Karachi: The ICC has approved a budget of $70 million for hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
According to Indian media, the Financial and Commercial Affairs Committee, chaired by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, approved the budget after review.
The PCB and ICC finance departments jointly prepared the $70 million budget and presented it for approval.
Along with the approved budget, an additional $4.5 million has been allocated for extra expenses.
The approval of additional expenses has sparked speculation that backup funds have been set aside in case India refuses to send its cricket team to Pakistan, and some matches may be played at other venues. However, this amount is considered minimal.
Sources have also revealed that in next year’s Asia Cup, India and Pakistan will again be in the same group and could potentially play each other twice, once during the Super Four stage.
Despite the complications and delays in venue changes and additional expenses during the tournament, the ACC managed to profit from the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, primarily due to the Pakistan-India matches.