A $65 million budget has been authorised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Champions Trophy, which will be held in February and March of 2025. The budget also accounts for expenses in the event that a few games are scheduled at a different location. According to sources, India has refused to travel to Pakistan because of security fears and geopolitical disputes, but as of right now, the ruling body hasn’t altered its stance on the host country.
It was anticipated that the topic would be covered in several forums during the most recent AGM meeting in Colombo, however this did not happen. The Chief Executive Committee (CEC) has declared that a budget has been finalised with the understanding that the Indian Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan have inked an agreement to host the Champions Trophy. Pakistan has been given a sizable money to modernise its infrastructure in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. It should be noted that, just in case, this same budget will also be used for matches held outside of Pakistan.
“The PCB has executed the host agreement and collaborated with the management team to create an event budget, which is presented to F&CA for endorsement. According to the CEC’s clearance letter, “Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in the cost of staging the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan.”
In March 2024, a planning meeting and site inspection of the suggested match locations were held in Pakistan. All three locations are currently undergoing extensive renovations to improve their facilities,” the statement continued.
$35 million has been set aside for the construction of player-related amenities and infrastructure, $20 million for prize money and participation, and the remaining $10 million for production, according to.
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It’s interesting to note that ICC has created a preliminary schedule for the competition. On the first day of competition, Pakistan is scheduled to play New Zealand, and on February 20, India will play their first game against Bangladesh. The competition’s championship match is scheduled on March 9.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Draft Schedule:
Date | Day | Team 1 | Team 2 |
February 19 | Wednesday | New Zealand | Pakistan |
February 20 | Thursday | Bangladesh | India |
February 21 | Friday | Afghanistan | South Africa |
February 22 | Saturday | Australia | England |
February 23 | Sunday | New Zealand | India |
February 24 | Monday | Pakistan | Bangladesh |
February 25 | Tuesday | Afghanistan | England |
February 26 | Wednesday | Australia | South Africa |
February 27 | Thursday | Bangladesh | New Zealand |
February 28 | Friday | Afghanistan | Australia |
March 01 | Saturday | Pakistan | India |
March 02 | Sunday | South Africa | England |
March 05 | Wednesday | A1 | B2 |
March 06 | Thursday | B1 | A2 |
March 09 | Sunday | Winner of A1 vs B2 | Winner of B1 vs A2 |
March 10 | Monday | Reserve Day | Reserve Day |