Key points
- Broadcasters, sponsors avoid major revenue losses
- Travel, hotel demand surges in Colombo
- Pakistan government clears team participation
ISLAMABAD: The confirmation of the much-anticipated Pakistan–India match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reportedly prevented significant financial damage for the International Cricket Council (ICC), with Indian media estimating potential losses of nearly USD 174 million had the fixture been called off.
The projected losses were calculated by assessing broadcasting revenues, ticket sales and sponsorship agreements, all of which faced uncertainty amid speculation surrounding the status of the match. The Pakistan–India contest is widely considered the most commercially valuable fixture in international cricket, reports Indian media.
Following confirmation that the match would go ahead, there was an immediate spike in travel demand, particularly between India and Sri Lanka. Media reports noted a sharp increase in airfares on the Mumbai–Colombo route, with ticket prices rising by between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 60,000 shortly after the announcement.
Colombo’s hospitality sector
Colombo’s hospitality sector has also welcomed the development. Hotel operators revealed that some fans had previously sought to cancel reservations, citing plans to boycott Pakistan’s matches. Others had contacted hotels to inquire about refund policies for tickets related to the Pakistan–India encounter.
It is worth noting that the Government of Pakistan formally directed the national men’s team to participate in the match against India, scheduled for February 15 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. A federal government statement said the decision followed extensive consultations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The statement also referred to appeals from several cricket boards and a telephone conversation between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the call, President Dissanayake reportedly stressed the strong cricketing relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and urged a cooperative resolution.
Prime Minister Shehbaz subsequently authorised the PCB to proceed with the fixture. Shortly afterwards, the BCB issued a statement praising the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their continued support following Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament.
The decision followed a lengthy meeting in Pakistan involving an ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and BCB President Aminul Islam, during which a framework was reportedly agreed to address outstanding concerns.
