The rising tensions between India and Pakistan are affecting cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to avoid grouping India and Pakistan together in ICC tournaments.
This move could reduce matches between the two teams. If India fully boycotts Pakistan and Bangladesh, both cricket boards will struggle financially.
Financial Impact on Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan could lose up to ₹220 crore if India boycotts them. India doesn’t play bilateral series with Pakistan and doesn’t travel to Pakistan for ICC tournaments.
During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan was the host, but India played all their matches in Dubai, including the final.
If India doesn’t play Pakistan in ICC events, Pakistan could lose ₹168 crore per tournament cycle, with estimated losses between $15 million and $20 million per tournament.
Impact on Bangladesh Cricket
Bangladesh will also struggle if India boycotts them. When India last toured Bangladesh, they earned ₹80 crore.
Without bilateral series with India, Bangladesh will lose ₹100 crore per series.
In ICC events, if India doesn’t play Bangladesh, the loss could be ₹130 crore.
India is set to receive ₹1900 crore annually from the ICC for broadcasting rights from 2024 to 2027.
Escalating Tensions and Cricket
Tensions between the two nations escalated after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.
The Indian Army and Air Force retaliated by destroying nine terrorist camps in Pakistan.
This operation was followed by a tribute to Indian soldiers during the KKR vs CSK match in the IPL.
The Indian government has also banned several big Pakistani players’ and the Pakistan Super League’s accounts in India.