LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called off the launch event on Monday in Lahore intended to mark the 100-day countdown to the Champions Trophy 2025, as scheduling complexities continue to impact preparations, Indian media reported.
The planned ceremony, initially set for November 11, would have launched the trophy tour and kicked off promotional activities. However, sources suggested that severe smog in Lahore could serve as a secondary reason for postponing the event, with the ICC reportedly seeking alternate arrangements due to limited outdoor visibility in the city.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source clarified that no formal event was scheduled for Monday. Additionally, the ICC has remained silent on whether India’s refusal to travel is an official cause of the delay, though media reports have indicated this as a significant factor.
According to a leading cricket website, the event’s cancellation is tied to unresolved issues surrounding the tournament’s schedule, particularly after India decided to forgo traveling to Pakistan. An ICC official, speaking to the media, confirmed that discussions with host and participating nations are still ongoing, and the final schedule announcement will be made only after confirmation. “The schedule is not confirmed. We are still in discussions,” the official remarked, declining to provide a specific timeline for the announcement.
Following India’s announcement, speculation has arisen over a potential “hybrid model” in which the UAE could serve as a neutral venue for select high-profile matches, including the anticipated India-Pakistan showdown. ESPNcricinfo reported that contingency planning has been underway for months, with the UAE and Sri Lanka among the top choices should matches be shifted.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi responded strongly to India’s stance, reiterating the PCB’s position that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must submit any objections in writing.
Naqvi highlighted that the PCB will consult the Pakistani government if needed before deciding on alternative arrangements, expressing confidence that international teams support playing the tournament in Pakistan. “Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here. We’ll provide all necessary facilities, and we hope for international fans as well,” Naqvi added.
Despite the scheduling challenges and political tensions, the ICC’s delegation plans to visit Lahore from November 10-12 to assess tournament preparations and discuss the way forward with local officials.
