The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled a significant event connected to the upcoming Champions Trophy, originally set to take place on November 11 in Lahore. The cancellation stems from ongoing disagreements over the tournament’s schedule, particularly regarding India’s participation.
The ICC had intended to use the November 11 event to kick-off the tournament, marking 100 days until the championship began. However, these plans have been put on hold due to uncertainty surrounding India’s willingness to travel to Pakistan.
Sources indicate that scheduling conflicts, exacerbated by India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan, are the primary reasons for the cancellation. There are also suggestions that the ICC might cite Lahore’s severe smog as a contributing factor.
The Champions Trophy was initially planned to be held across multiple cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informing the ICC that it hasn’t received government approval to send its team to Pakistan, a hybrid model for the tournament is looking increasingly likely. This arrangement would involve moving some matches, especially those featuring India, to the UAE.
Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, has expressed his frustration over the lack of official communication regarding India’s participation. He has stated that the PCB is ready to discuss a hybrid model but has not received any formal communication from the BCCI.
India’s original schedule had them facing Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. Adjustments to the tournament venues, if not the dates, seem unavoidable.
The ICC is still in discussions with Pakistan, the host nation, and other participating countries on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed, the ICC will announce the schedule through its normal channels.
