Pulling out not option for countries, players pay the price, controversies overshadow wins

The bottom line is they perform on the field, but decisions taken by boards, officials, or governments shape the narrative around them. Linking sports to politics can unfairly subject them to criticism for choices not of their making. The controversies grab headlines, give a talking point to TV journalists and add drama, but do they help in any way, ideally India should have stayed off the match with Pakistan if a message is what it wanted to send. The fact is pulling out is not simple, either for India or Pakistan. A withdrawal could have cost the PCB between $12–16 million, as Test-playing nations each receive 15% of the Asian Cricket Council’s annual revenue. Walking away would have meant forfeiting nearly 7% of income, according to reports Test-playing nations—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—receive 15% each of the Asian Cricket Council’s annual revenue, while associates share the remaining 25%. A pullout would cost PCB nearly 7% of revenue, leaving it isolated within the ACC