ICC approves $70 million budget for Pakistan-hosted 2025 Champions Trophy: report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a substantial budget of approximately $70 million for hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year in February-March.

According to the media reports, the budget was scrutinized and approved by the ICC's financial and commercial committee, chaired by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

The budget was a joint submission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC Finance Department.

"The approximate budget is around $70 million, with $4.5 million allocated for additional expenses," the source revealed.

The approval of the budget and the additional expenses has led to speculation that these funds might be reserved in case India refuses to send its team to Pakistan, necessitating some matches to be played at alternate venues. 

However, the source noted that the $4.5 million earmarked for additional expenses might be insufficient to cover the costs of relocating matches from Pakistan.

Jay Shah, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), oversaw the decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup in 2025 to India and the 50-over format Asia Cup in 2027 to Bangladesh. 

The source indicated that for next year's Asia Cup, India and Pakistan are in the same group, with the potential for a second match in the tournament's super four stage. A third match could occur if both teams reach the final.

The ACC managed to profit from the 2023 Asia Cup, held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, despite venue changes and additional expenses. 

"The profits were driven by the India and Pakistan games," the source disclosed.