Lahore: By refusing to play against India in the ongoing ICC T20I World Cup, Pakistan had wanted to show the world that it stands in solidarity with Bangladesh that refused to play its matches in India and got subsequently replaced by Scotland.
However, it is now clear that its decision had nothing to do with Bangladesh. Pakistan was just out to extract its own pound of flesh by arm-twisting the ICC into paying it a greater share of revenue.
During a meeting in Lahore on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) placed three demands before the ICC that would have to be met if it is to consult its government and explore the possibility of playing the match against India on February 15, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Apart from an increased share of revenue, the PCB had demanded restoration of bilateral cricket ties with India and enforcement of the handshake protocol.
While the ICC can take a decision on whether to pay more to Pakistan, it has little say on restoration of bilateral cricket ties with India. This is a decision that both governments will have to take. Given the present state of diplomatic ties between the two countries, it is unlikely that India would agree.
Enforcement of the handshake protocol is again a contentious issue. It is solely upon a members of a team to decide whether they wish to shake hands with their opponents. The ICC can, at best, impose a fine.
India-Pakistan matches generate huge broadcasting revenue, hence the ICC decided on a meeting with the PCB after the latter said that Pakistan would not play India in the group match, despite the venue being Sri Lanka. The ICC subsequently attempted to negotiate with Pakistan and held a meeting with PCB officials.
While ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta joined the discussions via Zoom, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul were present in Lahore.
According to India Today, Cricbuzz has further reported that Bangladesh may also seek compensation from the ICC, a settlement that Pakistan is expected to help broker as part of the ongoing negotiations.
According to the report, Pakistan is currently the fourth-highest earners from ICC revenue distributions. The PCB receives 5.75 per cent of the total revenue generated by the ICC. As per 2023 figures, Pakistan earn USD 34.51 million annually from the ICC, funds that are crucial to sustaining the country’s cricketing ecosystem. Only three boards earn more than the PCB: Cricket Australia (USD 128 million), the England and Wales Cricket Board (USD 139 million), and the BCCI (USD 293 million).
