CT schedule to face further delay

Broadcasters have refused to accept a schedule without India-Pakistan clash

The schedule announcement for the upcoming ICC 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan is set to face yet another delay, pushing back the expected timeline for confirming match dates.

The tournament, which is scheduled to take place in February-March 2025, continues to experience uncertainties regarding its final schedule.

A close source has indicated that the schedule is unlikely to be revealed in the coming days due to ongoing issues surrounding the proposed hybrid model for the event.

Progress on finalizing the schedule has been hindered by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) firm opposition to the hybrid model, which involves hosting some matches in neutral venues. The PCB remains resolute in its refusal to play against India on neutral grounds, a point that has become a major sticking point in the negotiations.

Sources have revealed that broadcasters and commercial partners are equally adamant about the inclusion of a Pakistan-India match in the schedule. They have made it clear to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that they will only accept the Champions Trophy schedule if the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash is part of it.

Furthermore, broadcasters have hinted at the possibility of legal action should the schedule proceed without this crucial match.

While the PCB holds its ground, other stakeholders are showing a willingness to compromise. If flexibility is demonstrated by all parties involved, an official schedule announcement could be expected within a day or two.

However, sources also suggest that the ICC is working to resolve the issue swiftly to avoid further delays, especially with Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), set to take over as ICC Chairman on December 1.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will be placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting consultations with the Indian government before confirming participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi's National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are set for March 5 and 6, with the final taking place in Lahore on March 9.

Hybrid model

ICC has suggested to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other to adopt a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The body has advised the PCB to refrain from making statements against the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The development comes just days before the unveiling of the ICC Champions Trophy schedule.

It is expected to be announced by November 20 (tomorrow), as the matches so far are planned to be held at three venues across Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.

The tournament is set to be played from February 19 to March 9.

With India refusing to play the tournament in Pakistan amid the longstanding political tensions, it seems like the event might be played under a hybrid model similar to the Asia Cup, where the Men in Blue played all of their games in Sri Lanka.

Sources added that the ICC has informed all cricket boards about the "significant financial losses" they would incur if India do not participate.

The PCB has also been made aware of the financial repercussions of not hosting events in Pakistan.

ICC officials have maintained that adopting the hybrid model "is currently the best option" for the Champions Trophy.

On Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed that the Champions Trophy 2025 would take place in Pakistan, despite India's refusal to send its team for the tournament.