Sports News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has opted to cancel a key event related to the upcoming Champions Trophy, initially scheduled to take place in Lahore on November 11. The event was meant to kickstart the 100-day countdown to the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host, but has now been postponed due to scheduling issues — primarily surrounding matches involving India.ICCs 100-Day Countdown Event Faces PostponementAccording to Cricbuzz, the ICC originally planned a countdown event featuring a trophy tour flag-off and tournament branding reveal. However, logistical setbacks led the global body to reassess its plans. The schedule is not confirmed we are still in discussions with the host and participating nations on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed, we will announce through our normal channels, stated an official closely involved in the event.The official emphasized that the event was intended as a minor launch and downplayed the controversy. “It was only a trophy tour flag off and tournament branding launch,” he explained, adding that outdoor activities in Lahore present challenges at this time.Diplomatic Challenges Cloud Tournament ScheduleConcerns over Indias participation have lingered ever since the ICC announced Pakistan as the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Due to ongoing diplomatic tensions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed doubts over the possibility of the Indian team traveling to Pakistan. A source cited by PTI confirmed, “BCCI has informed the ICC that it wont travel to Pakistan. Its up to the ICC to inform the host nation and finalize the tournament schedule.” The standard protocol is to announce the schedule 100 days before the event, aligning with the initial plans for the November 11 event.Potential Shift to a Hybrid ModelWith the BCCIs stance clear, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be left with no choice but to organize the Champions Trophy using a hybrid model, allowing certain matches to be played at neutral venues. Despite speculation, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified in a recent press conference that his board has not received any formal request or communication from the BCCI regarding the hybrid model.“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but were ready to speak on this,” Naqvi stated. He also addressed rumors circulating in Indian media, emphasizing that neither he nor the PCB has received any official notification from the ICC or the BCCI about the need for a hybrid arrangement.
