh from the World Cup**.