Dubai: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a massive financial setback of up to USD 16 million if it proceeds with its threat to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 over demands to remove International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft.

PCB’s demand and controversy

The controversy erupted after India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players following their high-octane clash earlier this week. The PCB accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation by allegedly advising captain Salman Ali Agha not to participate in the post-match handshake and by not allowing the customary exchange of team-sheets between captains.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, criticised Pycroft and demanded his removal. However, the ICC rejected the request, sparking tensions that escalated into threats of withdrawal from the tournament.

The financial stakes

According to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) revenue-sharing rules, 15 per cent of the body’s annual earnings is allocated to each of the five Test-playing nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Associate members share the remaining 25 per cent.

  • For this Asia Cup alone, the PCB is projected to earn USD 12–16 million from broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticketing.
  • Sony Pictures Network India had earlier signed an eight-year, USD 170 million deal (2024–2031) covering broadcast rights for senior men’s, women’s, and U-19 Asia Cup tournaments.
  • A boycott would not only slash Pakistan’s earnings from this edition but could also affect its long-term standing within the ACC.

A PCB source told PTI: “Can Naqvi risk Pakistan losing around USD 16 million out of a projected budget of USD 227 million for the fiscal year? That will be roughly seven per cent of the annual PCB revenue gone. It will be walking on thin ice for him. But again, as one of the important ministers of Pakistan, he also needs to keep his respect in front of his countrymen.”

Wider implications of a pull-out

A withdrawal could have multiple consequences:

  • ACC position: PCB’s influence within the ACC boardroom may weaken, with its 15 per cent annual share at risk.
  • Broadcaster relations: The official broadcaster, already selling ad slots at premium rates for India–Pakistan matches, could refuse to pay the agreed fee if Pakistan withdraws.
  • Public optics: While the PCB may gain domestic political mileage by projecting defiance, the financial and diplomatic cost could outweigh the benefits.

Possible compromise

As reported by Times of India, Pycroft is expected to sit out Pakistan’s must-win game against the UAE, with former West Indies captain Richie Richardson likely to step in as referee. This could allow PCB to save face while continuing its Asia Cup campaign without incurring a financial disaster.

For now, the PCB finds itself balancing between national pride and financial prudence, with more at stake than just the outcome of matches.