The ICC has approved a budget of approximately USD 70 million for the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. The approval came after a thorough review by the ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. The budget, jointly prepared by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC finance department, includes an additional USD 4.5 million earmarked for unforeseen expenses.

Speculation has arisen regarding the additional funds, with some suggesting that they are set aside in case India decides not to participate, necessitating the relocation of matches to alternative venues. However, sources indicate that the additional USD 4.5 million is insufficient to cover the costs of relocating games.

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Jay Shah, also the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), recently oversaw the decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup to India in 2025 and the 50-over format Asia Cup to Bangladesh in 2027. As for next year’s Asia Cup, India and Pakistan are expected to be in the same group, potentially facing each other again in the Super Four stage, with the possibility of a third encounter if both teams advance to the final.

Despite logistical challenges and extra expenses during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the tournament generated profits, largely due to the high-profile matches between India and Pakistan.

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