ICC is considering venue changes for the upcoming T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, potentially reshuffling events in 2024 and 2025. Verbal discussions are underway among cricket boards and broadcasters, focusing on logistical viability and maximizing viewership.
Introduction
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating a three-way barter of tournaments between 2024 and 2025.
Reports suggest that the ICC is considering compensating the co-hosts of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the West Indies and the United States, with another prestigious event.
Meanwhile, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, initially set to take place in Pakistan, could be relocated to the West Indies and the United States as compensation.
Discussions are currently at the verbal stage among cricket boards, the ICC, and stakeholders, with broadcasters agreeing with the proposed ideas.
Potential Venue Changes for Tournaments
As reported by News18 CricketNext, England, Scotland, and Ireland are now a favorite to host the 2024 T20 World Cup, originally slated for the West Indies and the United States.
The United Kingdom’s suitability to hold cricket tournaments in June, the designated month for the event, is a key factor behind this potential change.
To minimize financial risks and infrastructure requirements, the ICC is also exploring shifting the 2025 Champions Trophy from Pakistan to the West Indies and the United States.
This smaller-scale event would be more logistically viable and pose lesser financial risks for broadcasters.
However, concerns have been raised about the current state of infrastructure in the USA, which might hinder successful hosting.
Broadcasting Considerations and Indian Prime Time
With the high stakes in broadcasting ICC events, ensuring maximum viewership during Indian prime time has become a priority.
The 2007 50-over World Cup in the Caribbean was a financial disaster, partly due to India’s early exit and unfavorable viewing hours.
Considering the immense value of broadcasting rights, ICC events must cater to the Indian audience’s prime time.
Benefits for West Indies, USA, and PCB
Proposing the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy to the West Indies and the United States offers the US an additional year to develop the necessary infrastructure.
Additionally, a smaller tournament with fewer matches than the T20 World Cup makes logistical arrangements more manageable, as demonstrated by the successful 2017 Champions Trophy in England, which utilized only three venues.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pivotal in the proposed venue changes. The PCB could benefit monetarily from the arrangement, although their agreement is yet to be confirmed.
ICC Chairman and CEO Visit to Pakistan
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice recently visited Pakistan officially as part of customary visits to full member nations.
While the purpose of the trip is not explicitly stated, sources indicate that discussions regarding the potential venue exchange took place.
It is worth noting that Pakistan has yet to host a major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.
Hosting Agreements and Future Discussions
None of the countries initially scheduled to host the tournaments have signed the official “hosting agreements” yet.
The ICC members are expected to initiate this process during their annual conference in Durban in July.
The ICC may request the PCB to agree to the venue swap, allowing them to benefit financially from the arrangement.
Conclusion
The ICC is exploring the possibility of a three-way barter involving the 2024 and 2025 ICC events.
This potential exchange could see the 2024 T20 World Cup moved to the United Kingdom, while the 2025 Champions Trophy could be relocated to the West Indies and the United States.
Verbal discussions are underway, with broadcasters agreeing with the proposed changes.
The final decision and formal agreements are expected during the ICC annual conference in July.
These potential alterations aim to enhance the success, viewership, and logistical viability of future ICC tournaments.
FAQs
What is the ICC contemplating regarding the upcoming T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy?
The ICC is considering potential venue changes and a three-way barter of tournaments between 2024 and 2025.
Which tournaments may undergo reshuffling?
The 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy are the tournaments that could be affected.
What is the proposed venue change for the 2024 T20 World Cup?
The tournament might be relocated from the West Indies and the USA to Scotland and Ireland.
What is the potential compensation for the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosts?
The co-hosts might receive another event of similar stature in the future.
Where could the 2025 Champions Trophy be moved?
The tournament might be relocated from Pakistan to the West Indies and the United States.
Are these changes confirmed?
The discussions are currently verbal among cricket boards, the ICC, and stakeholders.
Are broadcasters in agreement with the proposed ideas?
Yes, broadcasters involved in the next ICC media rights cycle have agreed with the proposals.
Why is England a potential host for the 2024 T20 World Cup?
England, Scotland, and Ireland are favorites for hosting the event due to the United Kingdom’s suitability for cricket tournaments in the June window.
What factors are being considered for the venue changes?
Logistical viability, financial risks, and the need to cater to Indian prime-time viewing hours are among the factors being considered.
Will the proposed changes benefit the PCB?
The PCB could receive monetary compensation for the loss of hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, although their agreement is yet to be confirmed.
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