The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled a planned event in Lahore, previously set for Monday, to mark the launch of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Sources suggest that the cancellation was partly due to scheduling uncertainties and India’s recent decision to avoid playing matches in Pakistan. An official familiar with the situation shared that the Champions Trophy schedule is yet to be finalized, with discussions ongoing with both the host country and participating teams. Once finalized, the ICC will formally announce the dates.
The Lahore ceremony was initially designed to kick off the 100-day countdown to the tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 19. However, severe smog in the city may have also influenced the decision to cancel. “It was just a flag-off for the trophy tour and branding launch,” a source explained, downplaying rumors around the November 11 event. This aspect of the event may still happen, though it could be rescheduled due to challenging outdoor conditions in Lahore.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official claimed that no event had been scheduled for Monday. Should the event proceed under a hybrid format following India’s refusal to travel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to host high-profile matches between Pakistan and India during the Champions Trophy, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally notified the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the eight-nation event, prompting the ICC and PCB to explore a hybrid model. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi opposed this approach, urging the BCCI to submit any objections in writing. “Pakistan has been accommodating in recent years, but we cannot always be expected to compromise,” Naqvi stated, indicating he would seek government guidance before deciding on a course of action.
In a previous proposal, the PCB suggested that the Indian team could return home after each match to minimize their time in Pakistan. India last visited Pakistan in 2008, and the two nations have not held a bilateral series since 2012-13. ESPNcricinfo reported that contingency plans, including hosting matches in UAE or Sri Lanka, have been under consideration in case a hybrid model is adopted.
