The India vs Pakistan T20I match is estimated to be worth around USD 500 million (Rs 4,500 crore) when all associated revenue streams are considered. This includes broadcast rights, advertising, sponsorships,
ticket sales, and additional commercial activity such as legal betting and digital engagement.
No other individual cricket match comes close to generating this level of financial value.
According to an NDTV report, the bulk of this valuation is driven by television and digital broadcasting. Advertising rates for an India vs Pakistan T20 match are among the highest in world cricket, typically ranging between Rs 25-40 lakh for a 10-second slot.
Overall, advertising revenue from the match alone is estimated at around Rs 300 crore.
By comparison, an average World Cup match is valued at approximately Rs 138 crore, making an India vs Pakistan clash worth more than twice as much.
What Happens If Pakistan Forfeits the Match?
If the India vs Pakistan match at the 2026 T20 World Cup is called off, broadcasters would face not only a loss in advertising revenue but also reduced viewership and weaker commercial returns for the remainder of the tournament.
The total loss to broadcasters is estimated at Rs 370-400 crore.
Any resulting revenue shortfall would be passed on to the ICC, leading to lower payouts to its member boards. While major cricketing nations like India, Australia, and England would absorb the impact, smaller cricket boards – many of which rely heavily on ICC funding – would be hit the hardest.
Reports suggest that both India and Pakistan could lose around Rs 200 crore each in the event of a cancellation. While the financial impact on the BCCI would be limited, the consequences for the PCB could be far more severe.
ICC Could Cut PCB’s Share
The PCB receives approximately 5.75% of total ICC revenue, amounting to around USD 34.5 million annually, contingent on participation in ICC events.
A voluntary withdrawal from a match is not covered under standard force majeure clauses, meaning there would be no insurance protection. This could leave the PCB exposed to penalties, withheld payments, or even legal claims from broadcasters.
In such a scenario, the ICC may compensate broadcasters by deducting from the PCB’s annual revenue share – potentially 70-80% of the USD 34.5 million allocation.
