ICC cancels November 11 Champions Trophy event over scheduling complication

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called off November 11 event in Lahore, where it was set to announce the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The now-cancelled event was meant to note the 100-day countdown to the prestigious eight-team competition, scheduled from February 19 to March 19, 2025. 

Meanwhile, the competition is facing its own challenges as India are not expected to travel to the neighboring country owing to security concerns. While the ICC had made extensive preparations for the scheduled announcement, the diplomatic situation between the two nations has forced a reassessment.

"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," said an official as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Also Read: India not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy, likely to play in UAE

No letter has reached me or the PCB: Chairman Mohsin Naqvi

A hybrid model appears to be the possible outcome, with India's matches to be scheduled outside Pakistan. The ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were aware about the possibility, with provisions and budget allocations already in place for partial relocation of matches, likely to the United Arab Emirates. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also recently addressed the situation.

"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," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore recently.

The situation is further complicated by the communication gaps between the key stakeholders. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally notified the ICC about lacking governmental approval for travel to Pakistan, the PCB has claimed it has received no official communication about the developments from either party.

The tournament's original schedule had India slated to play three matches in Lahore - against Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1. With the current developments, these fixtures are likely to be relocated to UAE venues such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, while Pakistan retains hosting rights for other matches across Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.