India to Face Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage: Report

The ICC has sanctioned a budget of roughly USD 70 million for hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year. An insider familiar with the ICC’s proceedings revealed on Thursday that the financial and commercial committee of the world body, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, had reviewed and approved the budget. This budget was prepared and jointly submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC finance department. The source mentioned, “The approximate budget is around USD 70 million, with only USD 4.5 million allocated for additional expenses.”

The approval of the overall budget and additional expenses at the recent ICC meeting has led to speculations that backup funds have been earmarked in case India opts not to send its team to Pakistan, necessitating some matches to be played at alternative venues.

However, the source indicated that the additional USD 4.5 million is insufficient compared to the total budget to cover the costs of relocating matches from Pakistan.

Jay Shah, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council, presided over the regional body’s recent decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup in 2025 to India and the 50-over format Asia Cup in 2027 to Bangladesh.

According to the source, the tentative format for next year’s Asia Cup places India and Pakistan in the same group, with the possibility of facing each other again in the tournament’s super four stage. “A third match could occur if they both qualify for the final,” he added.

The source also revealed that despite the confusion, late venue changes, and extra expenses during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the ACC still managed to generate profits. “The profits were primarily due to the India and Pakistan matches,” the source said.