Economic factors influenced Champions Trophy decision, reveals Amitabh Choudhary
BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary has revealed that the difference in revenue was the reason behind BCCI’s decision to host the 2021 T20 WC instead of the Champions Trophy. BCCI would have earned just Rs. 77 Crore from the Champions Trophy as compared to the Rs. 231 crores it stands to earn now.
Many were left surprised when the International Cricket Council released its Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2018-2023 cycle on June 20 last month, as one of the significant changes in the programme for the next few years revealed a major change. The change came as India was revealed to be the host nation for the 2021 T20 World Cup as opposed to the initial idea of hosting the Champions Trophy.
The reason behind this change was made clear by BCCI acting secretary - Amitabh Choudhary in a recent interview with The Indian Express. Choudhary spoke about how the massive difference in revenue generated in both competitions was a major reason behind the change of venue.
“The Champions Trophy was played with eight teams (Full Members); two pools of four each. The total number of matches would have been 15 (12 group games, two semifinals and final). Post the format change, the total number of teams would be 14 (in the World T20) – seven teams in each pool. Each pool would have 21 matches, so the total number of pool/group matches would be 42. With two
Choudhary added that the decision was to be taken to the general body for confirmation and no final decision would be made without him doing so.
"The first option (Champion Trophy) gave India 15 matches. Now, the hosting fee per match is $0.75 million. So the total hosting fee would have been around $11.25 million (Rs 77.29 crore approx). This is the hosting fee from the ICC to the BCCI. As per the option two (World T20), 45 matches multiplied by $0.75 million, comes to around $33.75 million (Rs 231.8 crore approx). In the option two, India gets three times more revenue. Also, with the number of matches increased by three times, India gets three times more gate money. I will take this to the general body for its consideration before a final decision,” Choudhary stated.
However, a member of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) has expressed his surprise at this decision that was made without the approval of the Supreme Court appointed body.
“The last time, when India hosted a World T20 – in 2016 – the BCCI incurred a loss to the tune of Rs 190 crore. Also, as per the June 22 SGM resolution, the Members Participation Agreement ‘shall not be executed’ without the authorisation of the general body and the acting secretary has submitted this before the ICC. Whatever it is, he will have to report it (the figures mentioned) to the CoA and the Committee then will look into it,” the source said.
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