Broadcasters Threaten Lawsuit After Pakistan T20 WC Boycott

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing the threat of a high-value legal case from T20 World Cup broadcaster JioStar after Pakistan decided to boycott its February 15 match against India .

The potential case would be a civil lawsuit for breach of contract , as the broadcaster’s four-year ICC deal explicitly included India–Pakistan matches , which are central to viewership and revenue . Sources said the lawsuit could seek financial compensation for losses, and may also name the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a co-defendant, since the match is part of its officially organized tournament.

The ICC has warned the PCB of serious consequences , including withholding Pakistan’s annual revenue share of around USD 35 million , if the boycott continues. Any appeal by PCB to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) is unlikely to succeed, as the body does not hear challenges to decisions taken by the ICC Board.

As of now, the PCB has not formally responded in writing to the ICC or the broadcaster. Sources said chairman Mohsin Naqvi , who is also Pakistan’s interior minister , had consulted legal advisors before briefing the Prime Minister. Despite this, the board is bracing for financial and legal fallout .

Observers noted that the boycott is politically motivated , reportedly in solidarity with Bangladesh following recent political developments. There is speculation that Naqvi could reconsider the decision after Bangladesh’s general elections on February 12 , to avoid Pakistan’s possible isolation in international cricket .