The threat of Pakistan to withdraw from the current Asian Cup on requests to withdraw the CPI match referee, Andy PYCROFT, could cost them between 12 and 16 million USD income.The annual distribution of annual income of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) allocates 15% each to five test countries – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan – totaling 75%, the associated countries sharing the remaining 25%.
Income sources include broadcasting offers, sponsorships and ticket office, Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to gain USD 12 to 16 million on this Asian Cup.Sony Pictures Network India had concluded an eight -year contract worth 170 million USD with the ACC, covering the period from 2024 to 2031, including the diffusion rights for the Women’s Asian Cup and the Men’s Asian Cup for 19 years.The PCB chief Naqvi, who is also the federal minister of Pakistan for control of the interior and narcotics and directs the ACC, criticized Pycroft for the controversy surrounding the refusal of the Indian team to shake hands with the Pakistani players after their recent match.The ICC rejected the PCB request to remove Pycroft as a match arrangement.“Can NAQVI risk that Pakistan lost approximately 16 million USD on a planned budget of USD 227 million for the financial year?A withdrawal could compromise the position of PCB in the ACC board’s room, potentially affecting their annual share of 15% for not having participated in a major event.The double role of NAQVI as chief of the ACC would also be faced with the challenges of the official diffuser, who could refuse to pay the agreed costs.The India-Pakistan match generates significant income, and a withdrawal would result in substantial losses for the broadcaster, which sells advertising slots at premium prices for these matches.The situation leaves Pakistan with limited options and more to lose than gain.As Timesofindia.com reported it on Wednesday, Pycroft should sit on the Pakistan match against the United Arab Emirates, with Richie Richardson likely to intervene.
