Champions Trophy 2025 (Source : Twitter)
The apex cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured to approve the budget for the Champions Trophy 2025 at its annual conference in Colombo, even after allegations of overspending for the recent T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies continue to spiral.
The T20 World Cup 2024, particularly the construction of a modular stadium in New York, has reportedly led to budget overruns and the resignation of two top ICC officials. Against this situation, the upcoming budget approval for the Champions Trophy 2025 should be balanced between expanding cricket’s global position and maintaining financial judgment.
The Champions Trophy 2025 budget, meticulously prepared by ICC Chief Financial Officer Ankur Khanna and Pakistan Cricket Board CFO Javed Murtuza, is set for presentation to the ICC Board. Before reaching the Board, the financial plan will be scrutinized by the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F & CA), chaired by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
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ICC director calls for a forensic audit of the costs related to New York games
The proposed budget outlines Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as venues for the February 19-March 9 championship. However, India’s participation remains uncertain, contingent on approval from the Indian government.
The geopolitical tensions and security concerns have complicated sporting relations between India and Pakistan, potentially necessitating alternative arrangements similar to the hybrid model used for the Asia Cup 2023.
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Some ICC members have expressed outrage over expenses related to the New York games during the T20 World Cup. ICC director Pankaj Khimji has called for a forensic audit of the costs associated with the pop-up stadium in New York, to make sure there is transparency in ICC’s financial operations. The annual conference will also see elections for Associate Member Director positions, with 11 candidates vying for three spots.