Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Could Lose Millions of Dollars
Tensions between India and Pakistan over the Champions Trophy continue to escalate. The BCCI has made it clear that India will not send its team to Pakistan for next year’s tournament. According to the existing schedule, the Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, but no match schedule has been released yet due to this uncertainty. The biggest question now is how much financial loss the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might face if the tournament is moved to another country instead of Pakistan.
If the PCB decides to withdraw from hosting the Champions Trophy, it could suffer substantial financial losses, worsening its financial condition. This tournament would mark the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since co-hosting the ODI World Cup in 1996. While the BCCI’s decision has government backing, Pakistan has not accepted this stance. The ICC suggested holding the tournament in a hybrid model, but the PCB has refused to proceed with this option, although it has not yet provided an official written response.
How Much Will the PCB Lose?
According to Cricbuzz, the PCB could face ICC sanctions if the tournament is postponed or relocated, which may include a reduction in ICC funding. Shifting or postponing the tournament could result in a loss of around $65 million (approximately Rs 548 crore) for the PCB. This would be a severe setback, especially as the PCB has already invested significant funds in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Bearing the financial burden of these upgrades would only add to the strain on the PCB’s already challenging financial situation.
Why Do ICC and PCB Have to Yield to the BCCI?
The ICC heavily relies on Team India for its revenue. Multiple reports indicate that the BCCI contributes around 80% of the ICC’s total revenue. Additionally, the ICC recently sold $3 billion in media rights to Star Sports for the 2024-2027 cycle, largely driven by Team India’s popularity and the high demand for India vs Pakistan matches.
