PCB to get USD70m for Champions Trophy but will that amount be enough if it is forced to go for so-called 'hybrid' model?

By Alam Zeb Safi

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hefty amount of around 70 million US dollars for the ICC Champions Trophy which Pakistan will host early next year.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source did not reveal the exact amount approved by the world body but confirmed that the figures are something around.

“The figures are not too far away but I cannot confirm the exact amount,” a PCB source told nukta.com.

The budget was approved by the ICC financial committee headed by the BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

The committee thoroughly scrutinized the budget prepared and submitted by the finance committees of both the PCB and the ICC.

What if India doesn't come to Pakistan?

According to reports 4.5m US dollars have also been kept as an additional amount which has also raised concerns as this amount may be used if India refuses to come to Lahore for its matches. Then the PCB could be forced to hold its matches on neutral venues in the UAE or Sri Lanka.

There are also concerns that the said amount will be too small to handle the matches which will be played outside Pakistan in case India does not turn up for the major event. Because of India’s stance of not sending team to Pakistan had also forced PCB to hold the last year’s Asia Cup on a hybrid model.

PCB’s stance is that all of ICC Champions Trophy matches will be held in Pakistan. However, things remain highly uncertain since the Indians have not given any positive signals about send their team to Pakistan for the event.

Pakistan has already started renovation and reconstruction work on three major venues of the country including Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Pindi Cricket Stadium and National Bank Stadium Karachi which will be hosting matches of the Champions Trophy. The ICC Champions Trophy was last played in 2017 in England. Pakistan won the title and will be defending it at home next year.