Team India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan early next year, continues to be a major topic of discussion.
While the cricket boards of both nations have remained tight-lipped on this matter, rumours are rife that the Men in Blue won't be travelling to Pakistan for the marquee event.
It is also learnt that the BCCI has requested the ICC to either change the venue for the competition or schedule India's matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.
Amid the speculations, a report published in Cricbuzz claims that the ICC is covering all bases in case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
The ICC has reportedly sanctioned a budget of around $65 million during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo late last month. The approved budget covers expenses related to hosting several matches in locations other than Pakistan.
According to the report, the matter of India's participation in the tournament was not addressed during various discussions at the ICC AGM. However, a contingency has been put in place.
The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval note states that "PCB has signed Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget which is submitted F&CA for approval. 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."
However, the apex body did not discuss what will be the venue/venues 'outside Pakistan' if such a situation arises.
The CEC note further says, "A planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway in all three venues to upgrade facilities."
Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the shortlisted venues and it is understood that the PCB has already started work on refurbishing those three centres.
Coming to the budget, around $35 million has been allocated for the competition itself, with an additional $20 million earmarked for participation and prize money. Another $10 million has been approved to cover the production costs of televising the 15-match, 20-day tournament, Cricbuzz report claimed.
The ICC has reportedly sent a tentative schedule to all relevant parties, such as broadcasters and participating teams.
Notably, all of India's games are planned to take place in Lahore, including the marquee India-Pakistan clash, which is slated for March 1.
Team India have been slotted with Pakistan in Group A, also featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand. Group B comprises Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan.
The competition will get underway with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The two semifinals are planned for Karachi on March 5 and Rawalpindi on March 6, with the final set to take place in Lahore on March 9.
However, these venues may change as India’s participation in the tournament will depend on central government’s approval. An ICC team will visit Pakistan next month to inspect the three venues.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
