(Source X)
In a significant update for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the ICC has greenlit a budget of around USD 70 million for the tournament, which is set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Despite ongoing speculation about the participation of the Indian team due to the BCCI’s reservations, Pakistan remains confirmed as the host nation for the event. This decision followed a detailed review by the ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Shah examined the budget proposal submitted by both the PCB and the ICC finance department, as reported by PTI.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” the source said.
Jay Shah has announced that India will host the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025.
Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary and President of the Asian Cricket Council, personally awarded the hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2025 T20 tournament to India and assigned Bangladesh the responsibility for hosting the 50-over format of the men’s Asia Cup 2027.
According to PTI sources, the preliminary structure of the 2025 Asia Cup will feature India and Pakistan in the same group. This arrangement guarantees that the two teams will face off at least twice—once in the group stage and once in the Super 4 stage. If both teams advance to the final, they could potentially meet a third time.
“A third match could happen if they qualify for the final,” he said.
The source revealed that despite facing confusion, venue changes, and additional costs during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the ACC still managed to achieve profitability from the event.
As discussions continue about Pakistan hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, there are concerns that the absence of Team India could impact the tournament’s popularity and viewership, potentially leading to broadcasters reconsidering their deals.
A recent report from Cricket Pakistan highlighted that Pakistan currently lacks a backup plan if India decides to withdraw from the tournament. There are no alternative arrangements in place for shifting the venue to Sri Lanka or the UAE. Nonetheless, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains firm on Pakistan’s role as the tournament’s host.
