LAHORE: Preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 are in full throttle as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned a nearly $70 million budget for the premier event set to be held in Pakistan next year. Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy from February to March next year.
The ICC has dispatched the complete schedule including the activities for the support period, to the cricket boards of teams participating in the competition.
The schedule includes match fixtures, warm-up matches, and other activities.
The ICC has also shared the schedule with broadcasters. After consulting with all the boards, the ICC will finalise the proposals.
According to sources, if the opening ceremony is approved, it is likely to be held in Karachi, while the closing one will take place in Lahore.
At the ICC's annual meeting, a budget of approximately $70 million was approved, covering all expenses incurred during the support period.
The support period for the Champions Trophy has been scheduled from February 12 to 18, 2025 with the trophy matches to be played from February 19 to March 9.
March 10 has been set as a reserve day for the final of the tournament.
The support period window has been designated for warm-up matches, media activities, and promotional events.
All activities during the support period will be determined in consultation between the ICC and PCB.
The ICC will decide on the warm-up matches in consultation with all teams. Upon approval, each team will be able to play a maximum of two warm-up matches, which will also be held in three cities — Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently busy in preparations for hosting the eight teams at three venues — Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore — with all of India's matches planned in Lahore.
The PCB has also allocated Rs12.80 billion for the upgradation of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi's National Bank Cricket Arena and Rawalpindi's International Cricket Stadium.
The event will mark the return of the Champions Trophy after a gap of eight years, with its last occurrence in 2017, when Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating India in the final.
Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side greeted with flowers and sweets by BCB officials at Dhaka airport
There is no place for five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo on the list as well
Bangladesh inflicted a six-wicket defeat on home team in second Test
29-year-old's recent lackluster form has drawn immense criticism as he scored 64 runs in Bangladesh series
Bangladesh win also reminds that the spirit of cricketing comebacks knows no boundaries or eras
Bangladesh outclass Pakistan to secure their first-ever series win over Green Shirts in red-ball format
