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[Saba Sports News] A reliable source within the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed on Thursday that the organization’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, had carefully reviewed and approved the budget.
The budget, collaboratively prepared and presented by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC’s finance department, has been set at USD 70 million (INR 5,721,800,000).
The source noted that an additional allocation of USD 4.5 million seems relatively small given the overall budget, especially considering the potential costs of relocating matches if India refuses to send its team, necessitating alternative venues.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million, with only USD 4.5 million allocated for additional expenses,” an ICC official told Hindustan Times.
Jay Shah, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council, recently allocated the 2025 Asia Cup T20 format to India and the 2027 Asia Cup 50-over format to Bangladesh.
The source indicated that India and Pakistan are set to be grouped together in the forthcoming Asia Cup, with a possible rematch in the Super Four stage and a potential third encounter if both teams reach the final.
“The profits came from the India and Pakistan games. A third match could happen if they qualify for the final,” the source stated.
Despite the confusion, late venue changes, and additional expenses, the Asian Cricket Council generated profits from the 2023 Asia Cup, held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, primarily due to the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan matches, one of which was washed out due to rain.