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NEW DELHI: There may not be an official announcement from ICC yet, but they are covering all bases if Team India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year, Cricbuzz reported.
The ICC has reportedly sanctioned a budget of around $65 million during its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo. The approved budget covers expenses related to hosting several matches in locations other than Pakistan.
According to the report, the contentious topic of India’s potential involvement or absence was not addressed during various discussions at the ICC AGM.However, a contingency has been made, just in case.
The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval note states that “PCB has signed Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget which is submitted F&CA for approval. Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in the cost of staging the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan.” The ICC, however, did not discuss what will be the venue/venues ‘outside Pakistan.’
The CEC note further says, “A planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway in all three venues to upgrade facilities.” Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the earmarked venues and it is learnt that the PCB has undertaken work on refurbishing those three centres.
Regarding the budget, around $35 million has been allocated for the competition itself, with an additional $20 million earmarked for participation and prize money. Another $10 million has been approved to cover the production costs of televising the 15-match, 20-day tournament, Cricbuzz report claimed.
As previously reported by Cricbuzz, the budget estimate was determined after Ankur Khanna, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the ICC, spent three days in Lahore in June collaborating with Javed Murtuza, the CFO of the PCB, to address the matter.
The ICC has reportedly circulated a tentative schedule to all relevant parties, such as broadcasters and participating teams. The proposed schedule is said to be mostly in line with what was anticipated. Notably, all of India’s games are planned to take place in Lahore, including the eagerly awaited India-Pakistan encounter, which is slated for Saturday, March 1.
The tournament features two groups, with India and Pakistan being joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
India’s other matches are scheduled as follows: February 20 against Bangladesh and February 23 against New Zealand. The competition will kick off with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The two semifinals are planned for Karachi on March 5 and Pindi on March 6, with the final set to take place in Lahore on March 9. However, these venues may change based on decisions from the Indian team and the Government of India. An ICC team will visit Pakistan next month to inspect the three venues.
The ICC has allocated a week-long duration, spanning from February 12th to 18th, which will serve as a ‘support period’ for the participating teams. This designated timeframe will allow the teams to participate in practice matches, helping them prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Additionally, the teams will be involved in various media and promotional events, adhering to the predetermined guidelines set by the organizing committee. In case of any unforeseen circumstances affecting the final match, March 10th has been set aside as a reserve day.
The ICC has reportedly sanctioned a budget of around $65 million during its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo. The approved budget covers expenses related to hosting several matches in locations other than Pakistan.
According to the report, the contentious topic of India’s potential involvement or absence was not addressed during various discussions at the ICC AGM.However, a contingency has been made, just in case.
The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval note states that “PCB has signed Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget which is submitted F&CA for approval. Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in the cost of staging the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan.” The ICC, however, did not discuss what will be the venue/venues ‘outside Pakistan.’
The CEC note further says, “A planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway in all three venues to upgrade facilities.” Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the earmarked venues and it is learnt that the PCB has undertaken work on refurbishing those three centres.
Regarding the budget, around $35 million has been allocated for the competition itself, with an additional $20 million earmarked for participation and prize money. Another $10 million has been approved to cover the production costs of televising the 15-match, 20-day tournament, Cricbuzz report claimed.
As previously reported by Cricbuzz, the budget estimate was determined after Ankur Khanna, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the ICC, spent three days in Lahore in June collaborating with Javed Murtuza, the CFO of the PCB, to address the matter.
The ICC has reportedly circulated a tentative schedule to all relevant parties, such as broadcasters and participating teams. The proposed schedule is said to be mostly in line with what was anticipated. Notably, all of India’s games are planned to take place in Lahore, including the eagerly awaited India-Pakistan encounter, which is slated for Saturday, March 1.
The tournament features two groups, with India and Pakistan being joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
India’s other matches are scheduled as follows: February 20 against Bangladesh and February 23 against New Zealand. The competition will kick off with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The two semifinals are planned for Karachi on March 5 and Pindi on March 6, with the final set to take place in Lahore on March 9. However, these venues may change based on decisions from the Indian team and the Government of India. An ICC team will visit Pakistan next month to inspect the three venues.
The ICC has allocated a week-long duration, spanning from February 12th to 18th, which will serve as a ‘support period’ for the participating teams. This designated timeframe will allow the teams to participate in practice matches, helping them prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Additionally, the teams will be involved in various media and promotional events, adhering to the predetermined guidelines set by the organizing committee. In case of any unforeseen circumstances affecting the final match, March 10th has been set aside as a reserve day.
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