Next year, from February 19 to March 9, in Pakistan, the ICC Champions Trophy will return. The tournament was last played in 2017, seven years ago, with Pakistan emerging as the winners. The ICC decided in 2016 to stop holding the competition after 2017 to have one main tournament per format. However, in 2021, they changed their minds and said that the competition would resume in 2025.
But with the return of the ICC Champions Trophy, a lot of controversies also returned, and the major problem for this tournament is the host himself. Given the political and diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan, India expresses its concern about playing in Pakistan. Pakistan’s selection as the tournament’s host raises serious concerns about India’s participation.
To cover all bases if India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the ICC reportedly approved a budget of roughly $65 million at its last AGM in Colombo. According to an article published on Cricbuzz, the budget includes expenses for hosting matches in locations other than Pakistan.
According to the report, the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval notes state that “PCB has signed the host agreement and collaborated with management to draft an event budget, which has been submitted to F&CA for approval.” Management has also accepted an estimate of the cost increase for producing the event if any matches must be played outside Pakistan.”
“In March 2024, Pakistan had a planning meeting and inspection of prospective match venues. A large amount of refurbishment work is currently ongoing in all three locations to improve facilities,” the letter noted.
According to reports, the draft schedule has been finalized, and India’s matches will be hosted in Lahore. India will be placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. According to the draft schedule, India will play Pakistan on March 1, Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on February 23.
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