ICC adds supplementary expenses to Champions Trophy budget for possible India matches outside Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delegated the task of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The tournament, set for the first quarter of next year, recently had its budget approved during ICC meetings in Colombo, although the schedule and format were not discussed, according to a PCB source.

According to an Indian media report, the PCB has already submitted all necessary details in its expression of interest document with the ICC.

The aforementioned report further added that the PCB has now assigned the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC, which must also secure confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team's travel to Pakistan.

To address scenarios where the Indian team might have to play outside Pakistan, the ICC has included supplementary expenses in its tournament budget.

Historically, the BCCI has insisted that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government. During 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, with the marquee India vs. Pakistan match scheduled for March 1.