ICC greenlights budget for Champions Trophy 2025 — here is all you need to know!
International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy seen at a ground in this undated image. — AFP/file
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a budget of Rs12.80 billion for Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February to March next year.
This allocation, prepared by ICC's Chief Finance Officer Ankur Khanna and PCB's Chief Finance Officer Javed Murtaza, will fund the renovation of venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, there is uncertainty about India's participation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to decide if the Indian team will travel to Pakistan or play at a neutral venue.
The PCB has proposed a schedule that includes India playing all its matches in Lahore, with the India-Pakistan clash scheduled for March 1.
The semifinals and final will also be held in Lahore if India progresses to those stages.
A senior BCCI official confirmed there were no discussions with the PCB about the Champions Trophy during the recent ICC conference, emphasising that the matter will be handled by the ICC.
Also read: Pakistan finalises Champions Trophy budget with ICC consultation
Security will be a top priority, with substantial funds allocated to ensure the safety of visiting teams and officials.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is attending a meeting in Colombo, assured that the same security measures successfully used for previous tours by Australia and England will be in place.
In addition to security, major expenditures include board and lodging, and chartered flights for teams. The PCB has also begun significant renovations of the stadiums to be used for the tournament.
This will be Pakistan's first major international cricket event in 28 years, and the PCB aims to host it in a "befitting manner."
The ICC's Financial and Commercial Committee meeting discussed various aspects, including security, prize money, and environmental sustainability, under the theme “Capitalising on the Olympic Opportunity."