ICC Prepares for Contingencies as India's Participation in Pakistan Champions Trophy Remains Uncertain

Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to issue an official statement, it is preparing for various scenarios should the Indian team opt out of travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. Reliable sources have informed Cricbuzz that the ICC recently sanctioned a budget of around $65 million during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, including provisions for staging some matches outside Pakistan if necessary.

Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, the Champions Trophy's potential issues regarding India's participation were not openly discussed at the AGM, but contingency plans are in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has signed the Host Agreement and collaborated with ICC management to draft an event budget, which has been submitted for approval. The management has also estimated the additional costs of holding some games outside Pakistan, though specific alternative venues have not been disclosed.

The CEC's note also mentioned a planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues in Pakistan in March 2024. Renovation work is ongoing at all three selected venues—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—to upgrade facilities. The PCB is overseeing refurbishments at these locations.

The budget allocates approximately $35 million for the tournament itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and an additional $10 million for production costs of televising the 15-match, 20-day event. This estimate was developed after ICC's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ankur Khanna, spent three days in Lahore in June working with PCB's CFO, Javed Murtuza.

The ICC has shared a draft schedule with stakeholders, including broadcasters and participating teams. The draft largely meets expectations, with all of India's matches set to be held in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash on Saturday, March 1. Если в этом году то это Friday Group A features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

India is scheduled to play Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23. The tournament will open with Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The semifinals are planned for March 5 in Karachi and March 6 in Rawalpindi, with the final slated for March 9 in Lahore. However, these venues are subject to change based on the decisions of the Indian team and the Government of India. An ICC team will inspect the venues in Pakistan next month.

A seven-day window from February 12 to 18 is designated as a 'support period,' during which teams will play warm-up matches and participate in media and promotional activities. March 10 is reserved as the final's contingency day. The last Champions Trophy, held in 2017, was won by Pakistan.