India's Asia Cup Commitment Eases Pakistan's Financial Fears
Rumors of India's exit from the Asia Cup had created a stir in the cricket world, but the BCCI called it baseless. If India withdrew from the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board would have suffered huge financial losses. The PCB earns crores from Indo-Pak matches, which makes a big profit in broadcasting and sponsorship.
Recently many reports surfaced everywhere claiming that India could be out of the Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Asia Cup. This news shocked cricket fans, but soon the BCCI came out and made it clear that all such things are just rumors and not to be believed. They said that India is not going to withdraw from the Asia Cup and there is no truth in such reports.
If India was really out of the tournament, then its biggest blow would have been to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The matches between India and Pakistan are the most watched in the world, earning big money from broadcasting and sponsorship. According to reports, India's presence earns the PCB from ₹165 to ₹220 crore in every tournament.
Talking about broadcasting rights, Sony Pictures Network has bought the broadcast rights of the Asia Cup from 2024 to 2032 for around $ 170 million. This deal was also done keeping in mind India's play. If India was out, it would have affected the entire revenue model and the rest of the teams would also suffer.
At the same time, PCB is already under financial pressure. In the run-up to the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan had spent around 14 billion Pakistani rupees to upgrade its stadiums. But due to India's refusal to play in Pakistan and shifting the matches to Dubai, the PCB suffered a loss of around ₹700 crore.
Some reports behind the rumours of India's withdrawal said that India may feel a little uncomfortable after Pakistan Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi became the ACC chairman. At the same time, the recent increased tension between India and Pakistan was also fueling this discussion.
But now it is clear that India will host the Asia Cup 2025 in September and Sri Lanka will host the women's Emerging Asia Cup. In 2023 too, India participated in the tournament by playing their matches in Sri Lanka.