DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant increase in the Champions Trophy prize pot, which will rise to $6.9 million this year—a 53% jump from 2017.
The winners of the tournament will receive $2.24 million, while the runners-up will take home $1.12 million. Losing semi-finalists will be awarded $560,000 each, with teams finishing fifth or sixth earning $350,000 and the seventh and eighth-placed sides receiving $140,000.
Holders Pakistan will host an ICC showpiece event for the first time in 28 years, with the eight-team quadrennial One-Day International (ODI) tournament set to begin on February 19 in Karachi. The final will be held on March 9. Due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, some matches will be played in Dubai. In total, 15 matches will be held across Pakistan and Dubai.
The Champions Trophy was initially scrapped in 2016 as the ICC wanted to prioritize the 50-over World Cup. However, the decision was reversed in late 2021, allowing the tournament to make a highly anticipated return this year.(Reuters)
