The uncertainty around India touring Pakistan has finally taken its first casualty, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) canceling a Champions Trophy 2025 event in Lahore, which was planned for November 11. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is due to take place in Pakistan, who were named host in 2021. ‘Replace India With Sri Lanka in ICC Champions Trophy 2025’ Pakistan Cricket Team Fans Suggest PCB Not To Opt For Hybrid Model If Indian Team Doesn’t Travel To Pakistan.
As reported by Cricbuzz, the ICC had planned to kick off an event to mark the 100-day countdown event of the Champions Trophy. However, several scheduling problems, mainly surrounding India matches have posed a headache for ICC. A close source stated that ICC are still in discussion with Pakistan and other participating nations over the itinerary and will only make the announcement after everything is locked in.
The report also suggests that weather conditions in Pakistan during the time frame of the Champions Trophy 2025 are a concern for the ICC, which is a possible reason for the delay. India Won't Travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025; BCCI Communicates Decision to PCB Citing 'Security Concerns', Wishes to Have Matches in Dubai: Report.
Ever since defending champions Pakistan were named the Champions Trophy 2025 hosts, speculations about India not traveling for the marquee event have been floating around. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reportedly communicated to ICC about not traveling to Pakistan, which has been the board's stance since 2007.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated in the media about not agreeing to any 'Hybrid Model' for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to take place between February 19 and March 9, 2025.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2024 07:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).