ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PTI protests put tournament in danger as ICC delegation's Pakistan visit cancelled

The ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan in February-March next year, has been in uncertainty due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. A delegation from the International Cricket Council is expected to visit Pakistan to assess the final preparations for the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send Team India to Pakistan for the upcoming season of the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Notably, the BCCI proposed a hybrid model for a possible resolution. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected the hybrid model.

ICC Delegation Might Postpone Their Conclusive Visit to Pakistan

The exact dates for the ICC delegation's visit to Pakistan have not been confirmed yet, and there has been no official communication between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the trip. Notably, the upcoming visit is expected to be part of the preparations for the ICC marquee tournament.

In a recent development, the ICC delegation's planned visit to Pakistan to review preparations for the Champions Trophy may be delayed due to ongoing PTI protests in Islamabad. Pakistan sports journalist Arfa Feroz Zake confirmed this on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

"ICC delegation might postpone their conclusive visit to Pakistan to review the preparations for Champions Trophy due to PTI protest in Islamabad. #CT25," Arfa Feroz Zake wrote.

ICC delegation might postpone their conclusive visit to Pakistan to review the preparations for Champions Trophy due to PTI protest in Islamabad. #CT25

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) November 26, 2024

PTI protesters climbing up the container at D Chowk in Islamabad 🇵🇰🚨🚨

pic.twitter.com/f2DW6jzejA

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 26, 2024

Reports of aerial firing at D Chowk in Islamabad 🇵🇰‼️‼️

pic.twitter.com/kgjI1SOthK

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 26, 2024

The schedule announcement for the upcoming Champions Trophy Delayed

The schedule announcement for the upcoming Champions Trophy has been delayed, with the PCB opposing the hybrid model. The PCB has also threatened to boycott all of India's matches if the BCCI refuses to send the team to Pakistan. The ICC is aiming to resolve the issue as early as possible to announce the schedule.

As per reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board submitted a draft schedule for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to start on February 19 and end on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are selected as the venues for the event. All of Team India's matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan is placed in Group A with India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. Pakistan are the defending champions of the tournament after beating India in the final of the 2017 edition.

India's Last Visit to Pakistan Was for the 2008 Asia Cup

Team India last played against Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, and their last full tour of Pakistan was in 2005-06. The two teams faced each other again in the 2012-13 season for an ODI and T20I series. They have met in various ICC events, with their last encounter during the recent 2024 T20 World Cup.

Also read: England-New Zealand Test series named after Graham Thorpe, Martin Crowe to honor legends