In a major commercial and diplomatic escalation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially withheld the broadcast and media rights for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 in the Indian market.
The move, confirmed on February 4, 2026, serves as a retaliatory step following the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the high-voltage India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
PSL 11 Media Rights: The “Excluding India” Clause
While the PCB successfully concluded the sale of its international media rights, it deliberately omitted India from the tender process.
- The Deal: Global media rights (excluding India) were awarded to Walee Technologies for a one-year period.
- Commercial Growth: Despite the Indian exclusion, the PCB reported a staggering 149% increase in the value of international rights compared to the previous cycle.
- The “India Gap”: In 2025, platforms like Sony Sports Network and FanCode held the rights in India but suspended coverage midway through the season following the Pahalgam terror attack. For the 2026 season, no Indian broadcaster has been onboarded.
The T20 World Cup Standoff
The withholding of PSL rights is deeply intertwined with the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 crisis. The Pakistan government has permitted its team to participate in the tournament (starting February 7) but has forbidden them from playing against India.
The Looming ICC Sanctions
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a stern warning to the PCB regarding this boycott:
- Financial Penalties: The ICC may withhold Pakistan’s entire annual revenue share (approx. $35.5 million) to compensate broadcasters for the loss of the marquee India-Pakistan fixture.
- Lawsuits: Host broadcasters, including JioStar, could reportedly sue both the ICC and PCB for a breach of contract, as the India-Pakistan game is a primary driver of advertising revenue (estimated loss of ₹200–₹250 crore per game).
- Player Bans: There are reports that the ICC could retaliate by denying No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to international players intending to play in the PSL, which would significantly dilute the league’s quality.
Timeline: What’s Next?
| Date | Event | Status |
| February 7, 2026 | T20 World Cup Begins | Pakistan to play non-India fixtures. |
| February 11, 2026 | PSL 11 Players’ Auction | Set to take place in Lahore. |
| February 12, 2026 | Bangladesh Elections | Potential “U-turn” date for PCB/Pakistan Govt. |
| February 15, 2026 | IND vs. PAK Match | Colombo, Sri Lanka (Boycott Threat Active). |
| March 26, 2026 | PSL 11 Begins | No broadcast scheduled for India. |