New Delhi: Those hoping for the long-standing row surrounding the hosting and scheduling of the 2025 Champions Trophy to be finally resolved on Friday (November 29), will have to wait at least one more day. As the Pakistan Cricket Board holds its stance firmly on not accepting the International Cricket Council’s suggestion to host the tournament in a hybrid model, the suspense surrounding the scheduling of the mega-event has continued.
The final result was expected to be delivered on Friday (today) during the much-awaited board meeting in Dubai but it has been deferred till Saturday after no decision was made on the hybrid model.
The CT 2025 hosting controversy began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) relayed their decision to the ICC that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan to play in the marquee tournament due to security concerns.
The BCCI suggested a hybrid model, that would allow India to play their games outside Pakistan but the host nation remained adamant on their stance of staging the whole tournament in the country. A day before Friday’s meeting, several sources close to the development said that the PCB had asked the world’s cricket governing body to propose a workable solution.
On Thursday, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi spoke to the media and expressed his displeasure over India’s stance. He said that if Pakistan can travel to India for a global tournament why can’t India do the same?
Timeline of events surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule and hosting row
November 16, 2021: ICC announces the return of the Champions Trophy in 2025. Pakistan was chosen as the host for CT for the first time in its history. For the first time since the 1996 World Cup, Pakistan will host an ICC tournament.
January 6, 2022: The Pakistan government gives the nod for the construction of a new stadium in Islamabad reportedly to be completed by 2025.
April 28, 2024: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shortlists existing three venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – to host the Champions Trophy 2025 matches, effectively ending the chances of hosting matches at the new venue in Islamabad.
September 13, 2024: PCB announce the plans for Rs 1,280 crore stadium renovation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy
September 17, 2024: Renovation work begins at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
November 8, 2024: Several reports claim that BCCI has informed ICC of the Indian cricket team’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
November 9, 2024: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the cricket board is “not prepared” to host the tournament under a hybrid model.
November 10, 2024: PCB knocks on the doors of the Pakistan government after receiving a mail from ICC about BCCI’s stance of not being ready to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the tournament.
November 11, 2024: ICC shelves a mega-event in Pakistan intended to confirm the schedule and venues of the Champions Trophy. The cancellation raised fears over the fate of the marquee event.
November 12, 2024: More reports emerge in media circles about PCB asking ICC to give a written confirmation from BCCI explaining why the Indian cricket team is not travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
November 15, 2024: PCB includes PoK regions in the Champions Trophy tour schedule. BCCI secretary Jay Shah raises strong objections and demands strict action against PCB from the ICC.
November 16, 2024: PCB budges under pressure and excludes PoK regions after India’s protest.
November 27, 2024: Reports claim that ICC is organising a board meeting to discuss hosting and scheduling options with the members and take a final call.
November 28, 2024: PCB chairman Naqvi seemingly accepting the fate tells reporters: “Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,”.
November 28, 2024: Fresh reports claim that PCB has told ICC that the Hybrid Model is not acceptable to them
November 29, 2024: ICC’s meeting is postponed till tomorrow (Saturday, November 30) as no decision made on the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy.
ICC Champions Trophy: As the scheduling scheduling row between India and Pakistan drags on, here’s a look at the timeline of events surrounding the schedule and hosting of the mega-event in Pakistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
