What I wrote about the possible losses to advertisers and broadcasters in the event that India does not go ahead in the World Cup, has been confirmed by the morning headlines in the newspapers.
Check this story in Times of India.
There are going to be a LOT more prayers that are going to be said to take India ahead!
Random Musings 
I am amazed that the advertising is not a “world cup contract” but rather stage-by-stage contract.
If it was a “world cup contract” then it would have really no impact on the broadcaster but failed campaigns for the advertisers.
It is a dynamic contract. The advertisers are long term clients for the broadcaster, e.g. Hero Honda, LG, Hutch, etc. And its clearly a demand-supply situation. For example, if India make it to the finals, then the broadcaster will also go and ask for more money. So this adjustment is part of the arrangement, inspite of the overall contract, or what have you.
In fact, there are some campaigns, e.g. the Pepsi one, where they talk about the Indian team, and go and win, etc. Those CANNOT make sense once India is out from the first round itself.. !