ICC delays Champion Trophy schedule reveal amid Indian concerns

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has delayed the event for the announcement of Champions Trophy 2025 schedule as India are yet to confirm their participation.

According to reports, the schedule issue could not be resolved, and so the ICC has postponed the event scheduled for November 11.

Discussions regarding the schedule are ongoing between the PCB and boards of participating teams, reports said.

Meanwhile, a PCB official was quoted as saying that the postponed event pertained to the flag-off of the trophy tour and tournament branding launch.

Outdoor activities are difficult in Lahore these days, and the schedule of the event has neither been confirmed nor announced.

Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan next year in February and March.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan for the next Champions Trophy, as per Indian media.

The Indian board has reportedly decided to reverse its decision to send the Indian team to Pakistan, as confirmed by the Indian Express. Pakistan has been informed of this decision.

The BCCI has expressed concerns regarding security about playing in Pakistan and prefers neutral venues, with Dubai being the top choice.

Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi, however, has claimed not to have received any letter from BCCI, adding that “the Indian board has not said anything in writing so far, there has been no discussion on the hybrid model and there will be no discussion."

Earlier, there were reports that the Indian Cricket Board agreed to send the team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, but India refused and wanted to conduct the tournament under a hybrid model.

Other teams, however, have confirmed they will send their teams to Pakistan for the event.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches to be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.