The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled a significant event scheduled for November 11 in Lahore to mark the 100-day countdown to the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing ongoing scheduling disputes, particularly concerning India’s participation. Originally planned to kick-start the promotional buildup for the tournament, the event was postponed due to unresolved issues regarding India’s willingness to travel to Pakistan for the championship, set for February 19 to March 19, 2025.
An ICC official confirmed that discussions on the tournament’s schedule are ongoing with Pakistan, the host nation, and other participating countries. “The schedule is not confirmed; we are still in discussions with the host and participating nations. Once confirmed, we will announce through our normal channels,” the official stated.
While the ICC has not officially commented on the reasons behind the cancellation, sources indicate that the primary issue is India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy was initially set to be hosted across multiple cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the ICC that it has not yet received government clearance for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan, making a hybrid tournament model increasingly likely. This model could see some matches, especially those involving India, moved to the UAE.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi voiced frustration over the lack of formal communication from the BCCI on India’s participation. “We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they have any issues. Until today, we have not discussed any hybrid model, but we’re open to it,” Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. He confirmed that neither the PCB nor the ICC has received formal notification from the BCCI regarding any adjustments.
According to the initial schedule, India was set to face Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. If the hybrid model is implemented, changes to the tournament’s venues seem inevitable, though the dates may remain unaffected.