ICC Cancels Lahore Event Amid Scheduling Dispute for 2024 Champion Trophy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to cancel an event scheduled for November 11 in Lahore, Pakistan, citing ongoing scheduling disputes and disagreements surrounding the 2024 ICC Champion Trophy. The event was initially planned as a 100-day kick-off tournament ahead of the main Champion Trophy, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2024.
According to Cricbuzz, the ICC official stated that the schedule for the tournament is still under discussion, and once finalized, the details would be announced through the regular channels. “The schedule is not yet confirmed, we are still in discussions with the host and participating nations on the Champion Trophy calendar,” the official was quoted as saying.
Delayed Trophy Tour and Launch
The November 11 event, which was intended to serve as a trophy tour flag-off and a branding launch, has been postponed due to the unresolved scheduling issues. The ICC downplayed the controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan scheduling dispute, emphasizing that the event in Lahore was not a major tournament but rather a promotional activity. “It was only a trophy tour flag-off and tournament/branding launch. The event is still in the works, though it may be rescheduled because outdoor activities in Lahore are difficult right now,” the official added.
Hybrid Model Under Consideration
The cancellation of the Lahore event has opened the door for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC to explore alternative plans, including a potential hybrid model for the tournament. Under this model, matches involving India may be relocated to a neutral venue, most likely the UAE, while the rest of the tournament would proceed in Pakistan.
Initially, the Champion Trophy was scheduled to be held in multiple cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that it had not received approval from the Indian Government for its team to travel to Pakistan for the series, further complicating the situation.
The likely move of some matches to the UAE underscores the challenges the ICC faces in balancing scheduling, security concerns, and the need for a neutral solution to accommodate all participating teams. As of now, the official announcement of the rescheduled event and the final tournament calendar is awaited.
