Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned a budget of Rs12.80 billion for Pakistan to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This landmark event is scheduled to take place from February to March next year.
The budget, prepared collaboratively by ICC’s Chief Finance Officer Ankur Khanna and Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Finance Officer Javed Murtaza, will be instrumental in renovating cricket venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to meet international standards.
The PCB is committed to hosting the entire tournament within Pakistan, but there remains uncertainty regarding India’s participation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan or play at a neutral venue. The proposed schedule by the PCB includes India playing all its matches in Lahore, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash set for March 1. Should India advance to the semifinals and final, these matches will also be held in Lahore.
A senior BCCI official has confirmed that no discussions took place with the PCB about the Champions Trophy during the recent ICC conference. The official emphasized that the matter would be addressed by the ICC.
Ensuring the safety and security of all participating teams and officials is a top priority. Significant funds have been earmarked for security measures, which will mirror the successful protocols implemented during previous tours by Australia and England. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, currently attending a meeting in Colombo, reassured that the security arrangements will be robust and comprehensive.
Other major expenditures include accommodations, chartered flights for teams, and the ongoing significant renovations of the stadiums designated for the tournament.
This will be Pakistan’s first major international cricket event in 28 years, and the PCB is dedicated to hosting it in a “befitting manner.” The ICC’s Financial and Commercial Committee meeting also discussed various aspects of the tournament, including security, prize money, and environmental sustainability, under the theme “Capitalising on the Olympic Opportunity.”