Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) alleged threat of withdrawing from the Asia Cup will not be easy to execute. If Pakistan actually does so, it could suffer a massive financial setback of around 12 to 16 million USD (approximately ₹100 to ₹140 crore).
Threat to ACC Revenue
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) earns its annual revenue mainly from broadcasting rights (TV and digital), sponsorship deals, and ticket sales. About 75% of this income is equally shared among the five full members—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—each getting 15%. The remaining 25% is distributed among the associate members.
From this Asia Cup alone, PCB was expected to earn between 12 and 16 million USD. A withdrawal would, therefore, deal a huge economic blow to Pakistan cricket.
Multi-Million Dollar Deal with SPNI
Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) has signed an eight-year broadcasting deal worth 170 million USD with the ACC, covering the period from 2024 to 2031. This deal also includes the rights to the Women’s Asia Cup and the Under-19 Asia Cup.
If Pakistan exits mid-tournament, it could cause significant complications for the broadcaster, since the India vs Pakistan clash is the biggest attraction of the entire contract. Advertising slots for this game are sold at premium rates, and Pakistan’s absence would lead to major financial losses for advertisers and broadcasters alike.
Related: Asia Cup 2025 Points Table: IND vs PAK Consequences
Mounting Pressure on Mohsin Naqvi
PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, also serves as the current President of the ACC. He had openly criticised ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, holding him responsible for the recent controversy where Indian players allegedly did not shake hands with Pakistan cricketers. Naqvi even wrote to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the tournament and threatening Pakistan’s withdrawal if the demand was not met. However, ICC rejected this request and refused to remove Pycroft.
Pride or Money?
Now, PCB faces a tough choice between national pride and financial stability. If they prioritise money, they will have to compromise on their stance. If they stand firm on pride, they must forgo millions of dollars. Already, PCB is in a financially weak position.
Will Naqvi Take the Risk?
A PCB source told PTI, “Will Naqvi risk depriving Pakistan of around 16 million USD in revenue? That’s nearly seven percent of PCB’s annual budget. It would be like walking on thin ice.”
If PCB pulls out, other ACC members may object to Pakistan’s 15% revenue share, meaning they would lose their cut without playing. Moreover, as ACC President, Naqvi would also have to face the broadcaster’s outrage.
India vs Pakistan – The Biggest Revenue Driver
The India-Pakistan clash is the single largest revenue generator of the Asia Cup. Pakistan’s withdrawal would not only hurt broadcasters but could also destabilise the tournament’s entire financial structure.
More to Lose, Less to Gain
Given all these factors, Pakistan’s withdrawal looks highly unlikely. The financial losses are too great, and the gains minimal. The most likely outcome is that Andy Pycroft will continue as the referee for Pakistan’s upcoming match against UAE, unless the ACC negotiates a swap between Pycroft and Richie Richardson.