The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly cancelled an event initially planned to mark the launch of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Monday in Lahore, according to Indian media outlets.
An Indian cricket website reported that the event was cancelled due to scheduling issues, particularly following India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan.
Citing an official familiar with the situation, the report highlighted that the tournament schedule has not yet been finalized, as discussions with the host and participating countries are still underway. Once agreed upon, the eight-team 50-over tournament’s schedule will be officially announced.
“The schedule is still being worked on, and we are in discussions with all involved. Once finalized, we will release it through our usual channels,” said an official. No formal response has been issued by the ICC.
The event in Lahore was intended to kick off the 100-day countdown to the Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 19, with the ICC carefully planning this milestone.
However, heavy smog in Lahore has been cited as a possible reason for the cancellation, with an official noting it could be an “easy excuse” for the ICC to postpone the event.
The ceremony was intended to be a flag-off for the trophy tour and the tournament’s branding launch, according to a source, who downplayed the significance of the cancellation. Despite this, outdoor activities in Lahore remain challenging due to air quality.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, however, stated that no such event was officially scheduled for Monday.
With India’s decision to skip the trip to Pakistan, there is a possibility that the ICC may adopt a hybrid model for the tournament, with the UAE emerging as a leading option to host high-profile matches, particularly between Pakistan and India.
ESPNcricinfo reported that the United Arab Emirates could be the primary choice for such matches if the hybrid model is confirmed.
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally notified the ICC that it would not be sending its team to Pakistan for the tournament, a decision that may activate contingency plans by the ICC and PCB.
The hybrid model, however, may face hurdles, as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded that the BCCI submit any objections in writing. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan has demonstrated goodwill in recent years but does not wish to be expected to do so unilaterally.
The PCB has also proposed that if the Indian team participates, they could return to India between matches to limit their stay in Pakistan.
The longstanding rivalry between Pakistan and India has kept both teams from playing a bilateral series since 2012-13, with India last traveling to Pakistan in 2008. Contingency plans, including hybrid hosting options in nearby locations like the UAE and possibly Sri Lanka, were discussed by the ICC and PCB months ago as a backup if needed.
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