The 2019 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The competition was last held in 2017, seven years ago, and Pakistan is the reigning champion. In order to have just one major tournament for each format, the ICC decided in 2016 to discontinue the tournament’s subsequent editions beyond 2017. However, in 2021, they changed their minds and said that the competition will resume in 2025.
Given the political and diplomatic ties between the two nations, Pakistan’s selection as the tournament’s hosts raises serious concerns about India’s participation.
At its most recent AGM in Colombo, the ICC is said to have approved a budget of almost 65 million dollars to cover all the basics in the event that India declines to visit Pakistan. The money covers the costs of holding matches outside of Pakistan, claims Cricbuzz.
The report states that “PCB has signed the Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget, which is submitted to F&CA for approval.” This information is contained in the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval notes. In the event that it becomes essential to play certain matches outside of Pakistan, the management has also authorized an estimate of the rise in staging costs.”
“In March 2024, a planning meeting and site inspection of the suggested match locations were held in Pakistan. All three locations are undergoing extensive renovations to improve their facilities,” the statement continued.
The tentative schedule has reportedly been finalized, and India’s games against Pakistan, their hosts, will take place in Lahore. Together with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, they will be assigned to Group A. The proposed schedule states that India will play Pakistan on March 1. They will play New Zealand on February 23 and Bangladesh on February 20 in the interim.
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