Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials are sceptical about Pakistan’s match ‘boycott’ row. The India-Pakistan turmoil is far from resolving rather, it is getting more complicated day to day.
Interestingly, a part of BCB officials is not pleased with Pakistan’s decision. Given the geopolitics, arch-rivalry, and history, the Pakistan-India match is one of the most popular and highest revenue-generating matches, with the numbers touching a ceiling of USD 500 million (Rs 4,500 crore). PCB’s boycott will lead to hefty financial loss.
In a recent interview with Prothom Alo, a senior BCB director stated, “If the India-Pakistan match does not take place, the entire cricketing world will face financial losses. Even our dividend will decrease. We did not want such losses.”
The official, with the condition of anonymity, added that Pakistan’s strategy behind the step was very apparent. “Pakistan wanted to send a strong message to Indian cricket. They wanted to challenge India’s dominance. From that perspective, the decision may make sense.”
Another official closely involved in the decision to exclude Bangladesh expressed concern, according to the same report, that the move would lead to a decline in ICC revenues.
“This will directly affect the ICC’s central revenue pool. Like everyone else, we are also stakeholders in that fund. Take Kenya or Uganda, for example. They would be satisfied with USD 100,000-200,000. But given our infrastructure, how will we survive if ICC revenues decline?” the BCB director stated.
