New Delhi, November 15, 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to unveil the schedule for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy on November 22, according to reliable sources. The tournament, featuring eight of the world’s top cricketing nations, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan starting February 19, 2025. However, political tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have raised questions about the final hosting model.
Tensions Between BCCI and PCB
The BCCI has expressed reluctance to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security and political concerns. This hesitation has resulted in delays in the announcement of the tournament schedule. Initially, the schedule was expected to be released on November 11, 100 days prior to the start of the event, but the ICC deferred the announcement due to unresolved issues.
In response, the PCB has urged the ICC to seek a written explanation from the BCCI regarding its stance. The PCB has also proposed alternative arrangements, suggesting a hybrid hosting model to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned.
Possible Hybrid Model
If the hybrid model is adopted, it could see Pakistan hosting some matches while others are held in neutral venues like UAE or Sri Lanka. However, sources indicate that if Pakistan decides to withdraw as host, the tournament could be entirely relocated to South Africa.
This scenario mirrors last year’s ODI Asia Cup, where Pakistan was the designated host but matches were split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to travel.
Historic Event for Pakistan
If held in Pakistan as planned, the Champions Trophy will mark the country’s first ICC event in 28 years. The last ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan was the 1996 ODI World Cup, making this a landmark opportunity for the cricket-loving nation to showcase its hospitality and cricketing infrastructure.
Key Dates
- Tournament Start Date: February 19, 2025
- Schedule Announcement: November 22, 2024
The Champions Trophy is poised to capture the cricketing world’s attention, but the unresolved hosting dynamics continue to cast a shadow over the event. Stay tuned for further updates as the ICC prepares to finalize the schedule and resolve the ongoing impasse.
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