To host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a budget of around USD 70 million.
According to a source close to the ICC, the decision was made by the ICC’s financial and commercial committee chaired by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The PCB and ICC finance department jointly prepared the budget as stated by news agency Parami News.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” said the source.
The approval of total budget and additional expenses has led to speculation that backup funds may be in place if India decides not send its team to Pakistan thereby necessitating movement of some matches to other venues.
Furthermore, according to our source, $4.5m extra won’t really be enough considering all moving costs from Pakistan are covered within this sum.
Jay Shah, who also heads up ACC (Asian Cricket Council), presided over these decisions. He decided that T20 format Asia Cup would go to India in 2025 while Bangladesh will stage ACC’s flagship event for 50-over cricket in 2027.
India and Pakistan could potentially face each other again at some point later on this year during another edition of Asia Cup with tentative format for next year placing them together in one group as per our informant. “This means there might even be a second match between these two teams during super four stage followed by possible third if both teams qualify for final”.
He also mentioned that “if they qualify for the final”, there could be a third match involving these two teams.
Despite confusion caused by late venue changes and additional costs incurred during last year’s Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it was still able make money according to an anonymous insider inside Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“Those were profitable games because of India-Pakistan” he said laughing.
