Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 10, 2024, 01:00 PM
Champions Trophy 2025: There is an atmosphere of uncertainty in the cricket world regarding the Champions Trophy to be held in February-March next year under the hosting of Pakistan. The tournament was to be held between February 19 and March 9, but the ICC (International Cricket Council) has not yet announced its schedule. The main reason for this confusion is India's decision not to tour Pakistan, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recently verbally announced.India refuses to tour PakistanThe situation regarding the Champions Trophy has become complicated since India's decision not to go to Pakistan. The ICC was waiting for this decision, as India's participation was considered very important for the importance and success of this tournament. After the Indian team did not go, the ICC is having difficulty finalizing the schedule of the event. Along with this, the ICC also canceled a major event to be held in Lahore on November 11, which was scheduled to announce the schedule of the tournament.Pakistan had made preparationsPakistan had made full preparations for organizing the Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also sent a proposed schedule to the ICC, which has not yet been approved. For the final approval of this schedule, ICC officials had to organize an event in Lahore, where it was to be formally announced. But after India refused, this event was canceled and the announcement of the schedule was also postponed.When will the schedule be announced?There is no clear information about the schedule of the Champions Trophy yet. An ICC official said that the process of confirming the schedule is still going on, as the ICC is in discussion with the host country Pakistan and other participating teams. Once it is approved by all the teams, only then the schedule will be officially announced.No official statement has been given by the ICC yet, but after the decision of the Indian Cricket Board, it is being speculated that the schedule may be delayed further.Will India not going affect the tournament?India's refusal to travel to Pakistan is a big blow to the tournament organisers. Without Indian cricket fans, it may be difficult to hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as the Indian team's participation is not only important from the tournament's commercial point of view, but the anticipation of the India-Pakistan match is also a major attraction. Moreover, India's refusal may also buy time for other teams to consider hosting the event.The way forwardThe organisation of the Champions Trophy is still surrounded by many uncertainties. After India's decision to not go, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board will need to understand how the tournament can be organised successfully. Nevertheless, all eyes are now on when the schedule will be finalised and how the dispute will be resolved.Meanwhile, cricket fans will be waiting to see when the ICC formally announces the schedule of the tournament and whether the dispute will be resolved or will it become the biggest hurdle for the Champions Trophy.