New Delhi: Yet to find a way to solve a scheduling conflict has forced the International Cricket Council to cancel its pre-planned build-up event to the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan is set to host the major event in February-March and the ICC was set to announce its programme on November 11 (Monday). But the world governing body had to cancel its scheduled event as an imbroglio persisted over the scheduling of the India matches.
The ICC was put off after India reportedly informed the ICC that it won’t travel to Pakistan to play in the tournament. Pakistan though have said they are yet to hear anything from India over their trip.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has said they are yet to get government clearance owing to security issues and geo-political tension between the two neighbouring countries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had kept all India’s matches in Lahore to ease logistical issues but are believed to have opened up to the idea of hosting the tournament in a ‘hybrid model’ as they did in the Asia Cup last year.
“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,” Cricbuzz quoted an an unnamed official as saying.
The ICC is yet to speak on the matter after making arrangements to make the 100-day countdown of the eight-team 50-over competition that is slated to begin on February 19 and stretch till March 19.
“It was only a trophy tour flag off and tournament/branding launch,” an official told Cricbuzz, pointing out the escalating pollution levels could be a reason for cancellation of the event.
“That (the event) is still in the works — though may be rescheduled because of Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now.”
The ICC has made contingency plans of hosting India’s matches outside Pakistan, with Dubai and Sharjah emerging as the potential venues, having informed members and stakeholders at its board meeting in Dubai recently that the schedule would be unveiled on November 11.
The Champions Trophy will be held in February-March next year but the ICC is yet to announce its schedule as India have reportedly refused to play in Pakistan Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
