PCB estimates revenue of $650m from proposed annual four-team series

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) four-team T20I competition could generate up to USD 650 million as per the estimation of the cricket board, which is approximately PKR 11,895 crores. 

The proposal includes Pakistan, India, Australia and England playing a single-league T20 tournament annually, and the concept will be presented officially at the ICC Board meeting next week in Dubai.

The PCB has suggested a window for the event in September-October that could be an ideal period because it is the beginning of the season in Australia, India and Pakistan and near the end of the English season.

The format is planned for a single-league structure of six league games, concluded by either a one-off or best-of-three finals, played in two weeks. Hosting rights for the tournament are expected to run on a rotational basis, with ICC taking control of the event.

The estimation suggests that such a tournament could bring in USD 650 million through media and commercial rights and that the money would be distributed between the four sides and other ICC members.

 It is not clear what the distribution share will be of the revenue. Still, it is thought that a significant portion could go towards the non-participating Full Members and Associate members for their development.

"This is a strategic paper in which the ICC and its members have been encouraged and invited to explore an untapped event opportunity around traditional rivalries in cricket, turn them into a cricket extravaganza, attract a new generation of cricketers, speed up cricket development and maximise revenues for the members," a PCB official familiar with the plan told ESPNcricinfo.

"This concept not only provides context; it will also become a much-anticipated event across the globe as cricket fans and followers want to see Pakistan play India or Australia take on England or India meet England or Pakistan face Australia on an annual basis." PCB official added.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja has repeatedly mentioned this concept since he took over the office last year, but no details have been shared. Ramiz will formally present the proposal in Dubai next week along with the board CEO Faisal Hasnain. 

The meeting also holds great value for shaping the next Future Tour Programme (FTP).

The response of other proposed participants is yet to be seen, but the Indian board has shown no interest in the event since the idea was shared. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political relations between the two countries. Both the teams have only faced each other in ICC events since 2013.

The chances of acceptance of the proposal are unlikely as the ICC calendar is full of events. There are four men's T20 World Cups between 2023-2031 and the domestic T20 leagues most Full Members are now running, which means that space in the calendar is non-existent - unless some of the bilateral commitments are sacrificed.

PCB emphasized that the proposal is not to devalue ICC events but to add another short event to the calendar with strong commercial value.

"The ICC tried the ICC Super Series in 2005, so there is no harm in testing waters for another event," a PCB official said.

 "This event will also bring another nation vs nation event in a cricket calendar that is increasingly influenced by the mushrooming of various T20 leagues worldwide. Because of that, bilateral T20Is have become meaningless. The four-nation Super Series can fill the vacuum." PCB official concluded.