Reports: ICC to announce Champions Trophy fixtures amidst BCCI-PCB scheduling issues
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to release the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy this week.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to release the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy this week, at the time of rift between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the tournament's hosting arrangements.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the ICC is finalizing discussions with participating members and the host nation regarding the tournament schedule.
"We will achieve the target and we will get the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. All the teams (other teams except India), which have qualified for the Champions Trophy are ready to come to Pakistan and no one has any problem. I will say even today that if India has any concern, they should talk with us," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters.
Our stance is very clear: Mohsin Naqvi
The situation has become difficult as the BCCI has officially informed the ICC that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is currently scheduled to be held across venues in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Meanwhile, Naqvi is adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, rejecting the proposed hybrid model that would see India play their matches at a neutral venue.
"We will clear any of their concerns. I believe there is no reason why the Indian team cannot come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. You wait and all the teams will come. Our stance is very clear. We have told it earlier. We will remain in our stance. ICC has to announce the tournament schedule. We are waiting for the schedule to be announced so that we can start preparations according to that. As soon as the schedule is announced, the sooner we will start our preparation,” he added.
The situation has reached a crucial point, with reports from Pakistani media mentioning that the PCB might withdraw from the tournament if it is either moved out of the country or conducted under a hybrid model. Recently, the PCB's decision to include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir regions in the Champions Trophy tour itinerary sparked controversy and prompted an official objection from the BCCI to the ICC.
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