ICC cancels ‘launch’ event in Lahore amid scheduling dilemma

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled an event, reportedly related to the “launch” of the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held on Monday in Lahore, Indian media reported citing sources.

According to an Indian cricket website, the event was canceled due to confusion over the scheduling of matches, particularly after India refused to travel to Pakistan.

Citing an official secret of the development, the site said the timeline was yet to be finalized as discussions were ongoing. Hence, the official added, the schedule for the eight-team 50-over tournament will be officially announced after confirmation.

“The schedule is not confirmed, we are still in discussions with the hosts and participating countries about the Champions Trophy schedule. Once it is confirmed we will announce through our normal channels,” the official said. While, no ICC official has officially responded to queries regarding this.

The Lahore ceremony, which would mark the 100-day countdown to the ICC tournament from February 19 to March 19, was planned by the cricket body with great care. The dangerous smog engulfing the metropolis could be an easy excuse for the ICC to cancel, an official said.

“It was just a trophy tour flag and tournament launch/branding,” said a source downplaying the controversy surrounding the Nov. 11 event. “This (event) is still in the works — although it may be rescheduled due to Lahore’s outdoor activities being difficult at the moment.”

While, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said no event was scheduled for Monday.

If the tournament goes ahead in a hybrid model after India’s refusal to play here, then the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to be the ‘frontrunner’ to host a high-voltage Pakistan-India match for Champions Trophy 2025, reports ESPNcricinfo on Saturday.

Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament, the report added.

This development suggests a possible activation of the contingency plan by the ICC and the PCB to discuss a hybrid model.

However, this would not be an easy task as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi ruled out the use of hybrid model and insisted on BCCI’s submission of objections “in writing”.

“We have stated it clearly [the Indian cricket board] they have to give it to us in writing if they have problems,” Naqvi said a day ago, adding: “In recent years Pakistan has shown many good gestures. However, we hope we don’t expect to always show good gestures.”

Clarifying it further, the PCB chief announced that he will consult the government after BCCI’s confirmation about its decision before finalizing a future strategy.

Moreover, the PCB had also suggested last month that the Indian team can return to their home country after each match to minimize their stay in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy.

India have not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 and the two historic rivals have not had any bilateral series since 2012-13.

According to ESPNcricinfovarious contingency plans were sketched out a few months ago in case the hybrid model is adopted with some countries shortlisted, including the UAE as a frontrunner due to its proximity to Pakistan, alongside Sri Lanka.