New Delhi. Controversy continues in Pakistan regarding next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had planned to announce the Champions Trophy schedule at an event in Lahore on November 11. Now this program has been cancelled. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed ICC that they will not send India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Considering the current circumstances, the chances of the team playing in Pakistan were very less. According to Sports Now, an ICC official said, “The schedule has not been confirmed, we are still discussing the schedule of the Champions Trophy with the host and participating countries. “Once confirmed, we will announce it.”
Another official played down the controversy, saying that the event was only for the flag-off of the trophy. It was canceled due to toxic smog in the city. This statement contradicts reports which claimed that after the board meeting in Dubai, ICC had informed that they will announce the Champions Trophy schedule on November 11.
An official played down the controversy over the schedule and the event being held on November 11, saying, “It was only the Trophy Tour flag-off and tournament/branding launch.” “This (program) is still in the works – although it may be rescheduled as outdoor activities are difficult right now in Lahore.”
BCCI’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan was always possible. Both ICC and PCB were ready for this. The ICC had also allocated an extra budget in case the PCB had to adopt an alternative plan. During the last months, PCB tried to show that India will come to Pakistan for this major event, but in the current situation it is not possible. With India’s stance almost clear, it will be interesting to see if the PCB accepts the hybrid model. If they do this, India’s matches can be played in UAE or Sri Lanka.
Tags: Champions Trophy, India Vs Pakistan
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 10, 2024, 13:41 IST