PCB’s press conference cancellation sparks fresh controversy
Boycott threat looms but risks elimination and huge losses
IND vs PAK matches generate record-breaking ad revenues
Tonight's India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025, to be played in Dubai, UAE, is more than just a cricket match; as cliché as it may sound, it's the economic heartbeat of the sport.
Expectedly, the build-up to Sunday's IND vs PAK match is tense. Unverified reports and social media speculation swirl, with narratives shaped to suit partisan agendas.
A couple of confirmed developments, though, are: the Pakistan team trained and reportedly chanted "6-0" to fire themselves up, in apparent reference to Pakistan's claims of downing Indian aircraft(s) during the recent military standoff; and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cancelled their scheduled press conference on Saturday, the eve of the match.
Deja Vu: Press Conference Drama And Pycroft's Return
This press conference cancellation mirrors Pakistan's earlier move before facing the UAE -- a must-win group stage game they eventually won after match referee Andy Pycroft was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the handshake saga involving Indian players.
Pycroft is set to officiate tonight's match, too. So, could Pakistan realistically boycott the game?
Technically, yes. But practically, it’s a minefield.
Had Pakistan skipped their match against the UAE, they'd have faced immediate elimination, forfeited points, and suffered an estimated financial loss of ₹106–141 crore (USD 12–16 million).
Beyond that, the PCB risked sanctions from the ICC and a cut in revenue share from the ACC - especially debilitating given PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also heads the ACC.
Under ACC and ICC rules, as with any sporting body, boycotting a scheduled match is treated as a forfeit, awarding full points to the opposition. With such high stakes - financial, regulatory, and reputational -- Pakistan may posture, but a boycott remains an unlikely gamble.
Of Course, This Is A Billion-Rupee Rivalry
These IND vs PAK encounters consistently dominate the cricketing calendar, accounting for over 50% of total tournament viewership and generating record-breaking revenue.
According to industry analysts, over the past two decades, India vs Pakistan matches have reportedly brought in a staggering ₹10,000 crore, cementing their status as the crown jewel of cricket broadcasting.
Advertising and sponsorship figures are equally jaw-dropping. A single IND vs PAK fixture can yield over ₹500 crore in ad inventory, with 10-second TV slots selling for ₹14–16 lakh.
Digital sponsorship packages fetch up to ₹30 crore, and online engagement remains strong even when stadium attendance dips.
As the India and Pakistan teams take the field tonight in Dubai, the stakes go far beyond runs and wickets.
