The controversy stems from the fallout of the India vs Pakistan group-stage encounter, where Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s refusal to shake hands post-match sparked outrage within the Pakistan camp
Pakistan's players walk back to the pavilion at the end of the Asia Cup 2025 match against India (Photo: AFP)
Pakistan’s reported threat to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 over the refusal to remove ICC match referee Andy Pycroft could result in significant financial consequences for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The move, if executed, may cost the board between USD 12 to 16 million, according to a report by news agency PTI.
The controversy stems from the fallout of the India vs Pakistan group-stage encounter, where Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s refusal to shake hands post-match sparked outrage within the Pakistan camp. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, publicly blamed Pycroft for mishandling the situation and demanded his immediate removal from the tournament.
However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected PCB's request, confirming that Pycroft will continue officiating, including Pakistan’s final group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Financial stakes high for PCB
With broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, digital streaming, and ticketing forming the core of the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) revenue model, the stakes are exceptionally high. According to PTI, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, the five Test-playing ACC members, each receive 15 percent of the council’s annual earnings, totaling 75 percent, while the remaining 25 percent is distributed among associate nations.
For the current edition of the Asia Cup, PCB’s projected earnings stand between USD 12 to 16 million. A withdrawal at this stage could not only cost the board this revenue but also place them in a precarious position within the ACC.
"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," a senior PCB source, speaking on condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying.
Potential fallout in the ACC boardroom
Should Pakistan choose to withdraw, it is likely to face opposition from other ACC member nations, particularly regarding its 15 percent share of annual revenue without fulfilling its tournament obligations.
Moreover, as the sitting chairman of the ACC, Naqvi would also come under scrutiny from official broadcasters, who pay premium rates for marquee fixtures like India vs Pakistan. The loss of such a high-profile clash could significantly affect ad revenues and viewership numbers, prompting broadcasters to reconsider or withhold parts of their contractual payments.
The India-Pakistan match is widely regarded as the biggest revenue generator in any ACC event. A pull-out could trigger a commercial domino effect, impacting not just Pakistan but the broader tournament ecosystem.
Pycroft likely to continue, but options remain
Despite the escalating row, Pycroft is expected to continue as the match referee for Pakistan’s upcoming game against the UAE. Unless there is internal agreement among ACC nations to rotate match officials, potentially bringing in Richie Richardson as a replacement, the Zimbabwean veteran is set to remain on duty.
(With PTI inputs)
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