Bangladesh Fears Major Financial Losses if Pakistan Boycotts India Match | Reports

The Bangladesh Cricket Board reportedly fears major financial losses after Pakistan confirmed its boycott of the India clash, putting ICC revenues and member dividends at risk.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed concern over potential financial losses following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India. Pakistan took the step after Bangladesh exited the tournament for refusing to travel to India. Bangladesh was later replaced by Scotland in Group C. Pakistan continues to argue that Bangladesh deserved a neutral venue.

The India–Pakistan fixture remains one of cricket’s biggest revenue drivers. A cancellation on February 15 in Colombo could impact broadcasters and ICC member boards.

According to reports from Prothom Alo, the BCB fears reduced dividends from the ICC revenue pool. Bangladesh already faces a lower income after missing the 20-team World Cup starting February 7. Officials warned that falling ICC revenue would hurt boards with higher operating costs.

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“If the India–Pakistan match does not take place, the entire cricketing world will face financial losses. Even our dividend will decrease. We did not want such losses,” a senior BCB official was quoted as saying.

“This will directly affect the ICC’s central revenue pool. Like everyone else, we are also stakeholders in that fund. Take Kenya or Uganda, for example. They would be satisfied with a USD 100,000-200,000. But given our infrastructure, how will we survive if ICC revenues decline?” they added.

Bangladesh Divided Over Pakistan’s Boycott Call

While financial concerns remain, some sections within the BCB also supported Pakistan’s stance against the ICC. Officials felt the move aimed to challenge India’s influence in world cricket. They viewed Pakistan’s decision as a strong response to Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament.

“Pakistan wanted to send a strong message to Indian cricket. They wanted to challenge India’s dominance. From that perspective, the decision may make sense,” a BCB official was quoted as saying in the report.

“The ICC excluded us without properly listening to our position. Some response was inevitable. Pakistan’s decision not to play India is a very significant development,” another official remarked.

The 20-team T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. The high-profile India vs Pakistan match will take place on February 15 in Colombo.