ICC Greenlights $70 Million Budget for Pakistan Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned a budget of around USD 70 million for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The budget, approved by the ICC's financial and commercial committee led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, allocates USD 4.5 million for potential additional expenses. India and Pakistan's matches drive significant revenue, as demonstrated in recent tournaments.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned a budget of approximately USD 70 million for the forthcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, slated for early next year.

A source within the ICC disclosed on Thursday that the budget was scrutinized and approved by the ICC's financial and commercial committee, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. This budget was jointly prepared and submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC finance department.

"The approximate budget is around USD 70 million with USD 4.5 million allocated for additional expenses," the source stated. The approval has sparked speculation regarding contingency plans if India chooses not to send its team to Pakistan, necessitating games at alternate venues. However, the source indicated that the USD 4.5 million allocation might be insufficient for such significant logistical changes.

In addition, Jay Shah, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council, oversaw decisions to host the T20 format Asia Cup in 2025 in India and the 50-over format Asia Cup in 2027 in Bangladesh. Tentatively, India and Pakistan are grouped together for next year's Asia Cup, potentially leading to multiple high-stakes matches.

Despite logistical challenges and expenses, the 2023 Asia Cup, held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was profitable, primarily due to high-revenue matches between India and Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)