Pakistan’s prospects of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in Feb/March, 2025 have hit a major roadblock, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) committee is reportedly considering shifting the tournament to a neutral venue, possibly the UAE. The move comes amidst ongoing security concerns shown by all teams and strained relations with India which has refused to send its cricket team to Pakistan as security risk is of paramount importance and relevance to the Indian government.
ICC Ultimatum
ICC has given an ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board to accept the Hybrid Model which can act as a “Saviour” to the champions’ trophy and India could play its matches at neutral venues. A brief and inconclusive meeting of ICC in Dubai on Friday ended with an ultimatum to PCB, chairman, Mohsin Naqvi to either accept the Hybrid model or face ouster from the tournament which will also lead to the cancellation of rights to host trophy. PCB has taken an adamant stand not to accept the proposal of hybrid model which was primarily moved by India and threatened to pull off the tournament.
The recent terror attack in Pakistan has become worrisome to other teams also though they have not openly voiced their concern so far. ICC is at the back foot as India’s non-participation may have direct bearing on sponsors who might have to re-look at the deals which run in thousands of crores. The ICC recently secured an eight-year global broadcast and digital rights deal valued at approximately $3 billion for the 2024-31 cycle, focusing heavily on the lucrative Indian market. This package includes rights to all major ICC tournaments, covering both men’s and women’s events. Disney Star, a key player, holds these rights and has already reported significant advertising revenue expectations for individual tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
This deal underscores the high commercial value of cricket, especially in regions like India, where it drives substantial viewership and advertising revenue. The robust engagement from sponsors and broadcasters ensures sustained financial growth for the ICC’s events globally
Logic of Hybrid Model
Experts say that ICC’s potential decision to opt for Hybrid Model might mark a significant blow to Pakistan’s cricketing ambitions, as hosting a global event like the Champions Trophy was seen as a step toward rehabilitating its international cricket profile, tarnished by years of isolation following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team. Losing the tournament could deepen Pakistan’s financial woes in cricket, dent its image as a safe destination, and further isolate it from the cricketing community.
Moreover, the fallout could have broader implications for Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene, sponsorship deals, and its fans, who have long-awaited high-profile international matches on home soil. It may also fuel diplomatic tensions with India and exacerbate Pakistan’s struggle to reassert itself as a competitive cricketing hub.
Fallout of Pakistan’s Adamant Stand
If Pakistan pulls out of the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, it would face significant financial, reputational, and cricketing losses which include, Financial Losses:
Broadcasting Revenue: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earns a substantial share of revenue from ICC tournaments. Pulling out could mean losing millions of dollars allocated from the ICC’s profit pool.
Sponsorships: PCB risks losing sponsorship deals tied to its participation in the World Cup, which could severely dent its annual revenue. Ticket Revenue: Absence from matches could mean forfeiting earnings from ticket sales in games involving Pakistan.
2nd, Reputation Damage: Global Standing: Pulling out would hurt Pakistan’s reputation as a serious cricketing nation. It may also impact its influence within the ICC. Fan Backlash: Cricket is a passion in Pakistan, and fans may react negatively, impacting PCB’s relationship with its core audience. Future Hosting Rights: Such a move could weaken Pakistan’s case to host international tournaments, as it may appear as an unreliable participant.
3rd, Cricketing Consequences: Ranking Impact: Withdrawal would affect Pakistan’s ICC rankings and qualification for future ICC events. Player Morale and Growth: Missing out on a global stage denies players crucial exposure and could demotivate the team. Potential Bans or Fines: ICC could impose penalties or bans on Pakistan for violating contractual obligations.
4th, Diplomatic Consequences: The decision could be seen as politically motivated and strain cricketing ties with other nations, especially in the subcontinent. It may also impact bilateral series negotiations.
Broadcasting revenue represents another significant area of losses. ICC tournaments attract massive viewership, with Pakistan matches being particularly lucrative for broadcasters. The absence of Pakistan could result in $10–$15 million in lost broadcasting rights associated with their matches. Furthermore, the PCB would forfeit earnings from ticket sales and other match-related revenues, which might amount to $2–$3 million depending on Pakistan’s performance in the tournament.
To compound these challenges, pulling out could invite fines or penalties from the ICC for breaching tournament contracts, potentially adding a few million dollars to their financial burden.
Altogether, the financial loss from withdrawing could surpass $50 million, considering these direct impacts. Additionally, the decision could have long-term repercussions, such as reduced sponsorship appeal and risks to future revenues stemming from a diminished standing in global cricket.
(Writer is strategic affairs columnist and political analyst based in Shimla)
