Published: February 10, 2026, 11:50 AM
Pakistan’s decision to play India on February 15 has averted an estimated $174 million loss for the ICC, safeguarding broadcasting, sponsorship and ticket revenues.
The Pakistan government’s decision to withdraw its instruction to boycott the match against India on February 15 in Colombo has prevented a potential revenue loss of approximately $174 million for the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to an Indian Express report.
The loss would have included damages related to broadcasters, gate receipts, and sponsorships. A source stated that the cumulative financial impact of a boycott would have been around $174 million (approximately Tk 19,140 crore).
Following high-level meetings involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and officials from other cricket boards, including Bangladesh, the Pakistan government directed its team to play the scheduled fixture. Pakistan had earlier considered boycotting the match in solidarity with Bangladesh after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament due to concerns over travel to India.
The confirmation of the India-Pakistan match also led to a sharp increase in travel demand, with Mumbai-Colombo-Mumbai airfares rising, according to reports.
The Government of Pakistan announced the decision on social media platform X, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been briefed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following discussions with the ICC. The government then instructed the national team to take the field as scheduled on February 15, 2026, in Colombo for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India.
