ICC Approves USD 70 Million Budget for Pakistan Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a substantial budget of approximately USD 70 million to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in early 2023. This decision was made after a thorough review by the ICC's financial and commercial committee, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

The budget, jointly submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC finance department, includes an additional USD 4.5 million allocated for unforeseen expenses. This has raised speculation that the backup funds may be intended to cover the potential relocation of matches if India decides not to send its team to Pakistan.

However, sources close to the ICC have indicated that the additional amount is insufficient to cover the costs of moving matches from Pakistan. The tentative format for the tournament places India and Pakistan in the same group, potentially leading to a second match in the super four stage and a third in the final if both teams qualify.

Despite concerns over venue changes and additional expenses during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) managed to make a profit. This was largely attributed to the high-profile matches between India and Pakistan.

Jay Shah, who also chairs the ACC, presided over the decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup to India in 2025 and the 50-over format Asia Cup to Bangladesh in 2027.

Tags: #ICC, #ChampionsTrophy, #Pakistan, #Cricket, #Budget