Overview:

Should Pakistan withdraw, it could face resistance in the ACC board, with other directors likely to oppose Pakistan receiving its 15% share without participating in the marquee event.

Pakistan’s reported threat to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup over the call for the removal of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft could lead to significant financial repercussions. If they proceed with such a decision, the country may lose between USD 12 to 16 million in revenue.

The five Test-playing nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan – each receive 15%, which collectively makes up 75% of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) annual income. The remaining 25% is distributed among the Associate nations.

The PCB was projected to earn between USD 12 to 16 million from the Asia Cup alone, and pulling out could severely impact the board, which doesn’t have the financial strength of the BCCI.

Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) signed a deal with the ACC worth USD 170 million, covering an eight-year period (2024-2031), which also includes the broadcast rights for the women’s Asia Cup and the Under-19 men’s Asia Cup.

Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, currently heads the ACC. However, in his role as PCB chief, he has openly criticised Pycroft, accusing him of being the cause of the controversy surrounding India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan’s players after their match on Sunday. The ICC, however, has turned down the PCB’s request to remove Pycroft.

“Can Naqvi afford to let Pakistan lose approximately USD 16 million from a projected budget of USD 227 million for the fiscal year? That would represent about seven per cent of the PCB’s annual revenue,” a source said.

“It will be a delicate situation for him. However, as one of Pakistan’s key ministers, he must also maintain his respect in front of his fellow countrymen,” a source added.

Should Pakistan withdraw, it could face resistance in the ACC board, with other directors likely to oppose Pakistan receiving its 15% share without participating in the marquee event.

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