In the world of international cricket, money isn’t just talking—it’s practically shouting. The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the ICC Champions Trophy has now transformed into a global financial drama. The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have brought things to a head, with the ICC caught in the middle and could incur a massive loss of almost Rs 6,000 crore!
Broadcasters shot warning at ICC for Champions Trophy
At the heart of the matter is a warning from the broadcaster, Star India, which has reminded the ICC of the massive financial losses it would incur if India were to pull out of the tournament. The Indian Government has firmly decided not to send the Men in Blue to Pakistan, the original hosts for the ICC Champions Trophy. We’re talking about a staggering Rs. 5720 crore (approximately $675 million) in media rights value if BCCI doesn’t participate in the upcoming ICC mega event. This figure is according to the Times of India.
The broadcaster’s note has laid bare the numbers, and they’re eye-watering. If India pulls out, the ICC stands to lose a whopping 90% of the media rights value. The media rights value by ICC, specially sold for India, is valued at a whopping $750 million. On the other hand, if Pakistan pulls out, the loss would be significantly less, at less than 10%. Star India, the primary broadcaster, has already sounded the alarm bells with a detailed note to the ICC for the financial implications.
Massive loss for ICC?
Let’s break down the numbers:
- Total value of Champions Trophy media rights: US$750 million (Rs 6354 crore)
- Total matches in the tournament: 15
- Potential loss if India pulls out: 90% of total media rights value (Rs 5720 crore)
- Potential loss if Pakistan pulls out: Less than 10% (Rs 635 crore)
The PCB has threatened to pull out of the tournament if it’s not hosted in Pakistan, while the BCCI is likely to resist the idea of hosting it in the UAE as a neutral venue. The ICC is in a tight spot, and it remains to be seen how it will resolve this crisis.
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