With each passing day, it looks clearer and clearer that India won’t travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue haven’t toured their neighbours since 2008 and aren’t looking to change that in February next year. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant about hosting the ICC event and has backing from two other boards as well.
Additional funds for India?
In the meantime, the ICC has given a hint as well. A budget of Rs 586 crore has been approved by the cricketing body for the Champions Trophy. However, it’s the Rs 37 crore worth of additional funds that have piqued the eye. Some sources speculate that these funds would be used for India’s matches to be played at a neutral venue, likely in the UAE. However, others say that these funds are too little and can’t be used to move the matches out of Pakistan.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million (Rs 586 crore), and only USD 4.5 million (Rs 37 crore) has been allocated as additional expenses,” a source told PTI.
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Champions Trophy 2025: Groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand |
| B | Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan |
