ICC Champions Trophy: Schedule continues to be delayed

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is still unable to confirm the proposed schedule for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy which will be held across Pakistan.

The schedule was originally scheduled to be released earlier this week.

The delay is due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, bringing into question whether they will participate in the upcoming tournament, or if the Champions Trophy will change to a hybrid model.

Sources claimed that further delays are possible due to the uncertainty, which has also concerned broadcasters. However, the partnered broadcasters have not yet initiated any legal action against the ICC. Broadcasters are worried of losing out on the matches between Pakistan and India, which will likely provide some of the largest viewership out of all the contests within the tournament.

Broadcasters have also threatened legal action against the ICC if matches between the two rivals are not featured in the tournament, news reports said.

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The ICC are continuing their efforts to try an convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team. Previously, they had requested a written explanation for their refusal to travel to Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has also previously stated that they are “not prepared to accept” a hybrid model, insisting that the tournament will take place in Pakistan.

“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one,” Naqvi said earlier in November. More recently, the chairman stated that “I still hope for positive outcomes with India”.

Naqvi confident about hosting Champions Trophy in Pakistan