There was a palpable tension at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Just an hour before their Asia Cup clash against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, the Pakistan team remained holed up in their hotel. It looked as though Salman Agha’s squad might follow through on their threat to withdraw from the tournament, all stemming from their insistence on the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. Yet, despite Pycroft retaining his officiating role, Pakistan’s players and support staff eventually made their way to the field, signaling a surprising turnaround.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later issued a statement on X, attempting to explain their eleventh-hour decision to play. They claimed that the 69-year-old match referee had offered an apology for preventing captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav from shaking hands during the coin toss in Sunday’s highly anticipated match against India.
While Pakistan’s initial demand to have Pycroft removed from the tournament was ultimately unsuccessful, their decision to proceed with the competition was heavily influenced by significant financial pressures.
Estimates suggest that a withdrawal from the Asia Cup could have cost the PCB a staggering $10 million to $15 million in lost revenue. This substantial figure is tied to the lucrative media rights deal, which Sony secured for $170 million for the 2024-31 Asia Cup cycle. With four men’s tournaments expected in this period, each event is valued at approximately $42.5 million. Since the five full-member nations are entitled to a 15% share of the overall revenue pool – which includes sponsorships and ticket sales – Pakistan’s anticipated earnings for the year would have suffered a severe blow.
Furthermore, the threat of financial penalties from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), influenced by pressure from broadcasters and other member boards, was a major concern. These crucial financial considerations ultimately persuaded Pakistan to participate.