ICC to review budget overshoot in T20 World Cup's US phase

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the apex body of cricket, is set to review the significant cost overruns during the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies. 

An urgent meeting of ICC directors in Colombo over the weekend is scheduled to address the situation that led to an additional $20 million expenditure during the T20 World Cup's US leg. 

Cricket West Indies (CWI) will also come under scrutiny for poor management during the event, while discussions regarding the Champions Trophy 2025 are expected to spark debate.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the initial budget for the USA leg of the tournament was estimated at $40-50 million. This included $15 million for operational expenses and approximately $30 million for the construction of a temporary stadium outside New York City.

 However, just before the World Cup commenced, T20 World Cup USA Inc., a US-based entity created by the ICC's commercial arm IBC (ICC Business Corporation) to manage the US leg, requested an additional $20 million.

This last-minute request made by IBC could have sat better with several directors. According to one official involved in organising and running the tournament, the $20 million sought by T20 World Cup USA Inc. was necessary to support cash flow and pay people and was not an additional budget but a loan injection.

While the cost review is a significant agenda item, the major attraction will be the ICC’s stance on the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February next year. 

Media reports suggest that India will not travel to Pakistan, leading to discussions about a hybrid model for the tournament. 

Though nothing is official yet, the ICC is expected to have a detailed discussion on this issue before announcing the tournament schedule.