If the match fails to take place as scheduled, Indian broadcaster JioStar could cancel its broadcast and sponsorship agreements with the ICC, according to a report by British daily The Guardian.
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match came in protest against Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. Bangladesh had refused to travel to India citing security concerns and requested a venue shift to Sri Lanka.
The ICC, however, rejected the request and instead included Scotland in the competition.
As per the official fixture list, the India–Pakistan group-stage match is scheduled for 15 February. The ICC’s $3 billion media rights deal with JioStar is heavily dependent on high-profile clashes between the two arch-rivals in every global tournament.
An India–Pakistan fixture alone is estimated to be linked to around $500 million in media rights revenue for the ICC. If the match is called off, JioStar could demand a substantial refund, potentially dragging the ICC into legal complications.
ICC officials are therefore keen to continue discussions until the final moment. A crucial meeting is scheduled to take place in Colombo next week, where a final decision on the issue may be reached.
