Champions Trophy 2025 budget swells as ICC prepares for potential shift of India matches

Additional funds aim to ensure smooth execution of India matches if relocated from Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allocated supplementary expenses to the budget for the Champions Trophy 2025, anticipating the potential relocation of India’s matches outside Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has tasked the ICC with persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow its team to play in Pakistan for the upcoming tournament.

Set for the first quarter of next year, the Champions Trophy budget was approved during ICC meetings in Colombo. However, the schedule and format remain undiscussed, according to a PCB source.

An Indian media report stated that the PCB has already submitted all necessary details in its expression of interest document with the ICC.

The ICC now holds the responsibility of finalising and announcing the tournament schedule, as well as securing BCCI’s confirmation regarding the Indian team's travel to Pakistan.

The ICC’s budget now includes additional costs to cover scenarios where India might have to play its matches outside Pakistan.

The BCCI has historically stated that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision for the Indian government.

In the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka under a 'Hybrid Model.'

According to the draft schedule, all of India's matches, including a potential semi-final and final, are slated for Lahore.

The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled for 1 March next year.