DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a budget of USD 70 million to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in February-March, Times of India reported Thursday.
According to the report, ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah made the decision after a thorough scrutiny of the budget, jointly prepared and submitted by the PCB and the ICC Finance Department, Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted a source close to the apex cricketing body saying.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the allocation of the additional budget sparked speculations that it was granted to host some matches at some other venue besides Pakistan if India do not travel to their neighbouring country.
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For the unversed, the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
Reports further claimed that the board is planning to formally propose Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.
Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.
It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
READ: ICC approves budget for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan