ICC Plan B if BCCI refuses to send Team India to Pakistan to receive Champions Trophy

There continues to be a stalemate over the fate of the ICC Champions Trophy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board keen to host the entire tournament at home, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to send the Indian team across the border. The Indian board wants their matches to be held in the UAE or Sri Lanka. Pakistan shared the proposal to host all of India’s matches in Lahore. Although no resolution has been reached so far, the ICC has reportedly prepared a Plan B in a case where the Indian team does not reach Pakistan.

Although the ICC has not yet publicly discussed the matter with other councils in recent meetings, a contingency plan has already been implemented.

According to a report in CricbuzzThe Executive Directors’ Committee (CEC) approval note reads: “The PCB has signed the Host Agreement and worked with management to develop an event budget that will be submitted for approval to the F&CA. Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in cost of holding the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan.”

“A planning and inspection meeting of proposed gaming venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway at the three venues to improve facilities,” the note further read.

As far as budgets are concerned, 35 million dollars were allocated for the competition itself, while 20 million dollars were set aside for participation and prize money distribution. The cricket boxer has set aside another $10 million for production costs associated with televising the 15-match, 20-day tournament.

The ICC has already shared a draft calendar with interested parties, including broadcasters and all participating teams. In the draft calendar, all of India’s matches will be held in Lahore, while the marquee India-Pakistan match is scheduled for Saturday, March 1.