ICC Prepares for Possible Indian Team Decline in Champions Trophy Participation
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is gearing up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place between February 19 and March 9, amidst uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in matches held in Pakistan.
Recent reports suggest that the ICC has approved a budget of approximately $65 million for the tournament, which includes provisions for staging some games outside of Pakistan. While the official stance from the ICC is yet to be announced, preparations are being made to accommodate all possibilities.
Contingency Plans in Place
According to a reliable source, discussions at the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Colombo did not focus on India’s involvement in the tournament, but a contingency plan has been outlined in case the Indian team opts out of traveling to Pakistan.
The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved the event budget, emphasizing the need for flexibility in case certain matches need to be played outside of Pakistan. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the earmarked venues for the tournament, with significant renovation work underway to upgrade facilities.
Proposed Schedule and Venues
A draft schedule has been shared with stakeholders, indicating that India’s matches are set to be held in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash on Saturday, March 1. The tournament will feature teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, and England, among others.
While the final is scheduled to take place in Lahore on March 9, the venues are subject to change depending on the Indian team and the Government of India’s decision. An ICC team is set to visit Pakistan for an inspection of the venues next month.
Tri-Series in Multan
Prior to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will host a tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa in Multan from February 8 to 14. The matches are expected to serve as a warm-up for the tournament, providing teams with valuable playing time and preparation.
With the cricketing world eagerly anticipating the Champions Trophy, all eyes are on the developments surrounding India’s potential participation and the finalization of the tournament details.