The Government of Pakistan has allowed the national team to take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup but has decided not to play a scheduled February 15 match against India.

Pakistan reportedly took the decision in solidarity with Bangladesh in a move that has triggered major financial concerns for Indian broadcasters.

The Pakistan-India clash ranks as the most valuable fixture in world cricket. Reports estimate that Indian broadcasters could lose nearly $250 million (around 70 billion Pakistani rupees) if the match is not played. The ICC could also lose millions of dollars in gate revenue.

Industry estimates suggest that almost half of the total revenue generated from the T20 World Cup depends on the Pak-India fixture. The boycott is expected to impact broadcasters, advertisers and tournament stakeholders.

Pakistan receives around $35 million each year as its revenue share from the ICC. Following broadcaster losses, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face legal action from the ICC over commercial commitments.

The decision follows Bangladesh’s request to shift all its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The request came after the BCCI removed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League amid reported threats from Hindu extremist groups.

Bangladesh argued that if India could not guarantee the safety of a single player, it could not ensure the security of an entire team during a global event.

Instead of addressing the concerns, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. Pakistan termed the move unfair and pointed out that the ICC had earlier allowed India to play at a neutral venue after it refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan said it stood firmly with Bangladesh and called the denial of similar consideration an injustice.

Earlier, Pakistan had linked its participation in the tournament to government approval. After PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week, the government announced on Sunday that Pakistan would skip the high-profile match against India.

Despite the decision, Pakistan remains well placed to qualify for the next round based on its remaining group matches.