NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called off a key event tied to the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was initially scheduled for November 11 in Lahore, Cricbuzz reports. This event was intended to mark the 100-day countdown to the tournament but has been postponed amid ongoing scheduling conflicts, particularly concerning India’s participation.
Set for February 19 to March 19, 2025, the Champions Trophy is facing uncertainty due to India’s hesitation to play in Pakistan, the designated host. An ICC official confirmed that discussions are still ongoing with Pakistan and other participating nations to finalize the schedule. “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 it through our normal channels,” the official stated.
Although the ICC has not given an official reason for canceling the kickoff event, sources suggest that India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan and associated scheduling issues are primary factors. Some reports also indicate that the ICC might consider Lahore’s severe winter smog as a possible reason for altering plans.
The Champions Trophy was initially planned across multiple Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to secure government approval for India’s participation in Pakistan, increasing the likelihood of a hybrid model. This arrangement would shift some matches—particularly India’s—to the UAE.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi voiced frustration over the lack of formal communication from the BCCI on this matter. “We need them to put their issues in writing. As of now, neither the ICC nor the PCB has received any official communication from the BCCI regarding a hybrid model,” Naqvi stated.
If the schedule remains as originally planned, India was set to play Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. Venue adjustments, if not date changes, now seem inevitable.
