ICC approves $65 million budget for Champions Trophy 2025, prepares draft schedule

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a budget of $65 million for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place in the months of February and March 2025. The budget also includes costs in case a separate location is arranged for a few games. As per reports, India have denied travelling to Pakistan due to geopolitical differences and security concerns but as things stand, the governing body hasn’t changed its mind about the host nation.

In the last AGM meeting in Colombo, the issue was expected to be discussed at different forums, but it didn’t take place. The Chief Executive Committee (CEC) has confirmed that ICC has signed a deal with Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy and a budget has been finalized keeping that in mind. A large amount has been allocated to Pakistan to upgrade its facilities in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore and also noted the same budget will also be used for matches hosted outside Pakistan, just in case.

“PCB has signed Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget which is submitted F&CA for approval. Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in the cost of staging the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan,” CEC’s approval note read.

“A planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway in all three venues to upgrade facilities,” it added. 

Also Read: Is this the end of India-Pakistan rivalry in Champions Trophy 2025?

As per Cricbuzz, $35 million has been allocated for the development of the infrastructure and other necessary things for the players, $20 million for participation and prize money and the remaining $10 million for production. Interestingly, ICC has also designed a draft schedule for the tournament. Pakistan are set to play New Zealand on the opening day, while India to play their first match against Bangladesh on February 20. The final of the competition will be played on March 9.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Draft Schedule: