New Delhi, February 7: A resolution is anticipated soon regarding the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may request an increase in annual funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On Sunday, the Pakistani government announced that its team would not play the group-stage match against India at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. This decision could potentially cost world cricket over $250 million.
A source informed TelecomAsia.net, “Pakistan’s firm stance has positioned them better for negotiating demands that the PCB has had for several years. Given that Pakistan plays a crucial role in the highest-grossing matches, they deserve increased funding.”
According to reports, Pakistan currently receives $34.5 million annually from the ICC pool, ranking fourth after India, England, and Australia.
The report also mentioned that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged Pakistan to reconsider its position. As co-hosts, they could face significant foreign currency losses due to a large number of Indian fans attending the match and the associated gate revenue.
The source added, “In addition to increasing revenue, Pakistan is also trying to persuade the ICC to negotiate with the cricket control board to resume bilateral relations, which will be challenging since the decision to not play the full series lies with the government. The BCCI has no role in this.”
The report cited a source stating, “There is no possibility of resuming bilateral series until the Indian government approves these relations. Pakistan may also argue that Indian players should adhere to the ethical requirements of the sport and shake hands with Pakistani players to uphold the spirit of the game, which the ICC has always emphasized.”
The PCB has indicated to intermediaries that they can persuade the Pakistani government if their demands are met.
The PCB is engaged in backdoor negotiations with the ICC, with Imran Khwaja from the Singapore Cricket Association and Pankaj Khimji from Oman acting as mediators. According to a source connected to the matter, a solution appears to be on the horizon to advance the match that generates the highest revenue for the T20 World Cup.