ICC drops key CT event after India's no

PCB denies any such event had ever been planned

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed a key event related to the 2025 Champions Trophy schedule announcement, which was originally set to take place on Monday, November 11, in Lahore.

According to media reports, this announcement comes as the ICC faces scheduling challenges, particularly concerning India's fixtures, amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding India's participation in Pakistan.

As the ICC works to finalize the schedule, the BCCI recently confirmed that it has not received governmental clearance to travel to Pakistan, adding to the uncertainty. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi maintained that no official request for a hybrid model has reached the PCB.

"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," Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, told reporters in Lahore. "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," he said.

An ICC official, while commenting on the media reports of India's refusal, said, "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.

Repeated inquiries to the ICC about the cancellation went unanswered.

The Monday event was intended to initiate the 100-day countdown to the championship with a trophy tour and branding launch, yet issues with air quality in Lahore are also being considered as factors contributing to the cancellation. "

"It was only a trophy tour flag off and tournament/branding launch," said an ICC official downplaying the controversy surrounding the schedule and the event on November 11. "That (the event) is still in the works -- though may be rescheduled because of Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now," said a source in the ICC.

However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dismissed reports suggesting the cancellation of the ICC Champions Trophy schedule, expressing surprise at the ongoing rumors.

In a statement issued today, PCB officials clarified that no such event had ever been planned, specifically addressing the rumored event for the schedule announcement set for November 11 in Lahore.

An official, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the speculation regarding the cancellation was unfounded. "There was no program set for the final schedule announcement on November 11, and no such announcement was made," the official confirmed. The source further emphasized that any official arrangements related to the tournament would have involved consultation with the PCB, which would be responsible for overseeing logistical aspects of the event.

According to media reports, in order to address the impasse, it appears likely that the ICC and PCB will employ a hybrid hosting model, with a provision allowing some matches to be relocated outside of Pakistan.

The UAE has emerged as the potential alternative venue, with Dubai or Abu Dhabi anticipated to host India's games. This arrangement was initially reported by Cricbuzz in August, with an ICC-approved contingency budget set aside for partial relocation if needed.

India's group-stage games, originally scheduled in Lahore against Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, now face possible relocation. With Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore as the primary host cities, modifications to the venue plan may be necessary to maintain the schedule for the tournament's 15 matches.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma speaks

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma recently addressed the media regarding India's potential participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The statement comes amidst growing uncertainty surrounding the tournament's venue and India's involvement.

When asked about India's possible travel to Pakistan for the event, Sharma clarified that the decision would ultimately lie with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and not the players.

"The decision is not in our hands. It will be made by the cricket boards, and we are focused on the tournament ahead," Sharma stated. He reiterated that wherever the BCCI chooses to send the team, the players will be ready to compete. "If we are sent to Pakistan, there will be no issue," he added.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, but the Indian team's participation remains uncertain. The BCCI, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send India's cricket team to Pakistan, citing advice from the Indian government.