Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled the planned trophy tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) areas of Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad. This decision follows objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the tour itinerary shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour from November 16 to 24, but the ICC has excluded the PoK areas. This decision comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding India's participation in the Champions Trophy after the ICC informed the PCB that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the matches.The ICC has also requested a written explanation from the BCCI over its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The BCCI had verbally informed the ICC of its decision, citing security concerns. The PCB has requested a copy of India's response, and if India fails to provide "proper reasons" for not traveling to Pakistan, they may be asked to participate in the tournament or face replacement.Pakistan is the defending champion of the Champions Trophy, and the PCB has revealed that the trophy tour will kick off from Islamabad on November 16. However, the uncertainty over India's participation and the tournament's schedule remains.Hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in a different country, is also being considered. However, the PCB chairman has denied any talks about such a format.Sources have reported that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as possible venues for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025 if Pakistan pulls out at the last moment. If the tournament is shifted, Pakistan could withdraw if the ICC moves it to a neutral venue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed security concerns and declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In response, the PCB has threatened to withdraw from the tournament, potentially jeopardizing its hosting rights.The ICC is reportedly considering South Africa as an alternative host if Pakistan does not agree to a hybrid model, where India's matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the final in Dubai. However, the PCB remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.The BCCI has stated that it is willing to accept a hybrid model only if the final is held in Dubai. The ICC has offered the PCB full hosting fees and a majority of the matches if it agrees to the hybrid model.Despite the risks involved, the PCB is reluctant to implement a hybrid model. It is expected to consult with the government before making a decision.The ICC has also informed the PCB that the entire tournament could be shifted to South Africa if it decides to pull out. The PCB is currently assessing the situation and has not yet made a decision on its next step.

The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's hosting. Pakistan is adamant about hosting the entire event at home, while India is unwilling to send its team across the border.The BCCI has proposed that India's matches be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka. Pakistan has countered with a proposal to host all of India's matches in Lahore. However, no resolution has been reached, and the ICC has reportedly prepared a contingency plan in case India refuses to travel to Pakistan.According to a report in Cricbuzz, the ICC's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget for the tournament, including an estimate of the increased costs if matches need to be played outside Pakistan. The ICC has also shared a draft schedule with stakeholders, including broadcasters and participating teams.In the draft schedule, all of India's matches are set to be held in Lahore, including the high-profile India-Pakistan match scheduled for March 1. However, this schedule is subject to change if India does not agree to travel to Pakistan.The ICC has allocated $35 million for the tournament itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for production costs. The tournament is scheduled to feature 15 matches over 20 days.The deadlock between the PCB and BCCI has cast a shadow over the tournament, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached. If India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, the ICC will have to implement its contingency plan and find alternative venues for India's matches.