The International Cricket Council (ICC) had to cancel a key event related to the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament due to uncertainty about the scheduling of the tournament. This comes after reports stated that the BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan, who are the hosts of the ICC event.
The ICC was set to formally announce the official dates and program for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore on November 11, the day the event was canceled. The PCB had already revealed the draft timetable several months ago.
According to an official familiar with all of the happenings, the schedule has yet to be finalized. It will be completed after consultation with the PCB and all other participating nations.
"The schedule is not confirmed, we are still in discussions with the host and participating nations on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed we will announce through our normal channels," the official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The ICC had made elaborate plans for the event, which would have celebrated the 100-day countdown to the February 19-March 19 tournament. However, scheduling conflicts have exacerbated matters.
It is also feasible that the world body would claim the deadly pollution covering the city of Lahore as a convenient reason. At least one authority suggested this option.
"It was only a trophy tour flag-off and tournament/branding launch. That (the event) is still in the works -- though may be rescheduled because Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now,” the official added.
India's matches are likely to be held in Abu Dhabi or Dubai in the UAE. According to the draft schedule, India will play its opening match of the tournament against Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1.
It is now clear that the ICC and host PCB will need to use a hybrid format, which had always been expected. Provisions were prepared, and a budget was approved for a partial relocation. This budget includes a contingency plan for staging some matches outside Pakistan, most likely in the UAE.
While it was always clear that India's visit to Pakistan was dubious, the influence of the ICC in the entire drama cannot be overlooked. According to reports, the ICC notified members and stakeholders during a recent board meeting in Dubai that the schedule would be revealed on November 11.
Following the board meeting, the BCCI formally informed the ICC that it had not received authorization from the Government of India to travel to Pakistan. The PCB says that it has received no communication from either the ICC or the BCCI.
"We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we're ready to speak on this. Now, if Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB,” Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman said in Lahore.
The PCB has earmarked Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore for the event. Changes to the venues, if not the dates of the 15-match competition, are on the cards.
(Cricbuzz reports)
